A09353:1158
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
Chapter 53: Concerning the execution of the decree of Reprobation.
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 second degree of the execution of Gods ⟨image 159⟩counsel of reprobation, in men of ripe age which are called, is a falling away again, which for the most part is effected and wrought after this manner. First, the reprobate is deceived by some sin. Secondly, his hart is hardened by the same sin. Thirdly, his hart being hardened, it becometh wicked and perverse. Fourthly, then followeth his incredulity and unbelief, whereby he consenteth not to Gods word, when he hath heard & known it. Fifthly, an Apostasy or falling away from faith in Christ, doth immediately follow this unbelief. Heb. 3.12, 13. Take heed brethren, least at any time there be in any of you an evil hart, and unfaithful, to depart away from the living God. 1. Tim. 1.19.
The second degree of the execution of Gods ⟨image 159⟩counsell of reprobation, in men of ripe age which are called, is a falling away againe, which for the most part is effected and wrought after this manner. First, the reprobate is deceiued by some sinne. Secondlye, his hart is hardned by the same sinne. Thirdlye, his hart being hardned, it becommeth wicked and peruerse. Fourthly, then followeth his incredulitie and vnbeliefe, whereby he consenteth not to Gods word, when he hath heard & knowen it. Fiftly, an Apostacie or falling away from faith in Christ, dooth immediatlye followe this vnbeliefe. Heb. 3.12, 13. Take heede brethren, least at any time there be in any of you an euill hart, and vnfaithfull, to depart away from the liuing God. 1. Tim. 1.19.
This Apostasy, is sometimes sin against the holy Ghost, which is, when any man willingly through obstinate malice, doth speak blasphemy against Christ and his divine truth, which he hath certainly known. This obstinacy of the hart ariseth from the old and engrafted affections, hatred, envy, and malice, directly against God himself and Christ. It hath his name, not because it is committed against the person of the holy spirit, but because it is done against the gift of the holy Ghost, namely, Illumination. This cannot be forgiven, because it excludeth all faith and repentance.