A09339:4142
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.
Arg. 4. Abraham's faith was a full persuasion whereby he applied the promise unto himself, Rom. 4.21. And this faith of his is an example propounded unto us according to which we are to believe: and therefore h• is called the father of the faithful, v. 16. and Paul having set down the nature and effects of his faith, saith, It was written not only for him but also for us which believe. v. 22. It is objected that Abraham's faith was not of salvation but it concerned his issue in his old age; as Paul saith, Rom. 4. 18. Abraham above hope believed that he should be the father of many nations: according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. Ans. We must distinguish the object of faith, which is either principal or less principal. Principal, is always Christ with his benefits: less principal, are other less and particular benefits obtained by Christ. As of Abraham's faith the object less principal was a carnal seed or issue: and the principal object most of all respected as the foundation of all other blessings, was the blessed seed Christ Jesus. Gal. 3.16. To Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to the seeds, as of many• but, and to thy seed, as of one, which is Christ. And v•. 29. If ye be Christs, then Abraham's seed. Thus it is plain that issue was neither promised nor desired but with respect to Christ, who could not have descended of Abraham, if he had been wholly without seed.
Arg. 4. Abrahams faith was a full perswasion whereby he applied the promise vnto himselfe, Rom. 4.21. And this faith of his is an example propounded vnto vs according to which we are to beleeue: and therefore h• is called the father of the faithfull, v. 16. and Paul hauing set downe the nature and effects of his faith, saith, It was written not only for him but also for vs which beleeue. v. 22. It is obiected that Abrahams faith was not of saluation but it concerned his ishue in his old age; as Paul saith,