A09353:1112
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.
I. They make the name of Predestination proper only to the Elect, as though God had not predestinated the reprobate, but only foreknown that such should be reprobates: fearing least in so doing, they should make God a cause, why the reprobates are damned. But Gods foreknowledge may as well be termed such a cause, as his predestination. Acts. 2.23. And Augustine acknowledgeth Gods predestination, as well in the reprobate as Elect. For, in his 15. book of the City of God, 1. chap. he maketh all men Citizens of one of these two Cities, heaven and hell. The Citizens of the one, are predestinate to reign with God perpetually, the other, to suffer eternal punishment with the devil and his Angels.
I. They make the name of Predestination proper onely to the Elect, as though God had not predestinated the reprobate, but onely foreknowen that such should bee reprobates: fearing least in so doing, they should make God a cause, why the reprobates are damned. But Gods foreknowledge may as well be termed such a cause, as his predestination. Actes. 2.23. And Augustine acknowledgeth Gods predestination, as well in the reprobate as Elect. For, in his 15. booke of the Citie of God, 1. chap. he maketh all men Cittizens of one of these two Citties, heauen and hell. The Cittizens of the one, are predestinate to reigne with God perpetually, the other, to suffer eternall punishment with the deuil and his Angels.
II. They teach, that Gods predestination is mutable: and so as that he, whom God hath predestinate to life, may for all that be condemned: and he, who in Gods foreknowledge is a reprobate, may afterward obtain eternal life. All this is flat contrary: for God hath undoubtedly & unchangeably decreed, what shall become of every man, who shall be saved, and who shall be condemned. Rom. 11.29. The gifts and calling of God, are without repentance. Math. 24.24. There shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, so that (if it were possible) they should deceive the very Elect.