A09339:1999
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.
Touching the knowledge of particular election, two special points are to be scanned: I. whether a man may know his election: II. how it may be known. For the first, Papists are of mind that no man can certainly know his own election unless he be certified thereof by some special revelation from God: but the thing is false and erroneous which they say. When the disciples of our Saviour Christ returned from preaching, and showed what wonders they had done, and how devils were subject unto them, the text saith they rejoiced greatly. But Christ answered them again, saying,1 In this rejoice not, but rather rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Whereby he signifies that men may attain to a certain knowledge of their own election. For we can not, neither do we rejoice in things either unknown or uncertain. Saint Peter saith,2 Give all diligence to make your election sure. Now in vain were it to use diligence if the assurance of election could not be any ways compassed without an extraordinary revelation. And Paul saith to the Corinthians, ⟨p. 462⟩Prove your selves whether ye be in the faith or not. 3Where he takes it for granted, that he which hath faith may know that he hath faith, and therefore may also know his election: because saving faith is an unfallible mark of election.
Touching the knowledge of particular election, two speciall points are to be skanned: I. whether a man may know his election: II. how it may be knowne. For the first, Papists are of mind that no man can certenly know his owne election vnlesse he be certified thereof by some speciall reuelation from God: but the thing is false and erroneous which they say. When the disciples of our Sauiour Christ returned from preaching, and shewed what wonders they had done, and how deuills were subiect vnto them, the text saith they reioyced greatly. But Christ answered them againe, saying,1 In this reioyce not, but rather reioyce that your names are written in heauen. Whereby he signifies that men may attaine to a certen knowledge of their owne election. For we can not, neither doe we reioyce in things either vnknowne or vncerten. Saint Peter saith,