A09353:92
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.
The same decree of God, is the first & principal working cause of all things, which is in order & time before all other causes. For with Gods decree is always ⟨image 10⟩his will annexed, by the which he can willingly effect that he hath decreed. And it were a sign of impotency, to decree any thing which he could not willingly compass. And with Gods will is conjoined an effectual power, by which the Lord can bring to pass whatsoever he hath freely decreed.
The same decree of God, is the first & principall working cause of al things, which is in order & time before all other causes. For with Gods decree is alwaies ⟨image 10⟩his will annexed, by the which he can willinglye effect that he hath decreede. And it were a signe of impotencie, to decree anye thing which he could not willingly compasse. And with Gods will is cōioyned an effectuall power, by which the Lord can bring to passe whatsoeuer he hath frely decreed.
This first and principal cause, how be it in it self it be necessary, yet it doth not take away freedom of will in election, or the nature and property of second causes, but only brings them into a certain order, that is, it directeth them to the determinate end: whereupon the effects and events of things are contingent or necessary, as the nature of the second cause is. So Christ according to his Fathers decree died necessarily. Act. 17.3. But yet willingly. Mat. 25.39. And if we respect the temperature of Christs body, he might have prolonged his life; & therefore in this respect might be said to have died contingently.
This first and principall cause, how be it in it selfe it be necessary, yet it doth not take away freedome of will in election, or the nature and propertie of second causes, but only brings them into a certain order, that is, it directeth thē to the determinate end: wherupon the effects and euents of things are contingent or necessarye, as the nature of the second cause is. So Christ according to his Fathers decree died necessarily.