A89737:1049
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.
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.
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 lyeth 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 irresistably wrought by the Covenantor, and not left in suspence upon the Covenantee, to be performed by his own