A09339:2050
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.
The fourth defect, is the opinion of Universal saving grace, appertaining to all and every man: which may be fitly termed the School of universal Atheism. For it pulls down the pale of the Church, and lays it wast as every common field: it breeds a carelessness in the use of the means of grace, the word and Sacraments; when as men shall be persuaded that grace shall be offered to every one effectually, whether he be of the Church or not, at one time or other, wheresoever or howsoever he live: as in the like case, if men should be told that whether they live in the market town or no, there shall be sufficient provision ⟨p. 478⟩brought them, if they will but receive it and accept of it, who would then come to the market?
The fourth defect, is the opinion of Vniuersall sauing grace, a•pertaining to all and euery man: which may be fitly tearmed the Schoole of vniuersall Atheisme. For it pulls downe the pale of the Church, and laies it wast as euery common field: it breeds a carelesnes in the vse of the means of grace, the word and Sacraments; when as men shall be perswaded that grace shal be offered to euery one effectually, whether he be of the Church or not, at one time or other, wheresoeuer or howsoeuer he liue: as in the like case, if mē should be told that whether they liue in the market towne or no, there shall be sufficient prouision ⟨p. 478⟩brought them, if they will but receiue it and accept of it, who would then come to the market?
Universal grace hath three parts. Universal Election: universal Redemption: universal Vocation. Universal Election of all and every man, is a witless conceit: for if men universally be appointed to grace without exception, then there is no electing or choosing of some out of mankind to grace: and if some alone be appointed to grace, as it must needs be in election, then is not grace universal. And it is flat against the word of God. For Christ avoucheth plainly that fewer be chosen then called,