A09339:3143
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.
Desertions thus described are of two sorts, eternal and temporary.
Desertions thus described are of two sorts, eternall and temporarie.
Eternal desertions are those, whereby God upon just causes known to himself forsakes his creature wholly and for ever. Thus the devil with his angels, and that part of mankind which is prepared to destruction, is forsaken. For first, God before all worlds, did decree according to the purpose of his own will to refuse them without the grant of any mercy. Secondly, after they are created and live in the world, he giveth them no Saviour. For Christ is only the redeemer of the Elect, and of no more: which may thus appear. For whom Christ makes no Intercession, for them he hath wrought no Redemption. But for them only which are elected & shall believe in him, he makes intercession. I pray (saith he) not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me. And again,1 I pray not for these alone, but for them also which shall believe in me through their word. Wherefore Christ is a redeemer to none but to the Elect. Thirdly, he reserveth them to eternal damnation for their sins; which is a total separation from God, and the accomplishment of all other Desertions.
Eternal desertions are those, wherby God vpon iust causes known to himselfe forsakes his creature wholly and for euer. Thus the deuill with his angels, and that part of mankinde which is prepared to destruction, is forsaken. For first, God before all worlds, did decree according to the purpose of his owne will to refuse them without the graunt of any mercie. Secondly, after they are created and liue in the world, he giueth them no Sauiour. For Christ is onely the redeemer of the Elect, and of no more: which may thus appeare. For whō Christ makes no Intercession, for thē he hath wrought no Redemption. But for them onely which are elected & shall beleeue in him, he makes intercession. I pray (saith he) not for the world, but for them which thou hast giuen me. And againe,1