A09339:987
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.
The execution of predestination in such as are of riper years, hath six degrees.
The execution of predestination in such as are of riper yeares, hath sixe degrees.
The first is vocation, whereby men, not for their own merits, but by Gods preventing grace through Christ, are called to turn unto God.
The first is vocation, whereby men, not for their owne merits, but by Gods preuenting grace through Christ, are called to turne vnto God.
The second is, a preparation to righteousness, whereby men, through the inherent power of free-will, do apply themselves to justification, after that the same power is stirred up by the holy Ghost. For free-will is only somewhat diminished, and not extinguished: and therefore so soon as the holy Ghost toucheth and enlighteneth the heart, it worketh together with the same spirit, freely assenting unto the same. This preparation hath seven degrees• Biel. 4. book. 14. dist. 2. quest.
The second is, a preparation to righteousnesse, whereby men, through the inherent power of free-will, do apply themselues to iustification, after that the same power is stirred vp by the holy Ghost. For free-will is onely somewhat diminished, and not extinguished: and therefore so soone as the holy Ghost toucheth and inlighteneth the heart, it worketh togither with the same spirit, freely assenting vnto the same. This preparation hath seuen degrees• Biel. 4. booke. 14. dist. 2. quest.