A89732:226
A discussion of that great point in divinity, the sufferings of Christ; and the…
A discussion of that great point in divinity, the sufferings of Christ; and the question about his righteousness active, passive : and the imputation thereof. Being an answer to a dialogue entitled The meritorious price of redemption, justification, &c. / By John Norton teacher of the church at Ipswich in New-England. Who was appointed to draw up this answer by the general court.A discussion of that great point in divinity, the sufferings of Christ; and the question about his righteousnesse active, passive : and the imputation thereof. Being an answer to a dialogue intituled The meritorious price of redemption, justification, &c. / By John Norton teacher of the church at Ipswich in New-England. Who was appointed to draw up this answer by the generall court.
London: printed by A.M. for Geo. Calvert, 1653
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.
Answ. Satan by his instruments did wound and bruise him; true; but not only Satan by his instruments, Satan and his instruments were all instruments herein: In those effects wherein Satan and men are instruments; God is the first and universal efficient, not a mere counsellor, fore-speaker, and permitter. The efficiency of the second cause is the effect of the first cause: Satan, the Sabeans and Chaldeans were subordinate causes and instruments of Jobs sufferings, yet he saith God hath taken away, Job 1.21. So Joseph Gen. 45.8. David Psa. 39 9. in cases much alike.
Answ. Satan by his instruments did wound and bruise him; true; but not only Satan by his instruments, Satan and his instruments were all instruments herein: In those effects wherein Satan and men are instruments; God is the first and universall efficient, not a meer counseller, fore-speaker, and permitter. The efficiency of the second cause is the effect of the first cause: Satan, the Sabeans and Chaldeans were subordinate causes and instruments of Jobs sufferings, yet he saith God hath taken away, Job 1.21. So Joseph Gen. 45.8. David Psa. 39 9. in cases much alike.
Satan and men were Instruments in inflicting such a stroke, therefore it is no stroke of divine vindicative justice, is no good consequence: All evils inflicted upon the reprobate, whether corporal or spiritual, are strokes or acts of vindicative justice: So often then as Satan or men are instrumental in inflicting such evils, so often Satan and men are instrumental in strokes of vindicative justice, judicial punishment of sin with sin is an act of vindicative wrath; but of this parents are instrumental in the propagation of original sin to their Reprobate children. The spiritual distress of an excommunicate person that is a Reprobate, is an effect of vindicative wrath; But in such distresses Satan is instrumental,