A09339:4585
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.
Again, they were all ignorant of Christs resurrection, till certain women who first saw him after he was risen again, had told them: and they by experience in the person of Christ had learned the truth. Thirdly, they were ignorant of the ascension: for they dreamed of an earthly kingdom, at the very time when he was about to ascend: saying, Wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel• Act. 1.6. And after Christs ascension, Peter knew nothing of the breaking down of the partition wall between the Jews and Gentiles, till God had better schooled him in a vision, Act. 10.14. And no doubt, we have ordinary examples of this Implicit faith in sundry persons among us. For some there be, which are dull and hard both for understanding and memory, and thereupon make no such proceedings in knowledge as many others do: and yet for good affection and conscience in their doings, so far as they know, they come not short of any; having withal a continual care to increase in knowledge, and to walk in obedience according to that which they know. And such persons though they be ignorant in many things, yet have they a meaning of true faith: and that which is wanting in knowledge, is supplied in affection: and in some respects they are to be preferred before many that have the glib tongue, and the brain swimming with knowledge. To this purpose Melanchthon said well,1 We must acknowledge the great mercy of God, who puts a difference between sins of ignorance, and such as are done wittingly; and forgives manifold ignorances to them, that know but the foundation and be teachable; as may be seen by the Apostles, in whom there was much want of understanding before the resurrection of Christ. But, as hath bin said, he requires that we be teachable, and he will not have us to be hardened in our sluggishness and dullness. As it is said psal. 1. he meditateth in his law day and night.
Againe, they were all ignorant of Christs resurrection, till certaine women who first saw him after he was risen againe, had told them: and they by experience in the person of Christ had learned the truth. Thirdly, they were ignorant of the ascension: for they dreamed of an earthly kingdome, at the very time whē he was about to ascend: saying, Wilt thou at this time restore the kingdome to Israel