A09339:2051
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.
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,1 and (as afterward we shall see) all are not called.2 And he further saith, that all which are given unto him shall be one with him and have life everlasting: but all men shall not be one with him and have life everlasting: and therefore all men are not given to Christ of the father, that is, ordained to salvation. And the Scripture saith, that all mens names are not written in the book of life:3 and that the kingdom of heaven was not prepared for all. And whereas men build this their universal election upon the largeness of the promise of the Gospel: upon the like ground they might as well make an universal decree of Reprobation, whereby God decrees all men to be damned indefinitely upon this condition, if they do not believe. Now if universal Reprobation be absurd, as it is indeed; then universal Election of all and every man must take part therewith.
Vniuersall grace hath three parts. Vniuersall Election: vniuersall Redemption: vniuersall Vocation. Vniuersall Election of all and euery man, is a witlesse conceit: for if men vniuersally 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 needes be in election, then is not grace vniuersall. And it is flat against the word of God. For Christ auoucheth plainely that fewer be chosen then called,1 and (as afterward we shall see) all are not called.2 And he further saith, that all which are giuen vnto him shall be one with him and haue life euerlasting: but all men shall not be one with him and haue life euerlasting: and therefore all men are not giuen to Christ of the father, that is, ordained to saluation. And the Scripture saith, that all mens names are not written in the booke of life: