A09339:4552
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.
The dissent.
Our difference stands in the manner of worshipping of Saints. The Papists make two degrees of religious worship. The highest they call Latria, whereby God himself is worshipped, and that alone. The second lower then the former is called Doulia, whereby the Saints and Angels that be in the special favour of God, and glorified with everlasting glory in heaven, are worshipped. This worship they place in outward adoration, in bending of the knee, and bowing of the body to them being in heaven: in invocation whereby they call upon them: in dedication of Churches and houses of religion unto them: in sabbaths and festival days: lastly in pilgrimages unto their relics and images. We likewise distinguish adoration or worship: for it is either religious or civill. Religious worship, is that which is done to him that is Lord of all things, the searcher and trier of the heart, omnipotent, every where present, able to hear and help them that call upon him every where, ⟨p. 986⟩the author and first cause of every good thing: and that simply for himself, because he is absolute goodness it self. And this worship is due to God alone, being also commanded in the first and second commandment of the fist table. Civill worship is the honour done to men set above us by God himself, either in respect of their excellent gifts, or in respect of their offices & authority whereby they govern others. The right end of this worship is to testify and declare that we reverence the gifts of God, and that power which he hath placed in those that be his instruments. And this kind of worship is commanded only in the second table and in the first commandment thereof. Honour thy father and mother. Upon this distinction we may judge, what honour is due to every one. Honour is to be given to God, and to whom he commandeth. He commandeth that inferiors should honour or worship their betters. Therefore the unreasonable creatures, and among the rest images are not to be worshipped, either with civill or religious worship: being indeed far baser then man himself is. Again unclean spirits the enemies of God, must not be worshipped: yea to honour them at all is to dishonour god. Good angels, because they excel men both in nature and gifts, when they appeared were lawfully honoured: