A Golden Chain

but by this kind of speech they signified no more but thus much, that they believed that there was a Catholic Church.

but by this kind of speech they signified no more but thus much, that they beleeued that there was a Catholike Church.

Thus having found what words are to be supplied, let us come to the meaning of the article. And that we may proceed in order, let us first of all see what the Church is. The Church is a peculiar company of men, predestinate to life everlasting and made one in Christ. First I say, it is a peculiar company of men: for Saint Peter saith,¹ Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, and a peculiar people. He speaks indeed of the Church of God on earth, but his saying may be also extended to the whole Church of God, as well in heaven as in earth. Now because there can be no company unless it have a beginning and a cause whereby it is gathered: therefore I add further in the definition, predestinate to life everlasting. Noting thereby the ground and cause of the Catholic Church, namely Gods eternal predestination to life everlasting: and to this purpose our Saviour Christ saith,² Fear not little flock, for it is your fathers will to give you the kingdom: signifying thereby, that the first and principal cause of the Church, is the good pleasure of God whereby he hath before all works purposed to advance his elect to eternal salvation. Therefore one saith well,^a only the elect are the Church of God. And further, because no company can continue and abide for ever, unless the members thereof be joined and coupled together by some bond, therefore I add in the last place, made one with Christ. This union maketh the Church to be the Church: and by it the members thereof, whether they be in heaven or in earth, are distinguished from all other companies whatsoever. Now this conjunction between Christ and the Church is avouched by Saint Paul when he saith,