A09339:3161
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.
Hence it follows, that when any that hath been a professor of the gospel shall despair at his end; that men are to leave secret judgements to God, and charitably to judge the best of them. For example,e one Master Chambers at Leicester of late, in his sickness grievously despaired, and cried out that he was damned, and after died: yet it is not for any to note him with the black mark of a reprobate. One thing which he spake in his extremity (O that I had but one drop of faith) must move all men to conceive well of him. For by this it seemeth that he had an heart which desired to repent & believe; & therefore a repentant and believing heart indeed. For God at all times, but especially in temptation, of his great mercy accepts the will for the deed. Neither is it to be regarded that he said he was damned; for men in such cases speak not as they are, but as they feel themselves to be.
Hence it follows, that when any that hath beene a professour of the gospel shall despaire at his end; that men are to leaue secret iudgements to God, and charitably to iudge the best of them. For example,e one Master Chambers at Leicester of late, in his sicknes grieuously despaired, and cried out that he was damned, and after died: yet it is not for any to note him with the blacke marke of a reprobate. One thing which hee spake in his extremitie (O that I had but one drop of faith) must mooue all men to conceiue well of him. For by this it seemeth that he had an heart which desired to repent & beleeue; & therefore a repentant and beleeuing heart indeed. For God at all times, but especially in temptation, of his great mercy accepts the will for the deed. Neither is it to be regarded that he said he was damned; for mē in such cases speak not as they are, but as they feele themselues to be.
- eSee the books written of his death.
Yea, to go further, when a professor of the gospel shall make away himself, though it be a fearful case, yet still the same opinion must be carried. First, Gods judgements are very secret. Secondly, they may repent in the very agony for any thing we know. Thirdly, none is able to comprehend the bottomless depth of the graces and mercies which are in Christ.