A09339:1034
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 Confutation.
Man not regenerated hath free-will to do only that which is evil, none to do good. He being not already converted cannot so much as will to have faith, and be converted. Reasons. I. Man is not said to be weak or sick, but dead in sins. Ephe. 2.1. Col. 1.13. As he therefore that is corporally dead can not stir up himself, that he may perform such works of vivification, no not then when others help him: so he that is spiritually dead, cannot move himself to live unto God. II. He is the servant of Satan, and bondslave of sin. Eph. 2.2. Rom. 6.13. Now we know that a servant standeth at the beck & pleasure of another, and can do nothing else. III. That which no man can by himself know and believe, the same he cannot will: but no man can know & believe those things that appertain to the kingdom of GOD. 1. Cor. 2. vers. 14. The natural man perceiveth not the things of the spirit of God. 2. Cor. 3. 5. We are not sufficient of our selves, to think any thing as of our selves. Therefore no man can will by himself, those things that appertain to Gods kingdom. IV. That which is a deadly enemy to goodness, and is directly repugnant thereunto the same desireth not that which is good; but the will is an enemy & directly repugnant unto goodness.