A09339:4472
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.
Object. II. God appeared in the form of a man to Abraham, Gen. 18. 1, 13. and to Daniel, who saw the ancient of days sitting on a throne, Dan. 9. Now as God appeared, so may he be resembled: therefore (say they) it is lawful to resemble God in the form of a man or any like image in which he showed himself to men. Ans. In this reason the proposition is false: for God may appear in whatsoever form it pleaseth his majesty; yet doth it not follow, that man should therefore resemble God in those forms: man having no liberty to resemble him in any form at all; unless he be commanded so to do. Again, when God appeared in the form of a man, that form was a sign of Gods presence only for the time when God appeared and no longer; as the bread and wine in the Sacrament are signs of Christs body and blood, not for ever but for the time of administration: for afterward they become again as common bread and wine. And when the holy Ghost appeared in the likeness of a dove, that likeness was a sign of his presence no longer then the holy Ghost so appeared. And therefore he that would in these forms represent the Trinity, doth greatly dishonour God, and do that for which he hath no warrant.
Obiect. II. God appeared in the forme of a man to Abraham, Gen. 18. 1, 13. and to Daniel, who saw the auncient of daies sitting on a throne, Dan. 9. Now as God appeared, so may he be resembled: therefore (say they) it is lawfull to resemble God in the forme of a man or any like image in which he shewed himselfe to men. Ans. In this reason the proposition is false: for God may appeare in whatsoeuer forme it pleaseth his maiestie; yet doth it not follow, that man should therefore resemble God in those formes: man hauing no libertie to resemble him in any forme at all; vnlesse he be commaunded so to doe. Againe, when God appeared in the forme of a man, that forme was a signe of Gods presence onely for the time when God appeared and no longer; as the bread and wine in the Sacrament are signes of Christs bodie and blood, not for euer but for the time of administration: for afterward they become againe as common bread and wine. And when the holy Ghost appeared in the likenes of a doue, that likenes was a signe of his presence no longer then the holy Ghost so appeared. And therfore he that would in these formes represent the Trinitie, doth greatly dishonour God, and doe that for which he hath no warrant.