A09353:180
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.
In the will, the remnant of Gods image, is a free choice. First, in every natural action, belonging to each living creature, as to nourish, to engender, to move, to perceive. Secondly, in every humane action, that is, such as belong to all men. And therefore man hath free will in outward actions, whether they concern manners, a family, or the common wealth, albeit both in the choice, and refusal of them it be very weak. Rom. 2.14. The Gentiles which have not the Law, by nature do those things which are of the Law.
In the will, the remnant of Gods image, is a free choyce. First, in euerye naturall action, belonging to eche liuing creature, as to nourish, to engender, to moue, to perceiue. Secondly, in euerye humane action, that is, such as belong to all men. And therfore man hath free will in outward actions, whether they concerne manners, a familie, or the common wealth, albeit both in the choice, and refusall of thē it be very weak. Rom. 2.14. The Gentiles which haue not the Lawe, by nature doo those things which are of the Lawe.
The will received. I. An impotency. whereby it cannot will, or so much as lust after that, which is indeed good, that is, which may please & be acceptable to God. 1. Cor. 2.14. The natural man perc• ueth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, be• ⟨image 21⟩they are spiritually discerned. Rom. 5.6. Christ, when we were yet of no strength, at his time dyed for the ungodly. 2. Tim. 2.26