A09339:2406
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
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.
Lead us not] Or carry us not into temptation. To be led, is to be overcome of the temptation when it prevails and wholly gets the victory: so as men tempted are brought to perdition. Then the meaning is this• When we are moved or enticed to sin, Lord keep us that we be not overcome; and give thou an issue with the temptation.
Lead vs not] Or carrie vs not into temptation. To be led, is to be ouercome of the temptation when it preu•iles and wholly gets the victorie: so as men tempted are brought to perdition. Then the meaning is this• When wee are mooued or entised to sinne, Lord keep vs that we bee not ouercome; and giue thou an issue with the temptation.
Quest. God is just and cannot sin: but if he lead men into temptation shall he not be the author of sin? Ans. Indeed many fearing to charge God with sin, read the words thus, Suffer us not to be led. But the text is very plain, Lead, or carry us not. And the scriptures elsewhere, use the like phrases of god. ⟨p. 557⟩Exod. 7.3. God is said to harden Pharaohs heart. 2. Sam. 24. 1. The Lord moved David to number the people. 2. Thess. 2.11. God sent strong delusions that men might believe lies. These and such like places have a special meaning, thus to be gathered. There is no action of man, or of the devil, absolutely evil: but although in some respects it be evil, yet in some other it is good: for we are not to think that as there is a main or absolute good, so also there is a main or absolute evil. Thus then, temptation being an action, it is not in every respect evil: but in some good, in some evil. And so far forth as it is good, the Lord works it: but as it is evil, he doth not work it, but willingly permits it to be done by man and Satan.