A09339:1167
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. 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.
Exception. God appointed all to be saved, with this caveat and condition, If they believe. Answer. This is absurd to affirm: for, I. by this means the decree of God should depend upon the will of man• when as contrarily Gods decree doth limit and order all inferior causes. II. It quite taketh away ⟨p. 172⟩the certainty of Gods decree, because a conditional proposition doth set down nothing as being, or, it doth not certainly affirm any thing.
Exception. God appointed all to be saued, with this caueat and condition, If they beleeue. Answer. This is absurd to affirme: for, I. by this meanes the decree of God should depende vpon the will of man• when as contrarily Gods decree doth limit and order all inferiour causes. II. It quite taketh away