A09339:3747
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.
Hence we are taught, that since the fall, there is no free-will in man in spiritual ⟨p. 768⟩matters, concerning either the worship of God or life everlasting. For flesh is nothing else but our natural disposition: and man is nothing else but flesh by nature: for the spirit comes afterward by grace: and the flesh is flat contrary to the spirit, which makes us do that which is pleasing unto God. Wherefore the will naturally is a flat bondslave unto sin.
Hence we are taught, that since the fall, there is no free-will in man in spirituall ⟨p. 768⟩matters, concerning either the worship of God or life euerlasting. For flesh is nothing else but our naturall disposition: and man is nothing else but flesh by nature: for the spirit comes afterward by grace: and the flesh is flatte contrarie to the spirit, which makes vs doe that which is pleasing vnto God. Wherefore the will naturally is a flat bondslaue vnto sinne.
Again, hence we may learn, that it is not an easy matter to practise religion: which is to live according to the spirit, to which our natural disposition is as contrary as fire to water: wherefore if we will obey God, we must learn to force our natures to the duties of godliness; yea, even sweat and take pains therein.
Againe, hence we may learne, that it is not an easie matter to practise religion: which is to liue according to the spirit, to which our naturall disposition is as contrarie as fire to water: wherefore if we will obey God, we must learne to force our natures to the duties of godlines; yea, euen sweate and take paines therein.