A09339:1175
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.
The Confutation.
We utterly deny, that the foreseeing of the contempt of grace in any, was the first and principal cause of the decree of reprobation. Reasons. I. Paul, Rom. 1. doth derive the common condemnation of the Gentiles from hence, namely, that they withheld the truth in unrighteousness, that is, because they did wittingly extinguish that light of nature, by their wicked doings, which they had of the knowledge of God and would not obey their consciences inwardly checking them for the same. II. If that faith foreseen, be not the cause of the decree of Election, it can not be that the want of faith foreseen, should be the cause of the decree of reprobation; but rather as faith doth in order of causes follow after election, so must incredulity reprobation. For there is the like reason or proportion of contraries. III. Many infants depart this life, ⟨p. 173⟩both being out of the true Church, and before they have any use of reason: and again many there are, which albeit they live long, yet being either idiots and fools, or borne deaf, they cannot come to the true use of reason: in all which, it is not credible that their should be suspected any contempt of the Gospel which they could not learn. IV. Esau was hated of God for none other cause, but for that it so pleased him. Rom. 9.18. V. If this opinion should be true, then would it follow that men should be condemned for nothing else but incredulity: the which is not so. Joh. 3.36. Christ speaking of unbelief, saith not that for it the wrath of God came upon man, but remaineth upon him. And why should we daily ask pardon for our sins, if nothing but incredulity or unbelief condemned us? nay, although that there were never any contempt of the Gospel, yet that corruption of original sin, were sufficient enough to condemn men. VI. Also that admiration which Paul hath,