A09353:155
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.
Thus without constraint, they willingly fall from their integrity, God upon just causes leaving them to themselves, and freely suffered them to fall. For we must not think that mans fall was either by chance, or God not knowing it, or barely winking at it, or by his bare permission, or against his will: but rather miraculously, not without the will of God, but yet without all approbation of it.
Thus without constraint, they willingly fall frō their integritie, God vpon iust causes leauing them to themselues, and freely suffered them to fall. For wee must not thinke that mans fall was either by chaunce, or God not knowing it, or barely winking at it, or by his bare permission, or against his will: but rather miraculously, not without the will of God, but yet without all approbation of it.
II. The greatness of this transgression must be esteemed, not by the external object, or the baseness of an apple, but by the offence it containeth against Gods majesty. This offence appeareth, by many trespasses committed in that action. 1. The first, is doubting of Gods word •. Want of faith. ⟨image 17⟩For they believe not Gods threatening. (In the day ye eat thereof, you shall die the death.) But being bewitched with the devils promise, (ye shall be like gods) they cease to fear Gods punishment, and are inflamed with a desire of greater dignity. 3. Their curiosity, in forsaking Gods word, and seeking other wisdom. 4. Their pride, in seeking to magnify themselves, and to become like God. 5. Contempt of God, in transgressing his commandment against their own conscience. 6. In that they prefer the devil before God. 7. Ingratitude, who, in as much as in them lieth, expel Gods spirit dwelling in them, and despise that blessed union. 8. They murder both them selves and their progeny.
II. The greatnes of this transgression must be esteemed, not by the externall obiect, or the basenesse of an apple, but by the offence it contayneth against Gods maiestie. This offence appeareth, by many trespasses committed in that action. 1. The first, is doubting of Gods word . Want of fayth.