A09339:678
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.
God alone is the author of a Sacrament; for the sign cannot confirm any thing at all, but by the consent and promise of him, at whose hands the benefit promised must be received. Therefore God it is alone which appointed •ignes of grace, in whose alone power it is to bestow grace.
God alone is the author of a Sacrament; for the signe cannot confirme any thing at all, but by the consent and promise of him, at whose handes the benefit promised must be receiued. Therefore God it is alone which appointed •ignes of grace, in whose alone power it is to bestowe grace.
And God did make a Sacrament by the sacramental word, as Augustine witnesseth, saying, Let the word come to the element, and there is made a Sacrament. The sacramental word, is the word of institution, the which God after a several manner, hath set down in each Sacrament. Of the word there are two parts: the commandment, and the promise. The commandment is, by which Christ appointeth the administration of the Sacraments, and the receiving of the same. As in Baptism, Go into the whole world baptizing them in the Name, &c. In the Lords Supper. Take, eat, drink, do ye this. The promise is the other part of the institution, whereby God ordained elements that they might be instruments and seals of his grace. As in Baptism, I baptize thee in the name of the father, of the son, and of the holy Ghost. In the Supper, This is my body given for you: and, This this is my blood of the new Testament. Therefore this word in the administration of the Sacrament ought to be pronounced distinctly and aloud, yea, and as occasion serveth, explained also: to the end, that all they to whom the commandment and promise appertaineth, may know and understand the same. And hence it is very plain, that the ministers impiety ⟨p. 105⟩doth not make a nullity of the Sacrament, neither doth it any whit hinder a worthy receiver: no more then the piety of a good minister can profit an unworthy receiver: because all the efficacy and worthiness thereof dependeth only upon Gods institution, if so be that be observed.