A09339:2060
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 last defect in the platform is, that they ascribe unto God a wrong end of his counsels: namely the communication of mercy or goodness in eternal happiness. For the absolute and sovereign end of all Gods doings must be answerable to his nature, which is not mercy and love alone, but also justice it self: and therefore the right end is the manifestation of his glory both in justice and mercy by the express testimony of scripture. Again, if the communication of his goodness were the highest end of all his counsels, all men without exception should be saved, because God can not be frustrated of his end and purposed: & if but one man be damned, he is damned; either because God will not save him, or because he can not. If they say he will not, then is he changeable; if he can not, then is he not omnipotent, considering his purpose was to convey happiness to all creatures.
The last defect in the platforme is, that they ascribe vnto God a wrong end of his counsels: namely the communication of mercie or goodnesse in eternal happines. For the absolute and soueraigne ende of all Gods doings must bee answerable to his nature, which is not mercie and loue alone, but also iustice it selfe: and therefore the right ende is the manifestation of his glorie both in iustice and mercie by the expresse testimonie of scripture. Againe, if the communication of his goodnes were the highest end of all his counsells, all men without exception should be saued, because God can not be frustrated of his end and purposed: & if but one man be damned, he is damned; either because God will not saue him, or because he can not. If they say he will not, then is he changeable; if he can not, then is he not omnipotent, considering his purpose was to conuey happinesse to all creatures.
Thus much of the efficient cause of the Church, namely Gods predestination: ⟨p. 482⟩which doctrine could not here be omitted considering no man can believe himself to be a member of the Church, unless withal he believe that he is predestinate to life everlasting. Now we come to the second point, namely the Mystical union, which is the very form of the Church, whereby all that believe are made one with Christ.