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.

Our consent.

Touching the point of Supremacie Ecclesiasticall, I will set downe how neare we may come to the Romane Church in two conclusions. Conclus. I. For the founding of the primitiue Church, the ministerie of the word was di∣stinguished by degrees not onely of order but also of power, and Peter was called to the highest degree. Eph. 4.11. Christ ascended vp on high and gaue gifts vnto men, for the good of his Church: as some to be Apostles, some Prophets, some Euangelists, some Pastours and Doctours. Now, howsoeuer one Apostle, be not aboue an other, or one Euangelist aboue an other, or one Pastour aboue an other: yet an Apostle was aboue an Euangelist: and an Euangelist aboue all

pastours and teachers. And Peter was by calling an Apostle, and therefore a∣boue all Euangelists and Pastors; hauing the highest roome in the ministerie of the newe testament both for order and authoritie.

Conclus. II. Among the twelue Apostles Peter had a threefold priuiledge or prerogatiue. I. The prerogatiue of authoritie. II. Of primacie. III. Of principalitie. For the first, by the priuiledge of authoritie, I meane a prehemi∣nence in regard of estimation, wherby he was had in reuerence aboue the rest of the twelue Apostles, for Cephas with Iames and Iohn are called Pillars, & seemed to be great. Gal. 2.6.9. Againe hee had the preheminence of primacie, because he was the first named, as the foreman of the quest. Math. 10.2. The names of the twelue Apostles are these, the first is Simon called Peter. Thirdly hee had the preheminence of principality among the twelue, because in regard of the measure of grace, he excelled the rest: for when Christ asked his disciples whome they said he was; Peter as beeing of greatest abilitie and zeale answe∣red for them all. Math. 16.16. I vse this clause, among the twelue, because Paul excelled Peter euery way, in learning zeale, vnderstanding, as far as Peter ex∣celled the rest. And thus neere we come to popish supremacie.