A09339:1358
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
AN EXPOSITION OF THE CREED. I believe in God. &c.AN EXPOSITION OF THE CREED. I beleeue in God. &c.
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.
Thus having answered the objection, we come to speak of the creation it self. In handling whereof, we must withal treat of the Counsel of God, as being the cause thereof, and of the Government of the creatures, as being a work of God whereby he continues the creation. And the order which I will observe, is first to speak of the Counsel of God, and secondly of the execution of his Counsel, which hath two special branches, the first the creation, the second the preservation or government of things created.
Thus hauing answered the obiection, we come to speake of the creation it selfe. In handling whereof, we must withall treat of the Counsell of God, as beeing the cause therof, and of the Gouernment of the creatures, as being a work of God whereby he continunes the creation. And the order which I will obserue, is first to speake of the Counsell of God, and secondly of the exequution of his Counsell, which hath two speciall branches, the first the creation, the second the preseruation or gouernment of things created.
The Counsel of God, is his eternal and unchangeable decree, whereby he hath ordained all things either past, present, or to come, for his own glory. First I call it a decree, because God hath in it set down with himself and appointed as sovereign Lord, what shall be, what shall not be. I add further, that all things whatsoever come under the compass of this decree; as Paul saith, He worketh all things according to the counsel of his will. And our Saviour Christ saith, that a sparrow cannot fall on the ground without the heavenly father: 1yea further, he tells his disciples, that the very hairs of their heads are numbered, 2meaning that they are known and set down in the counsel of God. And considering that God is King of heaven and earth; and that most wise, yea wisdom it self; and most mighty, yea might and power it self: it must needs be that he hath determined how all things shall come to pass in his kingdom, with all their circumstances, time, place, causes, &c. in such particular manner, that the very least thing that may be, is not left unappointed and undisposed.