A09339:157
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
Chapter 10: Of sin, and the fall of Angels.Chapter 10: Of sinne, and the fall of Angels.
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.
Sin hath two parts: A defect, or impotency; and is a confusion or disturbance of all the powers and actions of the creature.
Sinne hath two parts: A defect, or impotencie; and is a confusion or disturbance of all the powers and actions of the creature.
Impotency is nothing else, but the very want or loss of that good, which God hath ingrafted in the nature of his creature.
Impotencie is nothing els, but the very want or losse of that good, which God hath ingrafted in the nature of his creature.
The fall was effected on this manner. First, God created his reasonable creatures good indeed, but withal changeable, as we have showed before. For to be unchangeable good, is proper to God alone. Secondly, God tried their obedience in those things about which they were conversant. Deu. 13.13. Thou shalt not hearken to the words of the Prophet, or unto that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether you love the Lord your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul. Thirdly, in this trial God doth not assist them with new grace to stand, but for just causes forsaketh them. Lastly, after God hath forsaken them, and left them to themselves, they fall quite from God: no otherwise, then when a man staying up a staff from the ground, it standeth upright: but if he never so little withdraw his hand it falleth of it self.
The fall was effected on this maner. First, God created his reasonable creatures good indeede, but withall changeable, as we haue shewed before. For to bee vnchangeable good, is proper to God alone. Secondly, God tried their obedience in those things about which they were conversant.