A89735:255
The heart of N-England rent at the blasphemies of the present generation. Or A…
The heart of N-England rent at the blasphemies of the present generation. Or A brief tractate, concerning the doctrine of the Quakers, demonstrating the destructive nature thereof, to religion, the churches, and the state, with consideration of the remedy against it. : Occasional satisfaction to objections, and confirmation of the contrary trueth. / By John Norton ...
Cambridge: printed by Samuel Green, 1659
Chapter 4: CHAP: 4. Of the Remedy against Heretical doctrines, and in particular, against the doct…
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 Apostasy from the Covenant of works, ends in the most Illustrious confession of the Covenant of Grace. The greatest Apostasy, in a far greater confession. The threatening example of the revolt of many disciples, with that of Judas foreseen superadded notwithstanding: Christ well knowing how to improve the apostasy ⟨p. 58⟩of hypocrites, unto the furtherance of his interest; in the very height of the scandal, put forth that question triumphantly, not timerously: Then, said Jesus unto the Twelve, will ye also go away?
The Apostacy from the Covenant of workes, ends in the most Illustrious confession of the Covenant of Grace. The greatest Apostacie, in a farr greater confession. The threatning example of the revolt of many disciples, with that of Judas foreseen superadded notwithstanding: Christ well knowing how to improve the apostacy ⟨p. 58⟩of hypocrites, unto the furtherance of his interest; in the very height of the scandal, put forth that question triumphantly, not timerously: Then, said Jesus unto the Twelve, will yee also goe away?
The Rule of doctrine, discipline, and order, is the Centre of Christianity. Sincere and grave spirits are like grave bodies, they cannot rest out of their Centre. i e. the Rule. Religion admits of no eccentric motions. Doctrine and actions not according to Rule, when quickened with erroneous zeal, are but running so much the faster out of the way. This people bought the trueth with Realities: Country, Relations, Estates, opportunities, as to the things of this life, were Realities; should we now sell it for that which is not Bread, yea, for Fanatic, Frantic, worse then sick Imaginations? What advantage will it be to have departed from prelacy to ataxy? From the Tradition of man, unto delusions not only contrary to Scripture, but also unworthy rational men? Many & momentous are the peculiar considerations, whereby we are engaged in our respective stations to own our profession, & stand in the regular and effectual defence of the trueth, with perseverance unto the end in both.