The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as…

And thus of the order and sense of this part of the Creed. One thing may be noted, from the coherence of these Articles with those that follow. For we may observe, that Christ was first humbled, and then exalted: God first made him suffer grievous things in this life, and then gave him a Name above all names in heaven. For as it is registered in the Creed, so is it reported in the Scripture, and so was it foretold, and it was convenient it should be so, 1 Pet. 1. 11. Luke 24. 26. and this is profitable for us to know, for it should persuade ⟨p. 303⟩us to patience and hope in all our sufferings. We should be willing to suffer as well as Christ, for we were predestinated to be made like unto Christ in this very thing, Rom. 8. 29. and Christ did suffer to leave us an ensample, that we should walk in his steps, 1 Pet. 2. 20. And the more patient should we be, seeing he suffered far more extreme things than we can do: and in all our sufferings we should have hope, because we have a promise, that if we suffer with him, we shall reign with him also, 2 Tim. 2. 12. and then what comparison can there be between our light afflictions on earth, and that eternal glory in heaven, Rom. 8. 18. 2 Cor. 4. 17. And if we be not afflicted with him, what are we but bastards and not sons; for if God spared not his natural Son, how can he spare us that are but adopted sons?

And thus of the order and sense of this part of the Creed. One thing may be noted, from the coherence of these Articles with those that follow. For we may obserue, that Christ was first humbled, and then exalted: God first made him suffer grieuous things in this life, and then gaue him a Name aboue all names in heauen. For as it is registred in the Creed, so is it reported in the Scripture, and so was it foretold, and it was conuenient it should be so,