A09339:4297
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
Section 3 › Our reasons to the contrary.Section 3 › Our reasons to the contrarie.
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.
Reason II. Whatsoever the holy Ghost testifieth unto us, that we may, yea that we must certainly by faith believe: but the holy Ghost doeth particularly testify unto us our adoption, the remission of our sins, and the salvation of our souls: and therefore we may and must particularly and certainly by faith believe the same. The first part of this reason is true, and cannot be denied of any. The second part is proved thus: Saint Paul saith, Rom. 8.15. We have not received the spirit of bondage to fear: but the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, father: adding further, that the same spirit beareth witness with our spirits, that we are the children of God. Where the Apostle maketh two witnesses of our adoption: the spirit of God, and our spirits, that is, the conscience sanctified by the holy Ghost. The Papists to elude this reason, allege that the spirit of God doth indeed witness of our adoption, by some comfortable feelings of Gods love and favour, being such as are weak and oftentimes deceitful. But by their leaves, the testimony of the spirit is more then a bare sense or feeling of Gods grace: for it is called the pledge and earnest of Gods spirit in our hearts, 2. Cor. 1.22. and therefore it is fit to take away all occasion of doubting of our salvation: as in a bargain the earnest is given between the parties to put all out of question. Bernard saith, that the testimony of the spirit is a most sure testimony. epist. 107.
Reason II. Whatsoeuer the holy Ghost testifieth vnto vs, that we may, yea that we must certenly by faith beleeue: but the holy Ghost doeth particularly testifie vnto vs our adoption, the remission of our sinnes, and the saluation of our soules: and therefore we may and must particularly and certainly by faith beleeue the same. The first part of this reason is true, and cannot be denied of any. The second part is prooued thus: Saint Paul saith, Rom. 8.15. Wee haue not receiued the spirit of bondage to feare: but the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, father: adding further, that the same spirit beareth witnesse with our spirits, that we are the children of God. Where the Apostle maketh two witnesses of our adoption: the spirit of God, and our spirits, that is, the conscience sanctified by the holy Ghost. The Papists to elude this reason, alleadge that the spirit of God doth indeede witnesse of our adoption, by some comfortable feelings of Gods loue and fauour, being such as are weak and oftentimes deceitfull. But by their leaues, the testimony of the spirit is more then a bare sense or feeling of Gods grace: for it is called the pledge and earnest of Gods spirit in our hearts,