A09339:3735
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.
By reason of this fight, when unbelief prevails, the very child of God may fall into fits and pangs of despair: as Job and David in their temptations did. For David once considering the prosperity of the wicked, brake out into this speech.1 Certainly I have cleansed mine heart in vain, and washed mine hands in innocency. Yea, this despair may be so extreme, that it shall weaken the body and consume it, more then any sickness. No man is to think this strange in the child of God. For though he despair of his election and salvation in Christ yet his desperation is neither total nor final. It is not total, because he doth not despair with his whole heart, faith even at that instant lusting against ⟨p. 766⟩despair. It is not final, because he shall recover before the last end of his life.
By reason of this fight, when vnbeleefe preuailes, the very childe of God may fall into fits and pangs of despaire: as Iob and Dauid in their temptations did. For Dauid once considering the propseritie of the wicked, brake out into this speech.1 Certainly I haue clensed mine heart in vaine, and washed mine hands in innocency. Yea, this despaire may be so extreame, that it shall weaken the bodie and consume it, more then any sicknesse. No man is to thinke this strange in the child of God. For though hee despaire of his election and saluation in Christ yet his desperation is neither totall nor finall. It is not totall, because he doth not dispaire with his whole heart, faith euen at that instāt lusting against ⟨p. 766⟩despaire. It is not finall, because he shall recouer before the last end of his life.