A09339:4161
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.
After that this testimony is once begun, it is confirmed by the same means, as also by prayer and the Sacraments. But it may be demanded, how a bodily element, as bread, wine, water, should be able to confirm a persuasion of our adoption that is in the conscience. Answ. The element in the sacrament is an outward seal or instrument to confirm faith, not as a medicine restores and confirms health, whether we think on it or not, whether we sleep or wake, and that by his own inherent virtue: but by reasoning in a syllogism made by the good conscience: that amedium thereof being the outward sign in the Sacrament. By means of which syllogism the holy Ghost moves and stirs the mind, yea cherisheth and increaseth faith on this manner: He which useth the elements aright shall receive the promises: But I do, or I have used the elements aright: Therefore I shall receive the promises.
After that this testimony is once begun, it is confirmed by the same means, as also by praier and the Sacraments. But it may be demanded, howe a bodily element, as bread, wine, water, should be able to confirme a perswasion of our adoption that is in the conscience. Answ. The element in the sacrament is an outward seale or instrument to confirme faith, not as a medicine restores and confirmes health, whether we thinke on it or not, whether we sleepe or wake, and that by his owne inherent vertue: but by reasoning in a syllogisme made by the good conscience: that amedium thereof beeing the outward signe in the Sacrament. By meanes of which syllogisme the holy Ghost mooues and stirres the minde, yea cherisheth and increaseth faith on this manner: He which vseth the elements aright shall receiue the promises: But I doe, or I haue vsed the elements aright: Therefore I shall receiue the promises.
- aReason.
Whereas presumption and the illusion of Satan use as well to tell a man, that he is the child of God, as the true testimony of regenerate conscience, the way to put difference between them is this. I. Presumption is natural and from the very womb, but this testimony of conscience is supernatural. II. Presumption is in them that make no account of the ordinary means of salvation. This testimony comes by the reverent and careful hearing of Gods word. III. Presumption is in them that use not to call on the name of God: but this testimony of conscience is joined with the spirit of adoption which is the spirit of prayer. IV. Presumption is joined with looseness of life, this testimony brings with it always an happy change and alteration. For he which hath a good con science hath also care to keep good conscience in all things. V. Presumption