A golden chaine: or The description of theologie containing the order of the causes of saluation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view whereof is to be seene in the table annexed. Hereunto is adioyned the order which M. Theodore Beza vsed in comforting afflicted consciences.

The Confutation.

The contrarie to this, is a plaine trueth. Reasons. I. That which a man must certainly beleeue, that may he also certainely know without an especiall reue∣lation: but euery faithful man must beleeue that he is elected. It is Gods com∣mandement, that we should beleeue in Christ. 1. Ioh. 3.23. Now to beleeue in Christ, is not onely to beleeue that we are adopted, iustified, and redeemed by him; but also in him elected from eternitie. II. That which is sealed vnto vs by the spirit of God, of that we are very sure without speciall reuelation: but our adoption, and so consequently our election, is sealed vnto vs by the spirit of God. 1. Cor. 2. 12. We haue not receiued the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God: that we might knowe the things that are giuen to vs of God. Therefore is our election certainely knowne vnto vs. Eph. 1.13. In whome also ye haue tru∣sted after that ye heard the word of trueth, euen the Gospell of your saluation, where∣in also after that ye beleeued, ye were sealed with the holy spirit of promise.

Exception. The holy Ghost doth seale vnto vs our adoption morally by works, and therefore the knowledge of our adoption is but onely probable.

Answer. It sealeth vnto vs our adoption, by begetting a speciall trust and con∣fidence. For when as we heare Gods promises, and withall thinke vpon them, then doth the holy Ghost by the same promises mooue our vnderstandings and wils to embrace them, and in moouing them, doth make vs both to giue our assent vnto them, and in them to rest our selues: whence ariseth a speciall assurance that we are adopted, and in the fauour of God. Luk. 10. 20. Reioice rather that your names are written in heauen. But no man can be glad for that good which he is in doubt whether he haue receiued it, or not. IV. 2. Pet. 1. 10. Studie to make your vocation and election sure, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: but this is not in respect of God, but ourselues.

Obiect. No man must by the Catholike faith beleeue any thing which God hath not reuealed either in the written or vnwritten word, namely tradition. But there is no such either writing or tradition as this, namely, that such a par∣ticular man, suppose Peter, or Henrie, is predestinated of God. Therefore no man must particularly beleeue that he is saued. Ans. Albeit this particular pro∣position, I am elected, is not expresly set downe in the Scriptures, yet is it inclu∣siuely comprehended in them, as the Species is in his Genus, as the Logitians speake: so that it may by iust consequent be gathered out of Gods word, if we reason thus: They which truely beleeue, are elected, Ioh. 6.35. I truly beleeue: therefore I am elected. The first proposition is taken from the Scriptures: the second, from the beleeuers conscience, and from them both the conclusion is easily deriued.