A09339:407
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
Chapter 21 › The negative part.Chapter 21 › The negatiue part.
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.
Hitherto may we add popish superstitions in sacrifices, meats, holidays, apparel, temporary and bead-ridden prayers, indulgences, austere life, whipping, ceremonies, gestures, gate, conversation, pilgrimage, building of altars, pictures, Churches, and all other of that rabble. To these may be added consort in music in divine service, feeding the ears, not edifying the mind. 1. Cor. 14.15. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, but I will sing with the understanding also. Justinus Martyr in his book of Christian quest. and Ans. 107. It is not the custom of the Churches, to sing their metres with any such kind of instruments, &c. but their manner is only to use plain-song. Lastly, monastical vows, which I. repugn the law of God: as that unchaste vow of single life, and proud promise of poverty do plainly evince: for he that laboureth not, must not eat, saith Paul: And it is better to marry, then to burn in lust, saith the same Paul. II. They are greater then mans nature can perform: as in a single life, to live perpetually chaste. III. They disannul Christian liberty, and make such things necessary, as are indifferent. IV. They renew Judaism. V. They are idolatro•s, because they make them parts of Gods worship, and esteem them as meritorious. VI. Hypocrisy, which giveth to God painted worship, that is, if you regard outward behaviour, great sincerity: if the inward and hearty affections, none at all. Matth. 15.7. Hypocrites, well hath Isaiah prophesied of you, saying, This people cometh near me with their mouth, and honour me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Psal. 10.4. The wicked man is so proud, that he seeketh not for God. The effects of hypocrisy are these: 1. To seek the pomp and glory of the world, and by all means to enrich it self, notwithstanding it make a glorious show of the service of God. 2. It is sharp sighted, and hath eagles eyes to observe other mens behaviour, when in the regarding its own, it is as blind as beetle. 3. To be more curious in the observation of ancient traditions, then the statutes and commandments of almighty God. 4. To stumble at a straw, and skip over a block, that is, to omit serious affairs, and ⟨p. 48⟩