A09339:3899
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.
That which I have now said of meats, drinks, apparel, must likewise be understood of gentry and nobility, in as much as noble-birth without new birth in Christ is but an earthly vanity: the like may be said of physic, sleep, health,1 liberty, yea of the very breathing in the air. And to go yet further: in our Recreations Christ must be known. For all recreation stands in the use of things indifferent: and the holy use of all things indifferent, is purchased unto us by the blood of Christ. For this cause it is very meet that Christian men and women should with their earthly recreations join spiritual meditation of the death of Christ; and from the one take occasion to bethink themselves of the other. If this were practised, there should not be so many unlawful sports and delights, and so much abuse of lawful recreation as there is.
That which I haue now said of meates, drinkes, apparell, must likewise bee vnderstood of gentrie and nobilitie, in as much as noble-birth without newe birth in Christ is but an earthly vanitie: the like may be said of phisicke, sleepe, health,1 libertie, yea of the very breathing in the ayre. And to go yet further: in our Recreations Christ must be knowne. For al recreation stands in the vse of things indifferent: and the holy vse of all things indifferent, is purchased vnto vs by the blood of Christ. For this cause it is very meete that Christian men and women should with their earthly recreations ioyne spirituall meditation of the death of Christ; and from the one take occasion to bethinke themselues of the other. If this were practised, there should not bee so many vnlawefull sports and delights, and so much abuse of lawfull recreation as there is.
- 1Consider Coloss. 3. 11. and 2.10.