A09339:3140
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.
Neither must any think it to be cruelty in God to forsake his creature which he hath made: for he is sovereign Lord over all his works: and for that cause he is not bound to any; and he may do with his own whatsoever he will. And this his will is not to be blamed: for men are not to imagine, that a thing must first be just, and then afterward that God doth will it: but contrariwise, first God wills a thing, and thereupon it becomes just.
Neither must any thinke it to be crueltie in God to forsake his creature which he hath made: for he is soueraigne Lord ouer all his works: and for that cause he is not bound to any; and he may doe with his owne whatsoeuer he will. And this his will is not to be blamed: for men are not to imagine, that a thing must first be iust, and then afterward that God doth will it: but contrariwise, first God wills a thing, and thereupon it becomes iust.
Again, sin is so wretched a thing in the eyes of God, that he utterly forsakes his creature for a punishment thereof. Now every thing, so far forth as it is a chastisement or punishment, is good; considering that the inflicting thereof is the execution of justice.
Againe, sinne is so wretched a thing in the eyes of God, that he vtterly forsakes his creature for a punishment thereof. Now euery thing, so farre forth as it is a chastisment or punishment, is good; considering that the inflicting therof is the execution of iustice.
And God never forsakes the creature against the will thereof: but in the very time of Desertion, it voluntarily forsaketh and refuseth grace, and chooseth to be forsaken: wherefore if any hurt or misery ensue thereof, let the creature blame it self and praise the Lord.