A09339:185
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.
I. In the mind. The remnant of Gods image, is certain notions concerning good and evil: as, that there is a God, and that the same God punisheth transgressions: that there is an everlasting life: that we must reverence our superiors, & not harm our neighbours. But even these notions, they are both general and corrupt, and have none other use, but to bereave man of all excuse before Gods judgement seat. Rom. 1.19,20. That which may be known concerning God, is manifest in them: for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him, that is, his eternal power & Godhead, are seen by the creation of the world, being considered in his works, to the intent they should be without excuse.
I. In the minde. The remnant of Gods image, is certaine notions concerning good and euill: as, that there is a God, and that the same God punisheth transgressions: that there is an euerlasting life: that we must reuerence our superiours, & not harme our neighbours. But euen these notions, they are both generall and corrupt, and haue none other vse, but to bereaue man of all excuse before Gods iudgement seat. Rom. 1.19,20. That which may be known concerning God, is manifest in them: for God hath shewed it vnto them. For the inuisible things of him, that is, his eternall power & Godhead, are seene by the creation of the world, being considered in his works, to the intent they should be without excuse.
Mens minds received from Adam: 1. Ignorance, namely, a want, or rather a deprivation of knowledge in the things of God, whether they concern his sincere worship, or eternal happiness. 1. Cor. 2.14. The natural man perceiveth not the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Rom. 8.7. The wisdom of the flesh is enmity with God, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.