A09339:4157
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.
Thus I have in some part made manifest, that an unfallible certainty of pardon of sin and life everlasting is the property of every renewed conscience. Now therefore I will proceed further to consider how this certainty is caused and imprinted in the conscience. The principal agent and beginner thereof, is the holy Ghost, enlightening the mind and conscience with spiritual and divine light: and the instrument in this action, is the ministry of the Gospel whereby the word of life is applied in the name of God to the person of every hearer. And this certainty is by little and little conceived in a form of reasoning or practical syllogism framed in the mind by the holy Ghost, on this manner: Every one that believes is the child of God: But I do believe: Therefore I am the child of God.
Thus I haue in some part made manifest, that an vnfallible certentie of pardon of sinne and life euerlasting is the propertie of euery renued conscience. Now therefore I will proceede further to consider howe this certentie is caused and imprinted in the conscience. The principall agent and beginner thereof, is the holy Ghost, inlightning the mind and conscience with spiritual and diuine light: and the instrument in this action, is the ministerie of the Gospel whereby the word of life is applied in the name of God to the person of euery hearer. And this certaintie is by little and little conceiued in a forme of reasoning or practicall syllogisme framed in the mind by the holy Ghost, on this manner: Euery one that beleeues is the child of God: But I doe beleeue: Therefore I am the child of God.
The proposition is made by the minister of the word in the public congregation: and it is nothing else but the promise of eternal life applied to the particular hearers. The second part or the assumption is the voice of conscience regenerate or the voice of Gods spirit in the same. Now Papists write and avouch that the assumption is false: but the reasons which they use to prove the same, are of small moment. First they allege, that many are deceived in their persuasions, thinking they have that which they have not: I answer again that many do falsely presume of Gods mercy, and imagine they have that faith which they have not: and in all such the assumption is false: yet in all them that are chosen to salvation and truly called, it is unfallibly true. For such as have received the gift of true faith, have also another gift of discerning whereby they see and know their own faith. It is further objected that Jeremiah saith, 17.9. The heart is deceitful and wicked above all things, who can know it? But the intent of this place is only to show, that no man can search his