A09339:2086
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
AN EXPOSITION OF THE CREED. I believe in God. &c.AN EXPOSITION OF THE CREED. I beleeue in God. &c.
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, because the profession of the faith is otherwhiles true and sincere, and otherwhiles only in show: therefore there be also two sorts of members ⟨p. 492⟩of the visible church, members before God and members before men. A member of the church before God is he, that beside the outward profession of the faith, hath inwardly a pure heart, good conscience, and faith unfeigned, whereby he is indeed a true member of the church. Members before men, whom we may call reputed members, are such as have nothing else but the outward profession, wanting the good conscience and the faith unfeigned. The reason why they are to be esteemed members of us, is; because we are bound by the rule of charity to think of men as they appear unto us; leaving secret judgements unto God.
Againe, because the profession of the faith is otherwhiles true and syncere, and otherwhiles onely in shewe: therefore there be also two sorts of members ⟨p. 492⟩of the visible church, members before God and members before men. A member of the church before God is he, that beside the outward profession of the faith, hath inwardly a pure heart, good conscience, and faith vnfained, whereby he is indeede a true member of the church. Members before men, whome we may call reputed members, are such as haue nothing else but the outward profession, wanting the good conscience and the faith vnfained. The reason why they are to be esteemed members of vs, is; because we are bound by the rule of charitie to thinke of men as they appeare vnto vs; leauing secret iudgements vnto God.
I added in the last place, that the Church is gathered by the word preached, to show that the cause whereby it is begun and continued, is the word: which, for that cause is called the immortal seed whereby we are borne anew,1