A09339:1100
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.
The Law is evangelically fulfilled, by believing in Christ; but not legally, by doing the works thereof. Reason. They which are carnal cannot possibly fulfil the law of God: but the most regenerate, so long as they live in this life, are carnal in part. Rom. 7.14. I am, saith Paul of himself, carnal, and sold under sin. Prou. 20. Who can say, Mine heart is pure, I am pure from sin? Eccles. 7. There is none so just upon earth, which doth good, and sinneth not. Psal. 130. If thou, Lord, observe what is done amiss, Lord who shall abide it? We are daily taught to pray unto God, Forgive us our sins. Exception. Indeed if the justice of the faithful be absolutely considered, it is imperfect, but as God doth exact it of our frailty, it is perfect. Answer. This is but the fancy of some doting Jesuit. For this sentence of the Law is simple, eternal, and immovable, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in this book to do them. Neither may we imagine, that God will not therefore exact the full accomplishing of the law, because we are frail. For we are creatures and debtors: now we know that the debt doth not decrease, by reason of the debtors poverty.
The Law is euangelically fulfilled, by beleeuing in Christ; but not legally, by doing the works thereof. Reason. They which are carnall cannot possibly fulfill the law of God: but the most regenerate, so long as they liue in this life, are carnall in part. Rom. 7.14. I am, saith Paul of himselfe, carnall, and sold vnder sinne. Prou. 20. Who can say, Mine heart is pure, I am pure from sinne?