A09353:89
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 6: Of Gods works and his decree.Chapter 6: Of Gods workes and his decree.
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.
Y•, be hath most justly decreed the wicked works of the wicked. For if it had not so pleased him, they had never been at all. And albeit they of their own nature, are and remain wicked; yet in respect of Gods decree, they are to be accounted good. For there is not anything absolutely evil. 1. Pet. •.17. For it is better (if the will of God be so) that ye suffer for well doing, then for evil doing.
Y•, be hath most iustlye decreede the wicked workes of the wicked. For if it had not so pleased him, they had neuer been at all. And albeit they of their owne nature, are and remaine wicked; yet in respect of Gods decree, they are to be accounted good. For there is not anyething absolutelye euill. 1. Pet. •.17. For it is better (if the wil of God be so) that ye suffer for well dooing, then for euill dooing.
The thing which in the one nature is evil, in Gods eternal counsel comes in the place of a good thing; in that it is some occasion, & way to manifest the glory of God in his justice, and in his mercy.
The thing which in the one nature is euill, in Gods eternall counsell comes in the place of a good thing; in that it is some occasion, & way to manifest the glory of God in his iustice, and in his mercie.
The execution of Gods decree, is that by which all things in their time are accomplished, which were foreknown, or decreed, & that even as they were foreknown and decreed.
The execution of Gods decree, is that by which all thinges in their time are accomplished, which were foreknowen, or decreed, & that euen as they were foreknowen and decreed.