A09339:4379
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.
The dissent or difference.
The popish Church placeth merits within man, making two sorts thereof: the merit of the person, and the merit of the work. The merit of the person, is a dignity in the person, whereby it is worthy of life everlasting. And this (as they say) is to be found in Infants dying after baptism, who though they want good works, yet are they not void of this kind of merit, for which they •eceive the kingdom of heaven. The merit of the work, is a dignity or excellency ⟨p. 941⟩in the work, whereby it is made fit and enabled to deserve life everlasting for the doer. And works (as they teach) are meritorious two ways: first, by covenant, because God hath made a promise of reward unto them: secondly, by their own dignity; for Christ hath merited that our works might merit. And this is the substance of their doctrine. From it we dissent in these points.
The popish Church placeth merits within man, making two sorts thereof: the merit of the person, and the merit of the worke. The merit of the person, is a dignitie in the person, whereby it is worthie of life euerlasting. And this (as they say) is to be found in Infants dying after baptisme, who though they want good workes, yet are they not void of this kind of merit, for which they •eceiue the kingdome of heauen. The merit of the worke, is a dignitie or excellencie ⟨p. 941⟩in the worke, whereby it is made fitte and inabled to deserue life euerlasting for the doer. And works (as they teach) are meritorious two waies: first, by couenant, because God hath made a promise of reward vnto them: secondly, by their own dignitie; for Christ hath merited that our works might merit. And this is the substance of their doctrine. From it we dissent in these points.