A09339:4216
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.
TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL, Sir William Bows Knight, &c. Grace and peace.
TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPfull, Sir William Bowes Knight, &c. Grace and peace.
Right Worshipful, it is a notable policy of the devil, which he hath put into the heads of sundry men in this age, to think that our religion and the religion of the present Church of Rome are all one for substance: and that they may be reunited as (in their opinion) they were before. Writings to this effect, are spread abroad in the French tongue, and respected of English protestants more then is meet; or ought to be. For, let men in show of moderation, pretend the peace and good estate of the Catholic Church as long as long as they will; this Union of the two religions can never be made, more then the union of light & darkness. And this shall appear, if we do but a little consider, how they of the Roman Church have razed the foundation. For though in words they honour Christ, yet in deed they turn him to a Pseudo-Christ and an Idol of their own brain. They call him our Lord, but with this condition, that the Servant of Servants of this Lord may change and add to his commandments: having so great a power, that he may open and shut heaven to whom he will; and bind the very conscience with his own laws, and consequently be partaker of the spiritual kingdom of Christ. Again they call him a Saviour, but yet in Us: in that he gives this grace unto us, that by our merits we may be our own Saviours: and in the want of our own merits, we may partake in the merits of the Saints. And they acknowledge that he died and suffered for us, but with this caveat, that the Fault being pardoned, we must satisfy for the temporal punishment either in this world or in Purgatory. In a word, they make him our mediator of Intercession unto God: but withal his Mother must be the Queen of Heaven, and by the right of a Mother command him there. Thus, in word they cry Hosanna, but in deed they crucify Christ. Therefore we have good cause to bless the name of God, that hath freed us from the yoke of this Roman bondage, and hath brought us to the true light & liberty of the gospel. And it should be a great height of unthankfulness in us, not to stand out against the present Church of Rome, but to yield our selves to plots of reconciliation. To this effect and purpose I have penned this little Treatise, which I present to your Worship, desiring it might be some token of a thankful mind, for undeserved love.