A09339:121
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 6: Of Gods works, and his decree.Chapter 6: Of Gods workes, and his decree.
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.
This first and principal cause, howbeit in it self it be necessary, yet it doth not take away freedom of will in election, or the nature and property of second causes, but only brings them into a certain order, that is, it directeth them to the determinate end: whereupon the effects and events of things are contingent or necessary, as the nature of the second cause is. So Christ according to his Fathers decree died necessarily, Act. 17.3. but yet willingly, Math. 25. 39. And if we respect the temperature of Christs body, he might have prolonged his life; and therefore in this respect may be said to have died contingently.
This first and principall cause, howbeit in it selfe it be necessarie, yet it doth not take away freedome of will in election, or the nature and propertie of second causes, but onely brings them into a certaine order, that is, it directeth them to the determinate ende: whereupon the effects and euents of things are contingent or necessarie, as the nature of the second cause is. So Christ according to his Fathers decree died necessarily, Act. 17.3. but yet willingly, Math. 25. 39. And if we respect the temperature of Christs bodie, he might haue prolonged his life; and therefore in this respect may be said to haue died contingently.
The execution of Gods decree, hath two branches, his operation, and his operative permission.
The execution of Gods decree, hath two branches, his operation, and his operatiue permission.