A09339:122
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.
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.
Gods operation, is his effectual producing of all good things, which either have being or moving, or which are done.
Gods operation, is his effectuall producing of all good things, which either haue beeing or moouing, or which are done.
Gods operative permission, is that by which he only permitteth one and the same work to be done of others, as it is evil; but as it is good, he effectually worketh the same. Gen. 50.20. You indeed had purposed evil against me, but God decreed that for good, that he might, as he hath done this day, preserve his people alive. And Gen. 45.7. God hath sent me before you to preserve your posterity in this land. Isaiah 10. 5, 6, 7. Woe unto Asshur, the rod of my wrath, and the staff in their hands is mine indignation. I will send him to a dissembling nation, and I will ⟨p. 10⟩give him a charge against the people of my wrath to take the spoil, & to take the pray, and to tread them under feet like the mire in the street. But he thinketh not so, neither doth his heart esteem it so: but he imagineth to destroy, and to cut off not a few nations.
Gods operatiue permission, is that by which he onely permitteth one and the same worke to be done of others, as it is euill; but as it is good, he effectually worketh the same.