A09339:2016
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.
For the first, Reprobation is Gods decree, in which because it so pleased him, he hath purposed to refuse some men by means of Adams fall and their own corruptions, for the manifestation of his justice. First, I say, it is a decree, and that is evident thus. If there be an eternal decree of God, whereby he chooseth some men, then there must needs be another decree whereby he doth pass by others and refuse them. For election always implies a refusal. Again, what God doth in time, that he decreed to do before time: as the case falls out even with men of mean wisdom, who first of all intend with themselves the things to be done and after do them. But god in time refuseth some men as the scripture testifieth, and it appeareth to be true by the event: Therefore God before all worlds decreed the rejecting of some men.
For the first, Reprobation is Gods decree, in which because it so pleased him, he hath purposed to refuse some men by meanes of Adams fall and their owne corruptions, for the manifestation of his iustice. First, I say, it is a decree, and that is euident thus. If there be an eternall decree of God, whereby he chooseth some men, then there must needes be another decree whereby he doth passe by others and refuse them. For election alwaies implies a refusall. Againe, what God doth in time, that he decreed to doe before time: as the case falls out euen with men of mean wisdome, who first of al intend with themselues the things to be done and after do them. But god in time refuseth some men as the scripture testifieth, and it appeareth to be true by the euent: Therefore God before all worldes decreed the reiecting of some men.
Now in this decree four points are to be considered. The first is the matter or object thereof, which is the thing decreed, namely the rejection of some men in respect of mercy, or, the manifestation of his justice upon them. This may seem strange to mans reason• but here we must with all submission strike our top-sails, for the word of God sayeth as much in plain terms. The Apostle Jude speaking of false Prophets saith,