A09339:3361
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.
Now by the imprinting of these forms & types in us, as the seal is in wax: the very first patterns themselves are known what they are.
Now by the imprinting of these formes & types in vs, as the seale is in wax: the very first patterns themselues are knowne what they are.
Furthermore, that there is no man elected to eternal life, which shall not be sealed up in the time appointed with these marks of Gods election: It is manifest out of these places of scripture, which treat of election and predestination. The Apostle teacheth,1 that we were elected, that we might be holy and without blame. Also he teacheth, that all they whom God hath predestinated, are likewise called and justified, and by consequent endued with faith and knowledge of God, by which they take him for their father: with love also, wherewith they love him as a father: Also with a good will and constant purpose, by which they desire constantly his glory. Again, he saith in another place, the foundation standeth sure, having this seal (in respect of GOD) the Lord knoweth who are his. 2Now in respect of us, he putteth down another seal, saying: let him depart from iniquity which calleth upon the name of the Lord: for with this mark, all the elect are branded. They call upon the name of the Lord, and depart from iniquity: seeking after holiness and a good conscience.3 And this is that sealing which is so often mentioned in the scriptures: As when in the Apocalypse it is said, that an innumerable multitude was sealed to the Lord. For, like as the father sealed Jesus Christ as he was man & Mediator; so also the rest of his children he hath sealed, & doeth daily seal with sure notes and seals to distinguish them from other men, & the children ⟨p. 702⟩of this age. For God is said to have anointed us, and sealed us, and given us the earnest of his spirit in our hearts. And again, to have sealed us with the holy spirit of promise, and that to the day of redemption. As it is easy to discern a right seal from a counterfeit, so the true souls of God (by the sealing of the spirit) are distinguished from hypocrites, & lawful children from bastards.