A09339:3382
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.
Wherefore by this means the doctrine also of the Pelagians is confuted as touching predestination to life,1 by our faith and works, which God foresaw we should do. Whereas on the contrary, therefore God did predestinate us to faith and good works, because he did choose us to eternal life. For the Apostle saith not, I obtained mercy, because I was faithful, or because I should be faithful,2 but that I might be faithful. Neither, saith he, that we are elected in Christ, because we should be holy and without blame, but that we might be holy and without blame. Neither doth he say, that we were created in Christ, because we did or should do good works: but we were created to good works:3 which God prepared that we might walk in them. Lastly, he saith not, that the grace of Christ appeared, because we were to live soberly, justly, and godly, but that it therefore appeared, that we denying all ungodliness, and the lusts of this world, might live soberly, justly, and godly i• this present world. We see therefore, that by this doctrine, that wicked opinion is overthrown, which teacheth, that we do prevent the grace of God by our merits which God foresaw. And on the contrary, here we see, how foully the bellygods of this world are ⟨p. 711⟩deceived, which reason thus: if we be predestinate to eternal life, and our predestination be certain and unchangeable, what need we endeavour our selves, believe or do good works? for howsoever it fall out, and howsoever the elect do live, undoubtedly they cannot perish, because they are predestinate to eternal life. Alas poor wretches, they see not, that they sever those things that are to be conjoined, namely the end and the means of the end: & that they break the chain, which in no wise either can or must be loosed, whilst that they sever their calling & justification: yea and Faith too & good works, from predestination and glorification. As though God did glorify them whom he did predestinate, before he called and justified them: yea and before they can believe, and show their quick and lively faith by works. Contrariwise, let us learn what our duty is. If any be elect to eternal life, they also are predestinate to the means by which they come unto it. And we believe (as we are bound to do) that we are predestinate to eternal life: