A09339:4440
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
Section 8: The eight point: Of Vows.Section 8: The eight point: Of Vowes.
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.
The eight point: Of Vows.
The eight point: Of Vowes.
Our Consent.
Touching Vows this must be known, that we do not condemn them altogether, but only labour to restore the purity of doctrine touching this point, which by the Church of Rome from time to time hath been corrupted and defaced. We hold therefore that a vow is a promise made to God touching some duties to be performed unto him: and it is twofold, general, ⟨p. 956⟩or special. The general vow is that which concerns all believers: and it is made in the covenant both of the law, and of the Gospel. I will here only speak of the vow which is made in the covenant of the Gospel, in which there be two actions: one of God, the other of man. God in mercy on his part promiseth to men the remission of sins and life everlasting: and man again for his part promiseth to believe in Christ, and to obey God in all his commandments. Al men ever made this vow unto God, as the Jews in circumcision: which also they renewed so often as they received the Passover: & in the new testament all that are baptized do the like. And in Baptism this vow is called the stipulation of a good conscience, whereby we purpose to renounce our selves, to believe in Christ, and to bring forth the fruits of true repentance: and it ought to be renewed so oft as we are partakers of the supper of the Lord. This vow is necessary and must be kept as a part of the true worship of God; because it is a promise, wherein we vow to perform all duties commanded of God either in the law or in the Gospel. It may be demanded, considering we are bound to obedience, how we bind our selves in baptism thereto. Ans. Though we be already bound partly by nature and partly by the written word, yet may we renew the same bond in a vow, and he that is bound may further bind himself, so it be for this end, to help his dullness for want of zeal, and to make himself more forward in duties of love to men and the worship of God: to this end David sware to keep the law of God.