A09339:4372
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 4 › Objections of Papists.Section 4 › Obiections of Papists.
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.
VI. Object. We are justified by the same thing whereby we are judged: but we are judged by our good works: therefore justified also. Ans. The proposition is false: for judgement is an act of God, declaring a man to be just that is already just: and justification is another distinct act of God, whereby he ⟨p. 940⟩maketh him to be just, that is by nature unjust. And therefore in equity the last judgement is to proceed by works: because they are the fittest means to make trial of every mans cause, and serve fitly to declare whom God hath justified in this life.
VI. Obiect. We are iustified by the same thing whereby we are iudged: but we are iudged by our good works: therfore iustified also. Ans. The proposition is false: for iudgement is an act of God, declaring a man to bee iust that is alreadie iust: and iustification is another distinct act of God, whereby he ⟨p. 940⟩maketh him to be iust, that is by nature vniust. And therefore in equitie the last iudgement is to proceede by workes: because they are the fittest meanes to make triall of euery mans cause, and serue fitly to declare whome God hath iustified in this life.
VII. Object. Wicked men are condemned for evil works: and therefore righteous men are justified by good works. Ans. The reason holdeth not: for there is great difference between evil and good works. An evil work is perfectly evil, and so deserveth damnation: but there is no good work of any man that is perfectly good: and therefore cannot justify.
VII. Obiect. Wicked men are condemned for euill workes: and therefore righteous men are iustified by good workes. Ans. The reason holdeth not: for there is great difference betweene euill and good workes. An euill worke is perfectly euill, and so deserueth damnation: but there is no good worke of any man that is perfectly good: and therefore cannot iustifie.