A09339:4387
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.
Reason III. Scripture directly condemneth merit of works. Rom. 6.23: The wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. The proportion of the argument required that S. Paul should have said: The reward of good works is eternal life, if life everlasting could be deserved, which cannot; because it is a free gift. Again, Tit. 3.5. We are saved not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us. And Eph. 2.8, 10. By grace you are saved through faith, and that not of your selves, it is the gift of God: not of works which God hath prepared that we should walk in them. If any works be crowned, it is certain that the sufferings of Martyrs shall be rewarded: now of them Paul saith, Rom. 8.18. The sufferings of this life are not worthy of the glory to come. Where then is the value and dignity of other works? To this purpose Ambr. saith, The just man though he be tormented in the brazen bull is still just, because he justifieth God, and saith he suffereth less then his sins deserve.
Reason III. Scripture directly condemneth merit of workes. Rom. 6.23: The wages of sinne is death: but the gift of God is eternall life through Iesus Christ our Lord. The proportion of the argument required that S. Paul should haue said: The reward of good works is eternall life, if life euerlasting could be deserued, which cannot; because it is a free gift. Againe, Tit. 3.5. We are saued not by workes of righteousnes which we haue done, but according to his mercie he saued vs. And Eph. 2.8, 10. By grace you are faued through faith, and that not of your selues, it is the gift of God: not of workes which God hath prepared that we should walke in them. If any works be crowned, it is certen that the sufferings of Martyrs shall be rewarded: now of them Paul saith,