A09339:2942
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.
It remaineth therefore, that to serve God in an image, is a work of the flesh, ⟨p. 648⟩and altogether agreeth to the vile corruption of nature. Thirdly,d pride, and a desire to be a advanced above other, is a natural corruption: to this agreeth the Popes primacy, his double sword, and triple crown: yet the outrageous pomp of that seat is as a pair of bellows to kindle the concupiscence, and to make the hidden sparks of pride to break out into a great flame. Fourthly, Doubting of Gods providence & mercy is a natural corruption in all men: to this agreeth, and from hence issueth that foolish and vain opinion, concerning doubting of our salvation, and of the remission of sins. Fifthly, self-love, and self-liking are natural corruptions: to this agreeth that doctrine of the Papists, not overmuch to abase our selves, but to maintain freewill by nature, and to think that we have so much goodness, that we are able to prepare our selves to receive, and in some sort to merit grace. Sixthly, idleness and riotousness is a natural corruption, and to it very fitly answereth the great number of feasts, of holy days, of half holy days which the Church of Rome useth. Seventhly, Covetousness is a natural corruption, and to the feeding of this vice serveth Purgatory, a fire of great gain, which in very truth, if it had not burned very hot, the fire in the Popes kitchen had burned very cold: hitherto serve Pilgrimages, saying of Masses, and selling of pardons for money. Eighthly, to be at liberty is the desire of nature: answerable to this is that opinion, that the spirituality is to be exempted from subjection to Magistrates. Ninthly, to commit adultery is natural: to this agreeth the Stews, and the permission of simple fornication. Tenthly, ignorance is a filthy corruption in nature: this the Church of Rome maketh the mother of devotion, and it is enjoined the lay man as a means of his salvation: for he must believe as the church believeth, he is not bound to know. XI. Infidelity is natural, and to this agreeth that they call upon Saints and Angels, the Lord having commanded them to call upon him in the name of Christ, what argueth this else, but hearts distrusting Gods goodness, and guilty consciences? XII.
It remaineth therfore, that to serue God in an image, is a work of the flesh, ⟨p. 648⟩