A09339:1141
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.
Neither is it in him a bare cogitation alone, but an external action, or rather such a blasphemy against God as proceedeth from a malicious, and obstinate heart. Matth. 12. 31. V. The Elect cannot commit this sin: and therefore they who feel in themselves a sure testimony of their election, need never to despair: nay, this sin is not in every reprobate: ⟨p. 167⟩for many of them die before they have this illumination by Gods spirit. VI. This sin cannot be forgiven, not because it is greater then that Christs merit can satisfy for it, but because after a man hath once committed this sin, it is impossible for him to repent. For the gift of repentance proceedeth from the holy Ghost, and the holy ghost remaineth in us through Christ apprehended by faith: now no man doth apprehend Christ, that doth maliciously despise and contemn him. VII. It is very hard to know when a man committeth this sin, because the root thereof, namely, set malice, lurketh inwardly in the heart, and is not so easily discerned.
Neither is it in him a bare cogitation alone, but an externall action, or rather such a blasphemie against God as proceedeth from a malitious, and obstinate heart. Matth. 12. 31. V. The Elect cannot commit this sinne: and therfore they who feele in themselues a sure testimonie of their election, neede neuer to despaire: nay, this sinne is not in euery reprobate: ⟨p. 167⟩for many of them die before they haue this illumination by Gods spirit. VI. This sinne cannot be forgiuen, not because it is greater then that Christs merit can satisfie for it, but because after a man hath once committed this sinne, it is impossible for him to repent. For the gift of repentance proceedeth from the holy Ghost, and the holy ghost remaineth in vs through Christ apprehended by faith: now no man doth apprehend Christ, that doth malitiouslie despise and contemne him. VII. It is very hard to knowe when a man committeth this sinne, because the roote thereof, namely, set malice, lurketh inwardly in the heart, and is not so easily discerned.