A09353:235
A golden chain, or the description of theologyA golden chaine, or the description of theologie
A golden chain, or the description of theology containing the order of the causes of salvation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view of the order whereof, is to be seen in the table annexed. Written in Latin by William Perkins, and translated by an other. Hereunto is adjoined the order which M. Theodore Beza used in comforting troubled consciences.A golden chaine, or the description of theologie containing the order of the causes of saluation and damnation, according to Gods woord. A view of the order wherof, is to be seene in the table annexed. Written in Latine by William Perkins, and translated by an other. Hereunto is adioyned the order which M. Theodore Beza vsed in comforting troubled consciences.
London: printed by Edward Alde, 1591
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.
It was requisite for the Mediator to be GOD. I. That he might the better sustain that great misery, ⟨image 26⟩wherewith mankind was overwhelmed; the greatness whereof, these four things declare. I. The grievousness of sin, wherewith Gods Majesty was infinitely offended, Gods infinite anger against this sin, the fearful power of death, and the Devils tyranny, who is Prince of this world. II. That he might make his human nature both of plentiful merit, and also of sufficient efficacy, for the work of mans redemption. III. That he might in still into the elect eternal life and holiness. Isaiah. 43.12. I am the Lord, and there is none besides me a Saviour, I have declared, and I have saved, and I have showed, when there was no strange God among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.
It was requisite for the Mediatour to be GOD. I. That he might the better sustaine that great miserie, ⟨image 26⟩wherwith mankinde was ouerwhelmed; the greatnes wherof, these foure things declare. I. The greeuousnes of sinne, wherwith Gods Maiesty was infinitely offended, Gods infinite anger against this sinne, the fearfull power of death, and the Deuils tyrannie, who is Prince of this world. II. That he might make his humaine nature both of plentifull merite, and also of sufficient efficacie, for the worke of mans redemption. III. That he might in still into the elect eternall life and holines. Esay. 43.12. I am the Lord, and there is none besides me a Sauiour, I haue declared, and I haue saued, and I haue shewed, when there was no strange God among you: therfore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.
I say, the Godhead, in as much as it is the Godhead of the Son, is Christs divine nature: not as it is the Godhead of the Father, or the holy Ghost, for it is the office of the Son, to have the administration of every outward action of the Trinity, from the Father to the holy Ghost.