A89737:1237
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 just observation of these several kinds of Union may haply be of use to reconcile that tenet, which affirmeth Union to be by the habit of faith, with that tenet (ordinarily held forth in the writing of the Orthodox) affirming Union to be by the Spirit, and Faith, understanding by faith the act of faith.
The first kind of union is by the Habit, not by the Act; the second may be looked at, as being by both, either Habit, or Act; the third is by the Act, not by the Habit. That proposition of frequent use among Divines, sc. Union is by the Spirit, and faith; that is, by the Spirit on Christs part, and Faith on our part,1 is to be understood of the third kind of union.
The first kinde of union is by the Habit, not by the Act; the second may be looked at, as being by both, either Habit, or Act; the third is by the Act, not by the Habit. That proposition of frequent use among Divines, sc. Union is by the Spirit, and faith; that is, by the Spirit on Christs part, and Faith on our part,1 is to be understood of the third kind of union.
- 1Zauch. in Eph. 5. de unione. quaest. 4.
Touching the manner of this Union wherein Christ and the Believer are united, we may not unprofitably consider it, First negatively, Secondly positively; Negatively, it is not essential, such as is the union of the three Persons in one essence in God. Nor personal, such as is the union of the Divine and Human nature, in one (and that an increated) person in Christ. Not natural; whether essential, as is the union of the form with the matter; or by Local contact, i. e. natural touching one of another, as water is united to the vessel; or by mixture, as water is united to Honey; or by the coupling together of a