A09339:1991
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.
Answer. Davids enemies had not their names written in the book of life but only in the judgement of men. Thus Judas so long as he was one of the disciples of ⟨p. 459⟩Christ, was accounted as one having his name written in heaven. Now hence it follows, that mens names are blotted out of Gods book, when it is made clear and manifest unto the world, that they were never indeed written there. And where Moses saith, Forgive them this sin: if not, blot me out of thy book: and Paul, I could wish to be accursed, &c. there meaning was, not to signify that men elected to salvation might become reprobates: only they testify their zealous affections, that they could be content to be deprived of their own salvation, rather then the whole body of the people should perish, and God loose his glory. As for that which Christ saith,1 Have I not chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil, it is to be understood not of election to salvation, but of election to office of an Apostle; which is temporary and changeable.
Answer. Dauids enemies had not their names written in the booke of life but onely in the iudgement of men. Thus Iudas so long as hee was one of the disciples of ⟨p. 459⟩Christ, was accounted as one hauing his name written in heauen. Now hence it followes, that mens names are blotted out of Gods booke, when it is made cleare and manifest vnto the worlde, that they were neuer indeede written there. And where Moses saith, Forgiue them this sinne: if not, blotte me out of thy bo•ke: and Paul, I could wish to be accursed, &c. there meaning was, not to signifie that men elected to saluation might become reprobates: onely they testifie their zealous affections, that they could bee content to be depriued of their owne saluation, rather then the whole bodie of the people should perish, and God loose his glorie. As for that which Christ saith,1 Haue I not chosen you twelue, and one of you is a deuill, it is to be vnderstood not of election to saluation, but of election to office of an Apostle; which is temporarie and changeable.