A09339:2619
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.
XXVI.
yAfter that he hath sinned, he doth in many things in which he is faulty, amend and reform his life, and doth profess great holiness outwardly. Herod, he did many things which John Baptist in preaching moved him unto: Saul, when he was to be chosen king, professed great humility. They may repress their vices and corruptions, and so moderate themselves that they break not outz as did Haman; of whom it is written: that when he was full of indignation against Mordecai, yet he refrain himself. And herein the Elect and the Reprobate differ: fora the elect are somewhat reformed in every one of their sins. But the reprobate, though he be amend in many faults: yet someone fault or other, he cannot abide to have it reformed; and by that, in a vile manner ⟨p. 580⟩the devil wholly possesseth him. As Herod, who did many things, yet would not leave his brothers wife. And no doubt, in Judas most of his sins in appearance were mortified: and yet by covetousness the devil possessed him, and held him fast chained in bondage under him. For one sin is sufficient to him, that by it he may bring a man to damnation. Secondly, in infidels living honestly, the spirit of God bridleth the force of sin, & the corrupt nature that it break not out, as it doth in many other. But in Christians that are indeed godly, the same spirit not only represseth the corruption of nature outwardly; but also mortifieth it within at the root, & regenerateth the whole man into a new creature. Thus then neither the faithful nor infidels do effect any thing that is laudable but by the spirit of god: the faithful by the spirit of regeneration: infidels by the same spirit, only suppressing the outward act of sin.