A09339:408
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.
Matth. 6.5. Popish fasting, is mere hypocrisy: because it standeth in the distinction of meats, and it is used with an opinion of merit. External abstinence from meats, without internal and spiritual fasting from sin, and unlawful desires. Isaiah 58.5,6. Is this such a fast, as I have chosen, that a man should afflict his soul for a day, and bow down his head as a bulrush, and lie down in sackcloth and ashes? wilt thou call this a fasting, or an acceptable day unto the Lord? Is not this the fasting that I have chosen, to loose the bands of wickedness, to take off the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? VII. Contempt, neglect, and intermission of Gods service. Rev. 3.15,16. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou werest cold or hot. Therefore because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, it will come to pass, that I shall spew thee out of my mouth. VIII. Corrupting of Gods worship, and that order of government, which he hath ordained for his Church: the which is done, when any thing is added, detracted, or any way, against his prescript, mangled. Deut. 12.32. Every thing which I command you, that do: neither add to it, nor detract from it. This condemneth that popish elevation of bread in the Lords Supper, and the administration of it alone to the people without wine, together with that fearful abomination of the Mass. By this we may learn to reject all popish traditions, Matth. 15.9. In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines, mens precepts. Now it is manifest, that all popish traditions, they either on their own nature, or others abusing of them, serve as well to superstition and false worship, as to enrich that covetous and proud Hierarchy: whereas the Scriptures contained in the Old & New Testament, are all-sufficient, not only to confirm doctrines, but also to reform manners. 2. Tim. 3.16. The whole Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable to teach, to improve, and to correct, and to instruct in righteousness: that the man of God may be absolute, being made perfect unto all good works. The Romish Hierarchy is here also condemned, from the parratour to the Pope: