A09339:2754
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.
XLVIII.
1The second work is, the receiving of the Sacraments, of Baptism once only, when a man is openly and solemnly admitted into the Church: and of the Lords supper often. The first sealeth up to the heart of a Christian, that he is united unto Christ, & hath true fellowship with him in being fully justified ⟨p. 605⟩before God, & inwardly sanctified. The second serveth to seal up in the heart of a Christian the continual growing and increasing of the same graces. This thing every true believer shall have often experience of, either in or after the receiving of the Sacrament: and yet it shall not be so always, for sometimes the Church being pbrought into Christs wine seller, shall fall into a swoon and not feel any refreshing there. Yet the believer is not to be dismayed, if he feel not always comfort presently after the Sacrament. A sick man feels no comfort or nourishment, when he eateth meat, and yet it preserveth his life: So the weak christian though he feel himself not nourished at the Sacrament by Christs body and blood, yet he shall see in time that his soul shall be preserved thereby unto everlasting life. Furthermore, when a christian feeleth no comfort by the Sacrament, let him then humble himself before the Lord more heartily then ever before, confessing his sins and praying for increase of grace, and then he shall feel the fruit of the Sacrament.
1The second worke is, the receiuing of the Sacraments, of Baptisme once onely, when a man is openly and solemnly admitted into the Church: and of the Lords supper often. The first sealeth vp to the heart of a Christian, that he is vnited vnto Christ, & hath true felloship with him in beeing fully iustified