A09339:1434
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 manner of government is divers, according as things are good or evil. A good thing is that which is approved of God. As first of all the substances of all creatures; even of the devils themselves: in whom whatsoever is remaining since their creation is in it self good. Secondly, the quantities, qualities, motions, actions, and inclinations of the creatures in themselves considered with all their events are good. Again, good is either natural or moral. Natural, which is created by God for the lawful use of man. Moral, which is agreeable to the eternal and unchangeable wisdom of God, revealed in the moral law.
The manner of gouernment is diuers, according as things are good or euill. A good thing is that which is approoued of God. As first of all the substances of all creatures; euen of the deuils themselues: in whome whatsoeuer is remaining since their creation is in it selfe good. Secondly, the quantities, qualities, motions, actions, and inclinations of the creatures in themselues considered with all their euents are good. Againe, good is either naturall or moral. Naturall, which is created by God for the lawefull vse of man. Morall, which is agreeable to the eternall and vnchangeable wisdome of God, reuealed in the morall lawe.
Now God governeth all good things two ways. First by sustaining & preserving them that they decay not: secondly by moving them that they may attain to the particular ends for which they were severally ordained. For the qualities and virtues which were placed in the Sun, Moon, stars, trees, plants, seeds, &c. would lie dead in them and be unprofitable, unless they were not only preserved, but also stirred up and quickened by the power of God so oft as he employs them to any use.
Now God gouerneth all good things two waies. First by sustaining & preseruing them that they decay not: secondly by moouing them that they may attaine to the particular endes for which they were seuerally ordained. For the qualities and vertues which were placed in the Sunne, Moone, starres, trees, plants, seedes, &c. would lie dead in them and be vnprofitable, vnlesse they were not onely preserued, but also stirred vp and quickened by the power of God so oft as he imploies them to any vse.