A09353:1123
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.
XI. They say, that the formal cause of justification, is inherent justice. But albeit, this infused and inherent justice, hath indeed his use, and commendations, and reward: nevertheless, because it is in this life, by reason of the flesh, imperfect, and polluted, (as Isaiah speaketh) it cannot stand before Gods judgement seat, and acquit any man from the sentence of condemnation, so as he might become heir of eternal life.
XI. They say, that the formall cause of iustification, is inherent iustice. But albeit, this infused and inherent iustice, hath indeed his vse, and commendations, and reward: neuerthelesse, because it is in this life, by reason of the flesh, imperfect, and polluted, (as Esay speaketh) it cannot stand before Gods iudgement seate, and acquite any man from the sentence of condemnation, so as he might become heyre of eternall life.
They will here further say, that God doth accept this inherent righteousness, as a merciful father. This I grant, nevertheless, Gods justice must be satisfied, or else we are damned. Wherefore ⟨image 152⟩Christs obedience, apprehended by a true and lively faith, is to be accounted the true essence of justification. In temptation and the combat with sin and Satan, faith doth not reason thus: Now I have charity and inherent justice, and therefore God will receive me into his mercy; But faith doth rather look directly to the Son of God, who was sacrificed for us, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us: to him doth faith fly, and is persuaded that for his cause, our sins are pardoned, and we reconciled to God, and that we are accounted just, not by any inherent quality, but by the merit of Christs death and passion. Rom. 5.19.
They will heere further say, that God dooth accept this inherent righteousnes, as a mercifull father. This I graunt, neuertheles, Gods iustice must bee satisfied, or else wee are damned. Wherefore