A09339:2352
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.
By bread then we must understand properly a kind of food made of the flour of grain that is baked and eaten: and thus it must be taken in those places of scripture where bread is opposed to water or wine: & by a figure more generally it signifies all things whereby temporal life is preserved: in this sense goats milk is called bread, Prou. 27.27. and the fruit of trees, Jer. 11.19. and all things that pass to and fro in traffic. Prou. 31. 14. And so likewise in this place by this one means of sustaining our bodies and temporal lives, all other means whatsoever must be understood, as meat, drink, clothing, health, liberty, peace, &c.
By bread then we must vnderstand properly a kind of foode made of the floure of graine that is baked and eaten: and thus it must be taken in those places of scripture where bread is opposed to water or wine: & by a figure more generally it signifies all things whereby temporal life is preserued: in this sense goates milke is called bread, Prou. 27.27. and the fruit of trees, Ier. 11.19. and all things that passe to and fro in trafficke. Prou. 31. 14. And so likewise in this place by this one meanes of sustaining our bodies and temporall liues, all other meanes whatsoeuer must be vnderstood, as meate, drinke, clothing, health, libertie, peace, &c.
And whereas our Saviour Christ under the name of bread, and not under the name of any other plentiful or dainty food, teacheth us to ask temporal blessings; he doth it for two causes. The first is, that we might hereby learn frugality and moderation in our ••et, apparel, houses; and be content if we have no more but bread, that is, things necessary to preserve life, which Paul comprehends under food and clothing. For we are taught in this petition to ask no more. We must not with the Israelites murmur because they had nothing but Manna.