A09339:1077
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.
That popish device of a second justification, is a fantastical delusion. For, I. The word of God doth acknowledge no more but one justification at all, and that absolute and complete of it self. There is but one justice, but one satisfaction of God being offended therefore there cannot be a manifold justification. ⟨p. 158⟩II. If by reason of the increase of inherent justice, justification should be distinguished into several kinds or parts, we might as well make an hundred kinds, or parts of justification, as two. III. That which by order of nature doth follow after full justification before God, it cannot be said to justify: But good works do by order of nature follow mans justification, and his absolution from sins: because no work can please God, except the person it self, that worketh the same, do before please him. But no mans person can please God, but such an one as being reconciled to God, by the merits of Christ hath peace with him. IV. Such works as are not agreeable to the rule of legal justice: they, before the tribunal seat of God, cannot justify, but rather both in, and of themselves are subject to Gods eternal curse. For this is the sentence of the Law, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things written in the book of the Law to do them. Now the works even of the regenerate; are not squared according to the rule of legal justice: wherefore David being, as it were stricken, with the consideration of this, durst not once oppose, no not his best works to the judgement of God, that by them he might plead pardon of his sins; whence it is that he crieth out and saith, Enter not into judgement with thy servant, O Lord: for then no flesh living shall be justified in thy sight. The like doth Job 9.3. If he (namely, such an one as saith he is just) contend with God, he cannot answer him one of a thousand. And Dan. 9. 18. We do not present our supplications before thee for our own righteousness, but for thy great tender mercies. V. Justification by works, let them be whatsoever they can be, doth quite overturn the foundation of our faith.