A89737:1149
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.
But there cannot be a Life-act before life, nor is that Life-act life it self; otherwise there being an intermission, or cessation of that act, there would be a cessation of life. Whence would follow interitus gratiae, a falling a way from grace; the immortal seed, 1 Joh. 3.9. should become mortal; the believer, so oft as the act of faith ceaseth (by reason of sleep, or sin, or what else) becometh an unbeliever; and dying asleep, must either not be saved, or be saved without faith; therefore the Life-operation necessarily presupposeth life.
But there cannot be a Life-act before life, nor is that Life-act life it selfe; otherwise there being an intermission, or cessation of that act, there would be a cessation of life. Whence would follow interitus gratiae, a falling a way from grace; the immortal seed, 1 Joh. 3.9. should become mortal; the beleever, so oft as the act of faith ceaseth (by reason of sleep, or sinne, or what else) becometh an unbeleever; and dying asleep, must either not be saved, or be saved without faith; therefore the Life-operation necessarily presupposeth life.
If the Life-act of faith, whereby the Soul cometh unto Christ, have no habit preceding it, in order, then it will follow, either that there is no infused habit of faith, or that this infused habit followeth the act of faith; but true it is, First, that there is an infused habit; Secondly, that this infused habit followeth not the act of faith, as we have already seen.
If the Life-act of faith, whereby the Soule cometh unto Christ, have no habit preceding it, in order, then it will follow, either that there is no infused habit of faith, or that this infused habit followeth the act of faith; but true it is, First, that there is an infused habit; Secondly, that this infused habit followeth not the act of faith, as we have already seen.