A09339:1056
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.
Object. I. We are commanded to work our salvation with fear & trembling. Ans. This fear is not in regard of Gods mercy forgiving our sins, but in respect of us and our nature, which is ever prone to slide away, and starting from God.
Obiect. I. We are commanded to worke our saluation with feare & trembling. Ans. This feare is not in regard of Gods mercie forgiuing our sinnes, but in respect of vs and our nature, which is euer prone to slide away, and starting from God.
Object. II. In respect of Gods mercy, we must hope for salvation: but in respect of our unworthiness, we must doubt: Ans. I. We may not at all lawfully doubt of Gods mercy, because doubtfulness is not of the nature of faith, ⟨p. 156⟩but rather a natural corruption. II. If we consider our own unworthiness, it is out of all doubt, that we must be out of all hope, and despair of our salvation.
Obiect. II. In respect of Gods mercie, we must hope for saluation: but in respect of our vnworthines, we must doubt: Ans. I. We may not at all lawfully doubt of Gods mercie, because doubtfulnes is not of the nature of faith, ⟨p. 156⟩but rather a naturall corruption. II. If we consider our owne vnworthines, it is out of all doubt, that we must be out of all hope, and despaire of our saluation.
Object. III. There be many sins unknown unto us, and so also uncertain whether they be pardoned unto us. Answer. He that certainly and truly knoweth that but one sin is pardoned him, he hath before God all his sins remitted, whether they be known or unknown.