A09339:4548
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.
Our consent.
Conclus. I. The true Saints of God, as Prophets, Apostles, and Martyrs, and such like, are to be worshipped and honoured, and that three ways: I. by keeping a memory of them in godly manner. Thus the Virgin Mary as a prophetess foretelleth, that all nations shall call her blessed, Luk. 1.48. When a certain woman poured a box of ointment on the head of Christ, he saith, this fact shall be spoken in remembrance of her, wheresoever that Gospel should be preached throughout the world, Mark. 14.9. This duty also was practised by David toward Moses, Aaron, Phinehas, and the rest that are commended, Psal. 105. and 106. and by the author of the epistle to the Hebrews,1 upon the Patriarchs and Prophets, and many others that excelled in faith in the times of the old and new testament. II. They are to be honoured by giving of thanks to God for them, and the benefits that God vouchsafed by them unto his Church. Thus Paul saith, that when the Churches heard of his conversion, they glorified God for him, or, in him. Gal. 1.13. And the like is to be done for the Saints departed. III. They are to be honoured by an imitation of their faith, humility, meekness, repentance, the fear of God, and all good virtues wherein they excelled. For this cause the examples of godly men in the old and new testament, are called a cloud of witnesses by allusion: for as the cloud did guide the Israelites through the wilderness to the land of Canaan: so the faithful now are to be guided to the heavenly Canaan by the examples of good men, that have believed in God before us, and have walked the strait way to life everlasting.