A09339:1412
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.
Now in the fourth place followeth the end of the creation of man, which is twofold. First, that there might be a creature to whom God might make manifest himself, who in a special manner should set forth and acknowledge his wisdom, goodness, mercy, in the creation of heaven and earth, and of things that are in them, as also his providence in governing the same. Secondly, God having decreed to glorify his name in showing his mercy and justice upon his creature, hereupon in time createth men to show his mercy in the salvation of some, and to show his justice in the just and deserved damnation of other some. And therefore he hath appointed the creation specially of man, to be a means of manifestation and beginning of the execution of his eternal counsel.
Now in the fourth place followeth the ende of the creation of man, which is twofold. First, that there might be a creature to whome God might make manifest himselfe, who in a speciall maner should set forth and acknowledge his wisdome, goodnesse, mercie, in the creation of heauen and earth, and of things that are in them, as also his prouidence in gouerning the same. Secondly, God hauing decreed to glorifie his name in shewing his mercie and iustice vpon his creature, hereupon in time createth men to shew his mercie in the saluation of some, and to shew his iustice in the iust and deserued damnation of other some. And therfore he hath appointed the creation specially of man, to be a meanes of manifestation and beginning of the execution of his eternal counsell.
Thus much concerning mans creation in general. The special parts of man are two; body, and soul. And the reason why the Lord would have him stand on these two parts is this: Some creatures made before him were only bodily; as beasts, fishes, fowls: some spiritual, as Angels: now man is both; spiritual in regard of his soul, corporal and sensible in regard of his body; that nothing might be wanting to the perfection of nature. If it be alleged that man consists of three parts; body, soul, and spirit; because Paul prays that the Thessalonians may be sanctified in body, soul, and spirit:1 the answer is, that the spirit signifies the mind whereby men conceive and understand such things as may be understood: and the soul is there taken for the will and affections: and therefore these twain are not two parts, but only two distinct faculties of one and the same soul.