A09339:1359
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.
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.
The Counsell of God, is his eternall and vnchangeable decree, whereby he hath ordained all things either past, present, or to come, for his owne glorie. First I call it a decree, because God hath in it sette downe with himselfe and appointed as soueraigne Lord, what shall be, what shall not bee. I adde further, that all things whatsoeuer come vnder the compasse of this decree; as Paul saith, He worketh all things according to the counsell of his will. And our Sauiour Christ saith, that a sparrowe cannot fall on the ground without the heauenly father: 1yea further, he tels his disciples, that the very haires of their heades are numbred, 2meaning that they are knowne and set downe in the counsell of God. And considering that God is King of heauen and earth; and that most wise, yea wisdome it selfe; and most mightie, yea might and power it selfe: it must needes bee that he hath determined how all things shall come to passe in his kingdome, with all their circumstances, time, place, causes, &c. in such particular manner, that the very least thing that may bee, is not left vnappointed and vndisposed.