A09339:2628
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.
XXX.
When as a reprobate professeth thus much of the Gospel, though in deed he be a goat, yet he is taken for one of Gods sheep: he is kept in the same pastures, and is folded in the same fold with them.c He is counted a Christian of the children of God, and so he taketh himself to be; no doubt because through the dullness of his heart, he cannot try and examine himself, & therefore truly cannot discern of his estate, whether he be in Christ or not: and it may be thought, that Satan is ready with some false persuasion to deceive him. For this is his property, that upon whom God threateneth death, there Satan is bold to pronounce life and salvation: as on the contrary, to those, to whom God pronounceth love and mercy, to those (I say) he threateneth displeasure and damnation: such malice hath he against Gods children.
When as a reprobate professeth thus much of the Gospell, though in deed he be a goat, yet he is taken for one of Gods sheepe: he is kept in the same pastures, and is folded in the same fold with them.c He is counted a Christian of the children of God, and so he taketh himself to be; no doubt because through the dulnesse of his heart, he cannot trie and examine himselfe, & therfore truly cannnot discerne of his estate, whether he be in Christ or not: and it may be thought, that Sathan is readie with some false perswasion to deceiue him. For this is his propertie, that vpon whome God threatneth death, there Sathan is bold to pronounce life and saluation: as on the contrarie, to those, to whome God pronounceth loue and mercie, to those (I say) he threatneth displeasure and damnation: such malice hath he against Gods children.