A09339:168
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
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.
CHAP. 11. Of mans fall and disobedience.
Adams fall, was his willing revolting to disobedience by eating the forbidden fruit. In Adams fall, we may note the manner, greatness, and fruit of it.
Adams fall, was his willing reuolting to disobedience by eating the forbidden fruite. In Adams fall, we may note the manner, greatnesse, and fruite of it.
I. The manner of Adams fall, was on this sort. First, the devil, having immediately before fallen himself, insinuateth unto our first parents, that both the punishment for eating the forbidden fruit was uncertain, and that God was not true in his word unto them. Secondly, by this his legerdemain, he blinded the eyes of their understanding. Thirdly, being thus blinded, they begin to distrust God, and to doubt of Gods favour. Fourthly, they thus doubting, are moved to behold the forbidden fruit. Fifthly, they no sooner see the beauty thereof, but they desire it. Sixthly, that they may satisfy their desire, they eat of the fruit, which by the hands of the woman, was taken from the tree: by which act they become utterly disloyal to God. Gen. 3.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8. Thus without constraint, they willingly fall from their integrity, God upon just causes leaving them to themselves, and freely suffering them to fall. For we must not think that mans fall was either by chance, or God not knowing it, or barely winking at it, or by his bare permission, or against his will: but rather miraculously, not without the will of God, but yet without all approbation of it. II. The greatness of this transg must be esteemed, not by the external