A09339:3365
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.
But if any shall take an occasion the rather of doubting of his election, then §111of confirming himself in it,1 of that which hath been spoken as concerning the fruits of the spirit, and the effects of predestination: and that peradventure because he can feel in himself few & very weak fruits of regeneration and election: yet let him not be discouraged, neither let him doubt of his election: but let him underset himself with these props. First of all, if ever he truly felt in himself that testimony of the spirit (which before I mentioned) namely that he is the son of GOD: let him know undoubtedly, that he is such a one, and therefore elected to eternal life. For the holy ghost never beareth record, or persuadeth a man of that which is false, for he is the spirit of trueth. And they are not the sons of God, except they have been predestinate (as the Apostle saith) to adoption by Christ: and none that is the Son of God and a man elected, can be made a reprobate, and the child of the devil. Therefore, albeit he feel in himself both few and feeble effects of regeneration, yet let him not doubt of his election: otherwise he shall disgrace the testimony which he hath received of the holy Ghost, yea and that too which as yet he enjoyeth: although peradventure by reason that his mind is troubled by evil affections, that testimony of the holy spirit can scarce be heard in him. For the true testimony of our adoption by the holy Ghost, being once given unto our spirit, lasteth for ever: although it is otherwhiles heard more plainly,2 and at other times is more slenderly and scarce perceived. But how (say you) may I know, whether the testimony doeth proceed from the holy Ghost, and therefore whether it be a true and certain testimony. I answer first by the persuasion: secondly, by the manner of the persuasion: lastly, by the effects of this testimony and persuasion. For the first, the holy Ghost doeth not simply say it, but doth persuade with us, that we are the Sons drawn of God; and no flesh can do this. Again he persuades us by reasons drawn not from our works, or from any worthiness in us; but from the alone goodness of God the Father, and grace of Christ. In this manner the devil will never persuade any.
But if any shall take an occasion the rather of doubting of his election, then §111