A09339:1140
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.
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. Mat. 26.73.74.75. Neither doth he which persecuteth Christ and his Church upon ignorance fall into this sin. Paul persecuted the Church of Christ, and yet God had mercy on him, because he did it ignorantly. 1. Tim. 1.13. Many of the Jews crucified our Saviour Christ, who afterward, because they committed that grievous fact upon ignorance, repenting at Peters sermon, they did obtain remission of their sins. Act. 3.17. 37. III. The Object, namely God himself, and the Mediator Christ Jesus. For the malice of this sin is directed against the very majesty of God himself, and against Christ. Hebr. 10.29. Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be worthy, which treadeth underfoot the Son of God, and counteth the blood of the Testament as an unholy thing, wherewith he was sanctified, and doth despise the spirit of grace? Therefore this sin doth directly respect the first table of the moral law, and is not some particular slipping aside from the observation of those commandments which are contained in this first table, such as are some doubtings concerning God, or of the truth of the scriptures, or of Christ, &c. but it is a general defection & apostasy from God, and that totally. IV. The subject in which it is. This sin is found in none at all, but such as have been enlightened by the holy Ghost, and have tasted of the good gift of God.