A09339:2032
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.
Lastly it may be demanded, what is to be thought of them that make very fearful ends in raving and blaspheming. Ans. Such strange behaviours are oftentimes the fruits of violent diseases which torment the body, and bereave the mind of sense and reason: and therefore if the persons lived well, we must think the best: for we are not by outward things to judge of the estate of any man. Solomon saith, that all things come alike to all, and the same condition to the just and to the wicked.
Lastly it may be demanded, what is to be thought of them that make very fearefull endes in rauing and blaspheming. Ans. Such straunge behauiours are oftentimes the fruits of violent diseases which torment the bodie, and bereaue the minde of sense and reason: and therefore if the persons liued wel, we must think the best: for we are not by outward things to iudge of the estate of any man. Salomon saith, that all things come alike to al, and the same condition to the iust and to the wicked.
Thus much of the parts of Predestination. Now follows the use thereof: and it concerns partly our judgements, partly our affections, and partly our lives. The uses which concern judgement are three. And first by the doctrine of Predestination we learn that there cannot be any justification of a sinner before God by his works. For Gods election is the cause of justification, because whom God electeth to salvation after this life, them he electeth to be justified in this life. Now election it self is of grace and of grace alone, as Paul saith,1 Election is by grace, and if it be of grace, it is no more of works: or else were grace no grace: therefore justification is of grace and of grace alone: & I reason thus. The cause of a cause is the cause of all things caused: but grace alone is the cause of predestination, which is the cause of our vocation, justification ⟨p. 474⟩sanctification, &c. Grace therefore is also the alone cause of all these. Therefore the Scriptures ascribe not only the beginning, but also the continuance and accomplishment of all our happiness to grace. For first, as election, so vocation is of grace. Paul saith,