A09339:5110
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.
I. Conclusion.
A man that doth but begin to be converted, is even at that instant the very child of God: though inwardly he be more carnal then spiritual.
A man that doth but begin to be conuerted, is euen at that instant the very child of God: though inwardly he be more carnall then spirituall.
The Exposition.
IN a man there must be considered three things, the substance of the body and soul, whereof a man is said to consist, the faculties placed in the soul and exercised in the body, as understanding, will, affections: the integrity and purity of the faculties, whereby they are conformable to the will of God, and bear his Image. And since the fall of Adam, man is not deprived of his substance or of the powers and faculties of his soul, but only of the third, which is the purity of nature, and therefore the conversion of a sinner, whereof the conclusion speaketh, is not the change of the substance of man, or the faculties of the soul: but a renewing and restoring of that purity and holiness which was lost by mans fall, with the abolishment of that natural corruption that is in all the powers of the soul. This is the work of God, and of God alone, and that on this manner. First of all, when it pleaseth God to work a change in any, he doth it not first in one part, then in an other, as he that repairs a decayed house by piece-meal: but the work, both for the beginning, continuance, and accomplishment, is the whole man,