A09339:1139
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
Chapter 53: Concerning the execution of the decree of Reprobation.
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 second degree of the execution of Gods counsel of reprobation, in men of ripe age which are called, is a falling away again, which for the most part is effected and wrought after this manner. First, the reprobate is deceived by some sin. Secondly, his heart is hardened by the same sin. Thirdly, his heart being hardened, it becometh wicked and perverse. Fourthly, then followeth his incredulity and unbelief, whereby he consenteth not to Gods word, when he hath heard and known it. Fifthly, an Apostasy, or falling away from faith in Christ, doth immediately follow this unbelief. Hebr. 3.12,13. Take •eed, brethren, least at any time there be in any of you an evil heart, and unfaithful, to depart away from the living God. 1. Tim. 1.19.
The second degree of the execution of Gods counsel of reprobation, in mē of ripe age which are called, is a falling away againe, which for the most part is effected and wrought after this manner. First, the reprobate is deceiued by some sinne. Secondly, his heart is hardened by the same sin. Thirdly, his heart being hardened, it becommeth wicked and peruerse. Fourthly, then followeth his incredulitie and vnbeleefe, whereby he consenteth not to Gods word, when he hath heard and known it. Fiftly, an Apostasie, or falling away from faith in Christ, doth immediately follow this vnbeleefe. Hebr. 3.12,13. Take •eed, brethren, least at any time there be in any of you an euill heart, and vnfaithfull, to depart awaie from the liuing God. 1. Tim. 1.19.
This Apostasy, is sometimes sin against the holy Ghost. In the sin against the holy Ghost, we have have these several points to be considered: I. The Name; it is called a sin against the holy ghost, not because it is done against the person, or deity of the holy Ghost (for in this respect he that sinneth against the holy Ghost, sinneth in like sort against both the father, & the Son) but it is so called, because it is done contrary to the immediate action, namely, the illumination of the holy Ghost. For albeit this be an action common to the whole Trinity, yet the Father and the son do effect the same by the holy Ghost. II. The efficient cause of it; which is a set & obstinate malice against God, and against his Christ. Therefore when a man doth in the time of persecution, either for fear, or rashly deny Christ, he doth not commit this sin against the holy Ghost, as may appear by the example of Peter who denied Christ.