A09339:2261
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.
2. The use.
2. The vse.
1. Hereby first we learn that Romish pilgrimages, whereby men went from place to place to worship God, are vain, and foolish. The God to whom we must pray is in heaven. Now let men travel to what place• or ⟨p. 537⟩country they will, they shall not come the nearer to heaven, or nearer to God by travelling, seeing the earth is in every part alike distant from heaven. 2. Secondly; this overthrows popish idolatry, as worshipping of crosses, crucifixes, roods, &c. used to put men in mind of God and Christ. We are taught to lift up our eyes to heaven; seeing God is there: and how can we do this, as long as our minds and eyes are poring upon an image made by mans art? 3. Again, we are here admonished to use the action of prayer with as great reverence as possible may be, and not to think of God in any earthly manner. Well reasons Solomon, Eccles. 5.1. Be not rash with thy mouth to speak a word before God. Why? He is in heaven, thou art in earth: therefore let thy words be few. This reverence must appear in holiness of all our thoughts and affections, and in all comeliness of gesture. And for this cause all wandering by-thoughts, & all vain babbling is to be avoided, but how goes the case with us, that on the times appointed come to the assemblies to pray? Many, by reason of their blindness pray without understanding. Many, when they are present at prayer, yet have their hearts occupied about other matters, about their goods and worldly business: such men have no joy or gladness in praying; it is a burden to them. Many come to the assembly for custom only, or for fear of punishment, if they might be left free they could find in their hearts not to pray at all. But let all such men know, that this manner of praying is a very grievous sin, nay greater then mocking of father or mother, killing or stealing, for it is directly against God, the other against men. This sin because it is against the first table, and therefore more hard to be discerned, it is lightly esteemed, and it less troubles the consciences of ignorant men: yea as it is in deed, so it is to be esteemed as a disgrace and plain mockery of Gods majesty. Wherefore seeing God is in heaven, away with all drowsy and dead praying, let us come with reverence in our hearts before the Lord. 4.