A09339:695
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.
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.
Therefore the want of a Sacrament doth not condemne, but the contempt is that which will condemne a man. The want of a Sacrament is, when we are iustly hindred from the receiuing of the same; as, when one is preuented by death, or liueth in such a place where he cannot receiue the Sacrament. And as for the neglect of a Sacrament, albeit it be a very grieuous sinne, yet is it such an one, as for which he that is heartily penitent for the same, may well hope for pardon.
The holy use of a Sacrament is, when such as are truly converted, do use those rites which God hath prescribed unto their true ends, in the receiving of a Sacrament. Therefore I. the reprobate, though God offer the whole Sacrament unto them, yet they receive the signs alone without the things signified by the signs: because the sign without the right use thereof, is not a Sacrament to the receiver of it. So Paul saith, Rom. 2. 25. Circumcision verily is profitable if thou keep the Law: but if thou be a transgressor of the Law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. And Augustine hath this saying, If thou receive it carnally, yet ceaseth it not to be spiritual, though to thee it be not so. II. The Elect as yet not converted to the Lord, do receive in like manner the bare signs without the thing signified; yet so, as that, that Sacrament shall in them afterward have his good effect. For the Sacrament received before a mans conversion, is afterward to the penitent both ratified, and becometh profitable: and that use of the Sacrament which before was utterly unlawful, doth then become very lawful. III. The Elect already converted, do to their salvation receive both the sign and the thing signified together; yet so, as that for their unworthy receiving thereof, the which cometh to pass by reason of their manifold infirmities, and relapses into sin, they are subject unto temporal punishments.