A09339:692
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 end why a Sacrament was ordained, is I. for the better confirmation of our faith: for by it as by certain pledges given, God of his great mercy, doth as it were bind himself unto us. Now a Sacrament doth confirm our faith, not by any inherent or proper power it hath in it self, as hath a sovereign medicine received by a patient, the which whether a man sleep or wake it confirmeth his strength: but rather by reasoning, and using the signs, when the holy Ghost shall frame in our hearts such a conclusion, as this: All such as are converted, rightly using the Sacraments, shall receive Christ and his graces: But I am converted, and either now do, or before have rightly used the Sacraments: Therefore I shall receive Christ and his graces.
The end why a Sacrament was ordained, is I. for the better confirmation of our faith: for by it as by certaine pledges giuen, God of his great mercie, doth as it were binde himselfe vnto vs. Now a Sacrament doth confirme our faith, not by any inherēt or proper power it hath in it selfe, as hath a soueraigne medecine receiued by a patient, the which whether a man sleepe or wake it confirmeth his strength: but rather by reasoning, and vsing the signes, when the holy Ghost shall frame in our hearts such a conclusion, as this: All such as are conuerted, rightly vsing the Sacraments, shall receiue Christ and his graces: But I am conuerted, and either now doe, or before haue rightly vsed the Sacraments: Therefore I shall receiue Christ and his graces.
II. That it might be a badge and note of that profession by which the true Church of God is distinguished from other congregations. III. That it might be a mean to preserve, and spread abroad the doctrine of the Gospel. IV. It serveth to bind the faithful that they do continue both loyal, and grateful to their Lord God. V. It is the bond of mutual amity betwixt the faithful.
II. That it might be a badge and note of that profession by which the true Church of God is distinguished from other congregations. III. That it might be a meane to preserue, and spread abroad the doctrine of the Gospel. IV. It serueth to binde the faithfull that they doe continue both loyall, and gratefull to their Lord God. V. It is the bond of mutuall amitie betwixt the faithfull.