A09339:4649
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.
Our consent.
Conclus. I. That, repentance is the conversion of a sinner. There is a two-fold conversion, passive, and active: passive, is an action of God whereby he converteth man being as yet unconverted. Active is an action whereby man being once turned of God, turns himself: and of this latter must this conclusion ⟨p. 1007⟩be understood. For the first conversion, considering it is a work of God turning us unto himself, is not the repentance whereof the Scripture speaketh so oft, but it is called by the name of regeneration: and repentance, whereby we being first turned of God do turn our selves, and do good works, is the fruit thereof.
Conclus. I. That, repentance is the conuersion of a sinner. There is a two-fold conuersion, passiue, and actiue: passiue, is an action of God whereby he conuerteth man beeing as yet vncōuerted. Actiue is an action whereby man being once turned of God, turnes himselfe: and of this latter must this conclusion ⟨p. 1007⟩be vnderstood. For the first conuersion, considering it is a worke of God turning vs vnto himselfe, is not the repentance whereof the Scripture speaketh so oft, but it is called by the name of regeneration: and repentance, wherby we beeing first turned of God doe turne our selues, and doe good workes, is the fruit thereof.
Conclus. II. That, repentance stands specially for practise, in contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction in work or deed. Touching contrition there be two kinds thereof: Legal, and Evangelical. Legal contrition is nothing but a remorse of conscience for sin in regard of the wrath & judgement of God, & it is no grace of God at all; nor any part, or, cause of repentance: but only an occasion thereof, & that by the mercy of God: for of it self, it is the sting of the law and the very entrance into the pit of hell. Evangelical contrition is, when a repentant sinner is grieved for his sins, not so much for fear of hell, or, any other punishment; as because he hath offended and displeased so good and merciful a God. This contrition is caused by the ministry of the Gospel, and in the practise of repentance it is always necessary, and goes before as the beginning thereof. Secondly we hold, and maintain that confession is to be made, and that in sundry respects: first to God, both publicly in the congregation, and also privately in our secret and private prayers. Secondly to the Church, when any person hath openly offended the congregation by any crime, and is therefore excommunicate. Thirdly to our private neighbour, when we have upon any occasion offended and wronged him.