A09339:1166
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.
Object. IX. The reprobates are said in many places of Scripture to be redeemed by Christ, as 2. Pet. 2.1. Ans. First, we must not understand such places meant of all reprobates, but of such as are for a time in the Church. II. They are said to be redeemed, justified, and sanctified, both in their own judgements, and the Churches also, in as much as they make an external profession of the faith. But this is a judgement of charity, not of certainty.
Obiect. IX. The reprobates are said in many places of Scripture to be redeemed by Christ, as 2. Pet. 2.1. Ans. First, we must not vnderstand such places meant of all reprobates, but of such as are for a time in the Church. II. They are saide to be redeemed, iustified, and sanctified, both in their owne iudgements, and the Churches also, in as much as they make an externall profession of the faith. But this is a iudgement of charitie, not of certentie.
Object. X. God might be thought cruel, if that he had ordained the greatest part of the world to destruction. Answer. God could well enough have decreed, that even all men should utterly have been rejected, and yet he should have been never a whit either cruel or unjust. Reasons. I. He adjudged all and every one of those soul and wicked spirits which fell from him, to eternal torments. II. He decreed also, as is apparent by the event, that men should live by the slaughter of beasts; and yet God is not therefore cruel against them: and surely God is no more bounden unto man, then unto the very brute beasts.
Obiect. X. God might be thought cruell, if that he had ordained the greatest part of the world to destruction. Answer. God could well enough haue decreed, that euen all men should vtterly haue beene reiected, and yet he should haue beene neuer a whit either cruell or vniust. Reasons. I. He adiudged all and euery one of those soule and wicked spirits which fell from him, to eternall torments. II. He decreed also, as is apparant by the euent, that men should liue by the slaughter of beasts; and yet God is not therefore cruell against them: and surely God is no more bounden vnto man, then vnto the very bruit beasts.