A09339:3378
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.
Namely, the affections of the corrupt nature and flesh, into the affections of the divine nature and spirit. Hence it is, that the Apostle saith,1 that they which are borne anew, do walk according to the spirit, and not after the flesh: and not to savour the things of the flesh, but the things of the spirit. And the chief affections of the flesh, are the love of sin, that is, the concupiscence of the flesh: and contrariwise the hatred of righteousness, and the law of God, which are not of the Father, but of the world. Therefore the chief affections of regeneration and the spirit, are the love of righteousness and of the law of God, and the hatred of sin. For that which is spoken chiefly of Christ: Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity;2 is to be understood of all the members of Christ, endued with his spirit, because it is truly accomplished in them. Hence it is, that David who in himself did represent the disposition of all the regenerate, said of himself,3 I have loved thy law, thy law is in the middle of my heart, I have hated all the workers of iniquity, I will not sit with the wicked. Also Paul, I am delighted, saith he, in the law of God, according to the inner man: that is, in as much as I am borne anew. And no man doubteth, but that both these affections are the effects of predestination, except he be ignorant that all these are the gifts of God: which as in time he bestoweth on his, so also he hath decreed to bestow them on them before the foundation of the world. And from these two affections, being the first fruits of regeneration, ariseth a care and endeavour to do good works, that is, to fly sin, and to fulfil the law of God: which is the seventh effect of predestination. For he which hateth any thing from his heart, he taketh heed of it as much as he can, and he fleeth from it, and escheweth it: and on the contrary, he which loveth any thing from his heart, that also he seeketh after, and endeavoureth himself to the compassing of it. Therefore the Apostle John,4 maketh this a chief difference between the sons of God, and the children of the devil, that is, between them that are borne anew, and them that are not borne anew: that the children of God both love ⟨p. 709⟩