A09339:4665
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.
But all things well considered, it is rather like a dead carcass, and is void of all spiritual life; as the popish errors in the foundation do manifest. Indeed a known harlot may afterward remain a wife and be so termed; yet after the bill of divorcement is given, she ceaseth to be a wife, though she can show her marriage ring: now the church hath received the bill of her divorcement in the written word, namely 2. Thess. 2. and Reu. 13.11,12, &c.
But all things well considered, it is rather like a dead carkasse, and is void of all spirituall life; as the popish errours in the foundation doe manifest. Indeede a knowne harlot may afterward remaine a wife and be so tearmed; yet after the bill of diuorcement is giuen, shee ceaseth to be a wife, though shee can shew her marriage ring: now the church hath receiued the bill of her diuorcement in the written word, namely 2. Thess. 2. and Reu. 13.11,12, &c.
Furthermore in this commandment we may see a lively portraiture of the state of all mankind. Here we see two sorts of men: some are pertaining to Babylon, a people running on to their destruction: some again are a people of God severed from Babylon, and reserved to life everlasting. If any ask the ⟨p. 1013⟩cause of this distinction; I answer, it is the very will of God vouchsafing mercy to some & forsaking others by withdrawing his mercy from them, for the better declaration of his justice. Thus saith the Lord, Rom. 11.4. I have reserved seven thousand that never bowed the knee to Baal: & the prophet Isaiah saith, Unless the Lord had reserved a remnant, we had bin as Sodom and Gomorrah. By this distinction we are taught, above all things to seek to be of the number of Gods people, and to labour for assurance of this in our own consciences. For if all should be saved, less care would suffice: but this mercy is not common to all: and therefore the more to be thought upon.