A09339:3719
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.
In this verse we have to observe five points. The first, that there is a combat between the flesh and the spirit, in these words, The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. The second is, the matter of this combat, which stands in the contrary lusting of the flesh and the spirit. The third, is the cause of the combat, in these words, and those are contrary. The fourth is the subject or person in whom this combat is, noted in these words, So that ye the Galatians. The last is the effect of the combat, in the last words, that they cannot do, &c.
In this verse we haue to obserue fiue points. The first, that there is a combat betweene the flesh and the spirit, in these words, The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. The second is, the matter of this combat, which stands in the contrary lusting of the flesh and the spirit. The third, is the cause of the combate, in these words, and those are contrarie. The fourth is the subiect or person in whome this combat is, noted in these wordes, So that yee the Galathians. The last is the effect of the combate, in the last words, that they cannot doe, &c.
Touching the combat it self divers points are to be considered. The first, what these two, which make combat, namely, the flesh, & the spirit, are. They have divers significations. First of all, the spirit is taken for the soul, and the flesh for the body. But so they are not taken in this place. For there is no such ⟨p. 763⟩combat between the body and the soul: both which agree together to make the person of one man. Secondly, the spirit signifies natural reason, & the flesh the natural appetite or concupiscence. But they cannot be so understood in this place. For the spirit here mentioned doth fight even against natural reason: which though it serve to make a man without excuse, yet is it an enemy to the spirit. Thirdly, the spirit signifies the Godhead of Christ, and the flesh the manhood: but it must not be so taken here. For then every man regenerate should be deified. Lastly, the spirit signifies a created quality of holiness, which by the holy Ghost is wrought in the mind, will, and affections of man: and the flesh, the natural corruption or inclination of the mind, will, and affections to that which is against the law. In this sense these twain are taken in this place.