A09339:4663
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.
And just Lot must have his righteous soul vexed with seeing and hearing the abominations of Sodom.
And iust Lot must haue his righteous soule vexed with seeing and hearing the abhominations of Sodom.
Thirdly by this commandment we are taught, what opinion to carry of the present church of Rome. It is often demanded, whether it be a church or no; and the answer may hence be formed on this manner. If by this church be understood a state or regiment of the people, whereof the Pope is head; and the members are all such as do acknowledge him to be their head, and do believe the doctrine established in the Council of Trent, we take it to be no church of God. Because Babylon, which I have proved to be the church of Rome, is here opposed to the church or people of God: and because we are commanded to come out of it: whereas we may not wholly forsake any people till they forsake Christ. Some will happily say, the church of Rome hath the Scriptures and the Sacrament of baptism. I answer first of all, they have indeed the books of holy Scripture among them: but by the rest of their doctrine they overthrow the true sense thereof in the foundation, as I have proved before. And though they have the outward form of baptism, yet they overturn the inward baptism, which is the substance of all, standing in the justification and sanctification of a sinner. Again I answer, that they have the word and baptism, not for themselves but for the true church of God among them: like as the lantern holdeth the candle, not for it self but for others. Secondly, it may be and is alleged, that if the Pope be Antichrist, he then sits in the temple, that is, the church of God, and by this means the Roman church shall be the true church. Ans. He sits in the temple of God, but mark further how: as God, that is, not as a member but as a manifest usurper: like as the thief sits in the true mans house.1 For the popish church and Gods church are mingled like chaff and corn in one heap: and the church of Rome may be said to be in the church of God, and the church of God in the church of Rome, as we say the wheat is among the chaff, and the chaff in the wheat. Again he is said to sit in the temple of God; because the Roman church, though falsely, takes unto it self the title of the true catholic church. Some go about to delay and qualify the matter, by comparing this church to a man lying sick full of oares, having also his throat cut, yet so as body and soul are joined together, and life is remaining still.