A09339:693
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.
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.
How a Sacrament is necessary to salvation. The covenant of Grace is absolutely necessary to salvation: for it comprehending Christ Jesus the very substance of the Covenant, man must necessarily either receive it, or perish eternally: but a Sacrament is not absolutely necessary, but only as it is a prop and stay for faith to lean upon. For it cannot entitle us into the inheritance of the sons of God, as the covenant doth, but only by reason of faith going before, it doth seal that which before was bestowed upon us. As we see in humane contracts the bond ariseth from the mutual consent of the parties: but the instrument or bill, and the setting to of the seal, they do not make, but rather confirm the bond mutually before made: the which mutual consent remaining firm, the contract standeth still in force, though the instrument or seal be wanting.
How a Sacrament is necessarie to saluation. The couenant of Grace is absolutely necessarie to saluation: for it comprehending Christ Iesus the very substance of the Couenant, man must necessarily either receiue it, or perish eternally: but a Sacrament is not absolutely necessarie, but onely as it is a prop and stay for faith to leane vpon. For it cannot entitle vs into the inheritance of the sonnes of God, as the couenant doth, but onely by reason of faith going before, it doth seale that which before was bestowed vpon vs. As we see in humane contracts the bond ariseth from the mutuall consent of the parties: but the instrument or bill, and the setting to of the seale, they doe not make, but rather confirme the bond mutually before made: the which mutuall consent remaining firme, the contract standeth still in force, though the instrument or seale be wanting.