A09339:4035
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.
Thus much of the Popish opinion: by which it appears that one of the principal notes of Antichrist agrees fitly to the Pope of Rome. Paul, 2. Thess. 2. makes it a special property of Antichrist to exalt himself against or above all that is called God, or worshipped. Now what doth the Pope else, when he takes upon him authority to make such laws as shall bind the con science, as properly and truly as Gods laws? and what doth he else when he ascribes to himself power to free mens consciences from the bond of such laws of God, as are unchangeable; as may appear in a Canon of the Council of Trent: the words are these,1 If any shall say, that those degrees of consanguinity that be expressed in Leviticus, do only hinder matrimony to be made, and break it being made, and that the Church cannot dispense with some of them, or appoint that more degrees may hinder or break marriage, let him be accursed. O sacrilegious impiety! considering the laws of affinity and consanguinity, Leviticus 18. are not ceremonial, or judicial laws peculiar to the Jews, but the very laws of nature. What is this Canon else, but a public proclamation to the world, that the pope & church of Rome do sit as lords, or rather idols in the hearts & consciences of men. This will yet more fully appear to any man, if we read popish ⟨p. 854⟩books of practical or Case-divinity, in which the common manner is, to bind conscience where God looseth it, and to loose where he binds: but a declaration of this, requires long time.
Thus much of the Popish opinion: by which it appeares that one of the principall notes of Antichrist agrees fittely to the Pope of Rome. Paul, 2. Thess. 2. makes it a speciall propertie of Antichrist to exalt himselfe against or aboue all that is called God, or worshipped. Now what doth the Pope els, when he takes vpon him authoritie to make such lawes as shall bind the cō science, as properly and truely as Gods lawes? and what doth he els when hee ascribes to himselfe power to free mens consciences frō the bond of such laws of God, as are vnchangeable; as may appeare in a Canon of the Councill of Trent: the words are these,