A09339:2215
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
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.
The fifth question is, in whose name prayer must be made. Ans. It must not be made in the name of any creature, but only in the name and mediation of Christ. Joh. 14.14. If ye ask any thing in my name I will do it. A man is not to present his prayers to God in any worthiness of his own merits. For what is he to make the best of himself, what can he make of himself? by nature he is no better then the very firebrand of hell, and of all Gods creatures on earth the most outrageous rebel to God, and therefore can not be heard for his own sake. As for Saints, they can be no mediators, seeing even they themselves in heaven are accepted of God not for themselves, but only for the blessed merits of Christ. If any man sin (saith Saint John 1. epist. chap. 2.1.) we ⟨p. 528⟩h••e an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ. But how proves he this? It follows then, And he is the reconciliation for our sins. His reason stands thus, he which must be an advocate, must first of all be a reconciliation for us; no saints can be a reconciliation for us, therefore no Saints can be advocates. Therefore in this place is manifest an other fault of ignorant people. They cry often, Lord help me, Lord have mercy upon me. But in whose name pray they? poor souls like blind bayards they rush upon the Lord, they know no mediator in whose name they should present their prayers to him. Little do they consider with themselves, that God is as well a most terrible Judge, as a merciful father.
The fift question is, in whose name prayer must be made. Ans. It must not be made in the name of any creature, but onely in the name and mediation of Christ. Ioh. 14.14. If yee aske any thing in my name I will doe it. A man is not to present his prayers to God in any worthines of his owne merits. For what is he to make the best of himselfe, what can he make of himselfe? by nature he is no better then the very firebrand of hell, and of all Gods creatures on earth the most outragious rebell to God, and therefore can not be heard for his owne sake. As for Saints, they can be no mediatours, seeing euen they themselues in heauen are accepted of God not for themselues, but onely for the blessed merits of Christ. If any man sinne (saith Saint