A09353:1089
A golden chain, or the description of theologyA golden chaine, or the description of theologie
A golden chain, or the description of theology containing the order of the causes of salvation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view of the order whereof, is to be seen in the table annexed. Written in Latin by William Perkins, and translated by an other. Hereunto is adjoined the order which M. Theodore Beza used in comforting troubled consciences.A golden chaine, or the description of theologie containing the order of the causes of saluation and damnation, according to Gods woord. A view of the order wherof, is to be seene in the table annexed. Written in Latine by William Perkins, and translated by an other. Hereunto is adioyned the order which M. Theodore Beza vsed in comforting troubled consciences.
London: printed by Edward Alde, 1591
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 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 merites, 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 sanctification, after ⟨image 147⟩that the same power is stirred up by the holy Ghost. For free will is only somewhat diminished, & not extinguished: and therefore so soon as the holy Ghost toucheth, & 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, doe apply themselues to sanctification, after ⟨image 147⟩that the same power is stirred vp by the holy Ghost. For free will is onely somewhat diminished, & not extinguished: and therefore so soone as the holy Ghost toucheth, & enlighteneth the heart, it worketh together with the same spirit, freely assenting vnto the same. This preparation hath seauen degrees. Biel. 4. book. 14. dist. 2. quest.
The first is faith, which is a knowledge and an assent, whereby men agree that those things are true which are delivered concerning God, and his will, revealed in the word of God.