A09339:2055
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 preaching of the Gospel is an ordinance of God appointed for the gathering together and the accomplishment of the number of the elect: and therefore in the ministry of the word, grace and salvation is offered principally and directly to the elect;, and only by consequent to them which are ordained to just damnation: because they are mingled with the elect in the same societies: and because the ministers of God, not knowing his secret counsel, in charity think all to be elect. And though God in offering grace do not confer it to all, yet is there no delusion. For the offering of grace doth not only serve for the conversion of a sinner, but also to be an occasion by mens fault of blinding the mind and hardening the heart, and of taking away excuse in the day of judgement.
The preaching of the Gospell is an ordinance of God appointed for the gathering togither and the accomplishment of the number of the elect: and therefore in the ministerie of the word, grace and saluation is offered principally and directly to the elect;, and onely by consequent to them which are ordained to iust damnation: because they are mingled with the elect in the same societies: and because the ministers of God, not knowing his secret counsell, in charitie thinke all to be elect. And though God in offering grace doe not conferre it to all, yet is there no delusion. For the offering of grace doth not onely serue for the conuersion of a sinner, but also to be an occasion by mens fault of blinding the minde and hardening the heart, and of taking away excuse in the day of iudgement.
To conclude this point; Universal redemption of all men, we grant: the Scripture saith so: and there is an universality among the elect and believers: but universal Redemption of all and every man as well the damned as the elect and that effectually, we renounce as having neither footing in the scripture, nor in the writings of any ancient and orthodox divine, for many hundred years after Christ, his words not depraved and mistaken.
To conclude this point; Vniuersall redemption of all men, we graunt: the Scripture saith so: and there is an vniuersalitie among the elect and beleeuers: but vniuersall Redemption of all and euery man as well the damned as the elect and that effectually, wee renounce as hauing neither footing in the scripture, nor in the writings of any ancient and orthodoxe diuine, for many hundred yeares after Christ, his wordes not depraued and mistaken.