A09339:694
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.
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.
Therefore the want of a Sacrament doth not condemn, but the contempt is that which will condemn a man. The want of a Sacrament is, when we are justly hindered from the receiving of the same; as, when one is prevented by death, or liveth in such a place where he cannot receive the Sacrament. And as for the neglect of a Sacrament, albeit it be a very grievous sin, yet is it such an one, as for which he that is heartily penitent for the same, may well hope for pardon.