A89737:1037
The orthodox evangelist. Or A treatise wherein many great evangelical truths (not a few…
The orthodox evangelist. Or A treatise wherein many great evangelical truths (not a few whereof are much opposed and eclipsed in this perilous hour of the passion of the Gospel) are briefly discussed, cleared, and confirmed: as a further help, for the begetting, and establishing of the faith which is in Jesus. As also the state of the blessed, where; of the condition of their souls from the instant of their dissolution: and of their persons after their resurrection. By John Norton, teacher of the church at Ipswich in New England.The orthodox evangelist. Or A treatise wherein many great evangelical truths (not a few whereof are much opposed and eclipsed in this perillous hour of the passion of the Gospel) are briefly discussed, cleared, and confirmed: as a further help, for the begeting, and establishing of the faith which is in Jesus. As also the state of the blessed, where; of the condition of their souls from the instant of their dissolution: and of their persons after their resurrection. By John Norton, teacher of the church at Ipswich in New England.
London: printed by John Macock for Henry Cripps, 1654
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.
The Freeness of the Application of Grace, appears further from the Merit of Christ. Grace is given according to the Merit of Christ, not with any respect to mans merit of good, or demerit of evil. The least sin without Christ is incurable the greatest sin by Christ is curable. One sting of the fiery Serpent was mortal without looking to the Brazen Serpent: and one look thereunto would cure a thousand stings as well as one, such is the demerit of sin, as that it justly slays the child that sinned not after Adams transgression: such is the Merit of Christ, as that it justly saveth Adam, the great transgressor. No sin is little in it self, the Merit of Christ is infinite. 'Tis a great sin for the least sinner not to be without hope, in respect of himself; as it is a great sin for the greatest sinner to be without hope in respect of Christ. Carnal presumption of mercy, because our sins are comparatively little, lessens the demerit of sin. Despair of mercy, because our sins are great, lessens the Merit of Christ A mans nearness unto, or remoteness from, the participation of grace (according to Gods ordinary Dispensation) is not to be judged, according to his Commission of more or fewer sins, but according to his proceeding in the preparatory work. A man may have committed many sins, yet being Ministerially disposed, in respect of the receiving of Grace, he is near to salvation. A man may have committed fewer sins, yet being without the preparatory Work of Law, and Gospel; he is far from salvation. 'Tis not a mans former commission of sin, but his continuance in sin, that keeps him far from salvation.
The Freeness of the Application of Grace, appears further from the Merit of Christ. Grace is given according to the Merit of Christ, not with any respect to mans merit of good, or demerit of evil. The least sin without Christ is incurable the greatest sin by Christ is curable. One sting of the fiery Serpent was mortal without looking to the Brazen Serpent: and one look thereunto would cure a thousand stings as well as one, such is the demerit of sin, as that it justly slayes the child that sinned not after Adams transgression: such is the Merit of Christ, as that it justly saveth Adam, the great transgressour. No sin is little in it self, the Merit of Christ is infinite. 'Tis a great sin for the least sinner not to be without hope, in respect of himself; as it is a great sin for the greatest sinner to be without hope in respect of Christ. Carnal presumption of mercy, because our sins are comparatively little, lessens the demerit of sin. Despair of mercy, because our sins are great, lessens the Merit of Christ A mans nearness unto, or remoteness from, the participation of grace (according to Gods ordinary Dispensation) is not to be judged, according to his Commission of more or fewer sins, but according to his proceeding in the preparatory work. A man may have committed many sins, yet being Ministerially disposed, in respect of the receiving of Grace, he is near to salvation. A man may have committed fewer sins, yet being without the preparatory Work of Law, and Gospel; he is far from salvation. 'Tis not a mans former commission of sin, but his continuance in sin, that keeps him far from salvation.