A68592:65
A brief declaration of the chief points of Christian religion set forth in a…A briefe declaration of the chiefe points of Christian religion set forth in a…
A brief declaration of the chief points of Christian religion set forth in a table. Made by Theodore Beze.A briefe declaration of the chiefe points of Christian religion set forth in a table. Made by Theodore Beze.
London: printed for Tho, 1613
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Moreover, how shall he stand sure and constant against so many grievous tentations, both within & without, and against so many assaults of fortune (as the world doth term it) that is not well resolved in this point, which is most true? that is, that god according to his good vvill, doth all things whatsoever they be, & what instruments and means soever he useth in working of the same, for the commodity of his elect 27. Of the which number he is, that findeth himself in 1this danger and trouble 28. As touching the other point, which concerneth reprobation, ⟨p. 69⟩because no man can call to mind the determinate purpose of election, but at the same instant the contrary will come to remembrance (besides that in the holy scripture these two are oftentimes joined together) it must 2needs he, that such as esteem this part curious, or unprofitable, and therefore not to be talked of, do great injury to the spirit of God. Therefore this part is to be weighed and considered; but with such 3modesty, that the height of Gods judgements may at all times bridle our curious fancies: in such sort, that we do 4not apply it particularly to any man, nor to any certain company. For in this sort also it differeth from election, because election (as hath ⟨p. 70⟩been said) is revealed to us by the spirit of God with in our selves, not in others, whose harts we cannot know. And reprobation is ever hid from men, except it be disclosed by God, contrary to the common course of things. For who can tell, if God have determined to show mercy at the last house of death to him which hath spent all his life past loudly and wickedly 29? But this trust ought not to encourage any man to maintain, and continue in his sin and ungodliness. For I speak of those things which we ought to consider in others: for the examples of such mercy of GOD, are very rare, neither any man that is wise, vvill promise to himself ⟨p. 71⟩