A09339:1430
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.
Thirdly, it may be objected, that many things came to pass by chance, and therefore not by Gods providence: because chance and providence cannot stand together. Ans. We must distinguish between chance and mere chance. Chance is, when any thing comes to pass, the cause thereof being unknown not simply but in respect of man: and therefore in regard of men which know not the reason of things, we may say there is chance: and so the spirit of God speaketh,1 Time and chance cometh to them all. And again, By chance there came down a priest the same way. Now this kind of chance is not against the providence of God, but is ordered by it. For things which in regard of men are casual, are certainly known and determined by God. Mere chance is, when things are said or thought to come to pass without any cause at all. But that must be abhorred of us as overturning the providence of God.
Thirdly, it may be obiected, that many things came to passe by chance, and therefore not by Gods prouidence: because chaunce and prouidence cannot stand togither. Ans. We must distinguish betweene chance and meere chance. Chaunce is, when any thing comes to passe, the cause thereof beeing vnknowne not simply but in respect of man: aad therefore in regard of men which knowe not the reason of things, we may say there is chaunce: and so the spirit of God speaketh,1 Time and chaunce commeth to them all. And againe, By chaunce there came downe a priest the same way. Now this kind of chance is not against the prouidence of God, but is ordered by it. For things which in regard of men are casuall, are certainely knowne and determined by God. Meere chaunce is, when things are said or thought to come to passe without any cause at all. But that must be abhorred of vs as ouerturning the prouidence of God.