A09339:2356
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.
Daily] The word in the original is thus much in effect, Bread unto our essence or substances: then the meaning is, give us such bread from day to day, as may nourish our substances. Thus prayeth Agur, Prou. 30. 8. Feed me with food convenient for me. Some there are which put an Angelical perfection in fasting: but we are taught in Scriptures; that as above all things we are to seek for life eternal; so we must in this life have care to sustain and maintain our natural life, that we may have convenient space and time to repent, and prepare our selves to the kingdom of heaven. Fasting in it self as it is an abstinence from meat, is no part of Gods worship, but in it own nature, a thing indifferent: and therefore it is to be used so far forth as it shall further us in Gods service, and no further. And seeing we are taught to pray for such food as shall preserve nature, and maintain the vital blood, we ought not to use fasting to the hindrance or destruction of nature.
Daily] The word in the originall is thus much in effect, Bread vnto our essence or substances: then the meaning is, giue vs such bread from day to day, as may nourish our substances. Thus praieth Agur, Prou. 30. 8. Feede me with foode conuenient for me. Some there are which put an Angelical perfection in fasting: but we are taught in Scriptures; that as aboue all things we are to seeke for life eternall; so we must in this life haue care to sustaine and maintaine our naturall life, that we may haue conuenient space and time to repent, and prepare our selues to the kingdome of heauen. Fasting in it selfe as it is an abstinence from meate, is no part of Gods worship, but in it owne nature, a thing indifferent: and therefore it is to be vsed so farre forth as it shall further vs in Gods seruice, and no further. And seeing we are taught to pray for such foode as shall preserue nature, and maintaine the vitall blood, we ought not to vse fasting to the hindrance or destruction of nature.
Our bread] 1. Quest. How is bread ours? Ans. Paul shows how, 1. Corinth. .22. Ye are Christs, and all things are yours: So then by means of Christ, bread is called our. For GOD having given Christ to us, doth in him and by him give all things else to us. 2. Quest. How may I know that the things I enjoy are mine by Christ, and that I do not usurp them? Ans.