A09339:2102
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.
Now this holiness of the Church is nothing else but a created quality in every true member thereof, whereby the image of God, which was lost by the fall of Adam is again renewed and restored. The author of it is God by his word and spirit, by little and little abolishing the corruption of sin, and sanctifying us throughout, as Christ saith,1 Father, sanctify them in thy truth, thy word is trueth. And holiness must be conceived to be in the Church on this manner: it is perfect in the Church Triumphant, and it is only begun in the Church militant in this life:2 and that for special cause, that we might give all glory to God; that we might not be high minded, that we might work our salvation with fear and trembling; that we might deny our selves and wholly depend upon God. Hence we learn three things: first that the Church of Rome erreth in teaching that a wicked man, yea such an one as shall never be saved, may be a true member of the Catholic Church: for in reason, every man should be answerable to the quality and condition of the Church whereof he is a member: if it be holy, as it is; he must be holy also. Secondly we are every one of us, as Paul saith to Timothy,3 to exercise our selves unto godliness, making conscience of all our former unholy ways, endeavouring our selves to please god in the obedience of all his commandments. It is a disgrace to the holy Church of God that men professing themselves to be members of it, should be unholy. Thirdly our duty is, to eschew the society of Atheists, drunkards, fornicators, blasphemers, and all wicked and ungodly persons, as Paul ⟨p. 499⟩saith,4 Be no companions of them and have no fellowship with unprofitable works of darkness. And he chargeth the Thessalonians,5 that if any man among them walk inordinately they have no company with him that he may be ashamed.