A09339:1362
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.
And this decree of God must be conceived of us as the most general cause of all things subsisting: being first in order having all other causes under it, and most principal, overruling all, overruled by none.
And this decree of God must be conceiued of vs as the most generall cause of all things subsisting: being first in order hauing all other causes vnder it, and most principall, ouerruling all, ouerruled by none.
Thus we see what is to be held touching Gods counsel: now for the better clearing of the trueth, three objections of some difficulty are to be answered. First may some man say, if God decree and ordain all things whatsoever, then he decreeth and ordaineth sin: but God decrees not sin in as much as it is against his will: and therefore he decrees not all things. Ans. We use not to say that God doth simply will or decree sin, but only in part, adding withal these caveats: I. That God willeth and decreeth sin, not properly as it is sin, but as it hath in it sundry regards and respects of goodness, so far forth as it is a punishment, or chastisement, or trial, or action, ora hath any existence in nature. II. God can so use evil instruments, that the work done by them being a sin, shall nevertheless in him be a good work: because he knows how to use evil instruments well. If it be further alleged, that God willeth no wickedness, Psal. 5.5. we must know, that Gods will is two-fold, general, and special. General, whereby God willeth and decreeth that a thing shall be: and by this kind of will he may be said to will sin; and that without sin. For though he decree it thus, yet doth he not instill wickedness into the heart of any sinner, and his decree is only for a most excellent end. For in regard of God which decreeth, it bis good that there should be evil. To this purpose Augustine saith excellently, By an unspeakable manner it comes to pass, that that which is against Gods will, is not without his will.