A09339:4300
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 V. Whereas the Papists teach, that a man may be assured of his salvation by hope: even hence it follows, that he may be unfallibly assured thereof. For the property of true and lively hope is never to make a man ashamed, Rom. 5.5. And true hope followeth faith & presupposeth certainty of faith• neither can any man truly hope for his salvation unless by faith he be certainly assured thereof in some measure.
Reason V. Whereas the Papists teach, that a man may be assured of his saluation by hope: euen hence it follows, that he may be vnfallibly assured therof. For the propertie of true and liuely hope is neuer to make a man ashamed, Rom. 5.5. And true hope followeth faith & presupposeth certaintie of faith• neither can any man truly hope for his saluation vnlesse by faith he be certenly assured thereof in some measure.
The Popish doctors make exception to these reasons on this manner. First they say, it cannot be proved that a man is as certain of his salvation by faith, as he is of the articles of the creed. I answer. First they prove thus much, that we ought to be as certain of the one as of the other. For look, what commandment we have to believe the articles of our faith: the like we have enjoining us to believe the pardon of our own sins, as I have proved. Secondly, these arguments prove it to be the nature or essential property of faith, as certainly to assure man of his salvation, as it doeth assure him of the articles which he believeth. And howsoever commonly men do not believe their salvation as unfallible, as they do their articles of faith: yet some special men do: having Gods word applied by the spirit as a sure ground of their faith, whereby they believe their own salvation, as they have it for a ground of the articles of their faith. Thus certainly was Abraham assured of his own salvation: as also the Prophets and Apostles, and the martyrs of God in all ages: whereupon without doubting they have bin content to lay down their lives for the name of Christ: in whom they were assured to receive eternal happiness. And there is no question, but there be many now, that by long and often experience of Gods mercy, and by the inward certificate of the holy Ghost, have attained to full assurance of their salvation.