A09339:1215
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.
But to omit this, what if we grant this which D. Andreas requireth concerning Baptism? may not for all that, any that is so tempted, by Satan's policy, refel this great comforter, by his own argument? after this sort: I will grant D. Andreas your question: suppose I have been baptized and adopted the son of God, yet seeing you teach, that the grace of God is not so sure but that I may fall from the same, as indeed I feel that I have grievously fallen, what do you now else but lift me up with one hand to heaven, and with the other cast me down into hell? What mean you therefore to teach me those things which are so far from easing me, as that contrarily, they do more and more lay out unto me mine abominable and ungrateful heart? See now what sure consolation, consciences grievously afflicted may reap by this doctrine of their comforter D. Andreas.
But to omit this, what if we graunt this which D. Andreas requireth concerning Baptisme? may not for all that, any that is so tempted, by Satans pollicie, refell this great comforter, by his owne argument? after this sort: I will grant D. Andreas your question: suppose I haue beene baptized and adopted the sonne of God, yet seeing you teach, that the grace of God is not so sure but that I may fal frō the same, as indeed I feele that I haue grieuously fallen, what doe you now els but lift me vp with one hand to heauen, and with the other cast me downe into hell? What meane you therefore to teach me those things which are so farre from easing me, as that contrarily, they doe more and more lay out vnto me mine abominable and vngratefull heart? See now what sure consolation, consciences grieuously afflicted may reape by this doctrine of their comforter D. Andreas.
Now if any be desirous to know, what spiritual comfort is most meet to be ministered unto consciences so troubled, I will show them that which is grounded upon a sure foundation, and which I my self have often found to be true in mine own experience: the which also I purpose to handle more largely, for the benefit of the Christian reader. First therefore we teach, contrarily to that which D. Andreas doth most falsely object against us, that the eternal decree, or as Paul speaketh, the purpose of God, must not be sought ⟨p. 182⟩