A09339:1206
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 uses, which may be made of this doctrine of predestination, are very many. First, for our instruction, we are taught these things.
The vses, which may be made of this doctrine of predestination, are very many. First, for our instruction, we are taught these things.
I. That there is neither any justification by works, nor any works of ours that are meritorious. For election is by the free grace of God: and therefore in like sort is justification. For, as I said before, the cause of the cause, is the cause of the thing caused. And for this reason, in the work of salvation, grace doth wholly challenge all to it self. Rom. 11.5. At this time there is a remnant through the election of grace. 2. Tim. 1.9. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose & grace, which was given to us, through Christ Jesus before the world was. Phil. 1. 29. Unto you i• is given for Christ, that not only ye should believe in him, but also suffer for his sake. Rom. 3.24. We are justified freely by grace. Tit. 3.5. Not by the works of righteousness, which we had done, but according to his mercy he saved us. Ezech. 36. 27. I will cause you to walk in my statutes. Rom. 6.23. The gift of God is eternal life. II. That Astrology, teaching, by the casting of Nativities, what men will be, is ridiculous, and impious: because it determineth, that such shall be very like in life, and conversation, whom God in his predestination hath made unlike. Jacob and Esau, borne of the same parents, and almost in the same moment of time, (for Jacob held Esau by the heel as he was borne) were of most unlike dispositions, and had divers events. The like may we see in all twins, and others, which are borne at the same time. III. That God is most wise, omnipotent, just, and merciful. O the wonderful riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out!