A09339:777
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.
An actual living member of Christ is, every one elected, which being engrafted by faith, and the spirit into Christ, doth feel and show forth the power of Christ in him.
An actuall liuing member of Christ is, euery one elected, which being engraffed by faith, and the spirit into Christ, doth feele and shewe forth the power of Christ in him.
An actual dying or decaying member is, every one truly engrafted into Christ, and yet hath no feeling of the power and efficacy of the quickening spirit in him. He is like unto a benumbed leg without sense, which indeed is a part of mans body, and yet receiveth no nourishment: such are those faithful ones, who for a time do faint and are overcome under the heavy burden of tentations, and their sins: such are also those excommunicate persons, who in regard of their engrafting are true members, howsoever in regard of the external communion with the Church, and efficacy of the spirit, they are not members, till such time as they being touched with repentance, do begin as it were, to live again.
An actuall dying or decaying member is, euery one truely engraffed into Christ, and yet hath no feeling of the power and efficacie of the quickening spirit in him. He is like vnto a benummed legge without sense, which indeede is a part of mans body, and yet receiueth no nourishment: such are those faithfull ones, who for a time doe faint and are ouercome vnder the heauie burthē of tentations, and their sinnes: such are also those excommunicate persons, who in regard of their engraffing are true members, howesoeuer in regard of the externall communion with the Church, and efficacie of the spirit, they are not members, till such time as they being touched with repentance, doe begin as it were, to liue againe.
God executeth this effectual calling by certain means.