A09339:2023
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.
Thus we have seen what Reprobation is: now follows the execution thereof, for that which God decrees before time, in time he executes. And here a special rule to be remembered is this. Those which are ordained to just dā nation, are likewise ordained to be left to themselves in this world, in blindness of mind and hardness of heart, so as they neither shall nor will repent of their sins. The trueth of this we may see in Gods word. For S. Peter speaking of the priests and Doctors, and chief of the people among the Jews saith plainly,1 They stumbled at the word, and are disobedient. Why so? the reason is there set down, because they were ordained to it of old. And so Paul saith to the Corinthians, that he handled not the word of God deceitfully, but in the declaration of the trueth he approved himself to every mans conscience in the sight of God. Now hereupon it might be said: how then comes it to pass that all receive not the Gospel in Corinth; and to this he answers with a terrible sentence,2 If (saith he) our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that perish: giving us to understand, that God leaves them to themselves in this world, whom he purposeth to refuse. And the Lord by the Prophet Isaiah saith of the Jews,3 By hearing they shall hear and not understand, and by seeing they shall see & not perceive, least they should hear with their ears, and see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and so turn and be saved.
Thus we haue seene what Reprobation is: nowe followes the execution thereof, for that which God decrees before time, in time hee executes. And here a speciall rule to be remembred is this. Those which are ordained to iust dā nation, are likewise ordained to be left to themselues in this worlde, in blindnesse of minde and hardnesse of heart, so as they neither shall nor will repent of their sinnes. The trueth of this we may see in Gods word. For S. Peter speaking of the priests and Doctours, and cheife of the people among the Iewes saith plainly,1 They stumbled at the word, and are disobedient. Why so? the reason is there set downe, because they were ordained to it of olde. And so Paul saith to the Corinthians, that he handled not the word of God deceitfully, but in the declaration of the trueth he approoued himselfe to euery mans conscience in the sight of God. Nowe hereupon it might be saide: howe then comes it to passe that all receiue not the Gospel in Corinth; and to this hee answers with a terrible sentence,