A09339:982
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.
This in regard of the first effects thereof, which are vocation, election, and ordination to eternal life, hath the cause of it in God, namely his will: but in regard of the last effect, which is, the execution of such an ordinance, and the obtaining of eternal life, it hath the cause of it from man, because according to the common opinion, Gods predestination is by reason of works foreseen in men, that is, God doth therefore predestinate or reject some man, because he foreseeth that he will well or badly use his grace. But for the more evident declaration of this, these seven conclusions must be set down.
This in regard of the first effects thereof, which are vocation, election, and ordination to eternall life, hath the cause of it in God, namely his will: but in regard of the last effect, which is, the execution of such an ordinance, and the obtaining of eternall life, it hath the cause of it from man, because according to the common opinion, Gods predestination is by reason of workes foreseene in men, that is, God doth therefore predestinate or reiect some man, because he foreseeth that he will well or badly vse his grace. But for the more euident declaration of this, these seuen conclusions must be set downe.
I. The Predestination, and Reprobation of God, do not constrain or enforce any necessity upon the will of man. II. God hath predestinated all men, that is, he hath appointed and disposed all men, so as they might obtain eternal salvation. III. Man is neither by necessity nor chance saved or condemned, but voluntarily. IV. God hath predestinated some, other hath he rejected. V. Those whom God hath predestinated by his absolute predestination, which can not be lost they shall infallibly die in grace: but they which are predestinate, by that predestination which being according to pre•ent justice, may be lost by some mortal sin which followeth, are not infallibly saved, but oftentimes such are condemned, and loose their crown and glory. Hence ariseth that position of theirs, that he which is justified may be a reprobate, & perish eternally. Torrensis Aug. Confess. 2. book. 4. chap. 20. Sect. Therefore predestination is not certain, seeing it may be lost. VI. God alone doth know the certain and set number of them which are predestinate. VII. There is one set number of them which are predestinate, or reproved, and that can neither be increased nor diminished.