A89737:1048
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.
Ans. The Application both of grace and glory, and all the good of the Covenant of grace, are free to us: though conditioned unto Christ. Free-grace excludes not Christs Merit, but mans merit.
Ans. The Application both of grace and glory, and all the good of the Covenant of grace, are free to us: though conditioned unto Christ. Free-grace exciudes not Christs Merit, but mans merit.
Obj 4. Faith is a condition (though not of it self, yet) of salvation, & that in the Elect themselves: therefore the Application of salvation seems not to be free in respect of the Elect.
Ans. A Condition, is either a Condition properly so called, (i. e. an antecedent Condition,) Or a Condition improperly so called: i. e. a consequent Condition. A Condition (properly so called) is a Law, or Observation, annexed to a business; the performance whereof lieth upon the Covenant; and accordingly the business becometh valid, or null. Such a condition was Works in the first Covenant. If Faith were such a condition, there would soon be an end of the Covenant of grace: yea, the Covenant of grace, were indeed no Covenant of grace. A Condition improperly (so called, or a Consequent Condition) is such a condition, whose performance by the Covenantee, is absolutely undertaken for; and irresistibly wrought by the Covenantor, and not left in suspense upon the Covenantee, to be performed by his own ⟨p. 228⟩strength. Faith is a consequent condition, not an antecedent condition. So as this Proposition, I will give Eternal life unto the Elect, if they do believe: is equivalent unto this, I will out of my absolute will give unto the Elect Eternal life, because I will out of my absolute will give unto the Elect to believe. The Condition of Faith depends not upon the Will of the Elect; either to be, or not to be; but upon the absolute and gracious Will of God.