A09339:3918
A Golden Chain
A golden chain: or The description of theology containing the order of the causes of salvation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view whereof is to be seen in the table annexed. Hereunto is adjoined the order which M. Theodore Beza used in comforting afflicted consciences.A golden chaine: or The description of theologie containing the order of the causes of saluation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view whereof is to be seene in the table annexed. Hereunto is adioyned the order which M. Theodore Beza vsed in comforting afflicted consciences.
Cambridge: printed by John Legat, 1600Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legat, 1600
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Touching the first: if we would know the true God aright, and know him to our salvation, we must know him only in Christ crucified. God in himself and his own majesty is invisible, not only to the eyes of the body, but also to the very minds of men, and he is revealed to us only in Christ; in whom he is to be seen as in a glass. For in Christ he setteth forth and gives his justice, goodness, wisdom, and himself wholly unto us. For this cause he is called the brightness of the glory, and the engraven form of the person of the father. Heb. 1. 3. and the image of the invisible God. Coloss. 1.15. Therefore we must not know god and seek him any where else but in Christ: and whatsoever out of Christ comes unto us in the name of God, is a flat idol of mans brain.
Touching the first: if we would know the true God aright, and know him to our sahiation, we must knowe him only in Christ crucified. God in himselfe and his owne maiestie is inuisible, not onely to the eies of the bodie, but also to the vere minds of men, and he is reuealed to vs only in Christ; in whom he is to be seene as in a glasse. For in Christ he setteth forth and giues his iustice, goodnes, wisdome, and himselfe wholly vnto vs. For this cause he is called the brightnes of the glorie, and the ingrauen forme of the person of the father. Heb. 1. 3. and the image of the inuisible God. Coloss. 1.15. Therfore we must not know god and seeke him any where else but in Christ: and whatsoeuer out of Christ comes vnto vs in the name of God, is a flat idol of mans braine.
As for our neighbours, those especially that are of Christs Church, they are to be known of us on this manner: When we are to do• any duty unto them, we must not barely respect their persons, but Christ crucified in them, & them in Christ. When Paul persecuted such as called on the name of Christ, he then from heaven cried, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Here then let this be marked, that when the poor comes to us for relief, it is Christ that comes to our doors, and saith, I am hungry, I am thirsty, I am naked: and let the bowels of