A89737:1396
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.
From the effectual apprehension and persuasion of the Premises, proceeded that triumphing speech of a Believer, then a sinner (and before, a Blasphemer, a Persecutor, and injurious) ⟨p. 326⟩well knowing the sinfulness of sin, and the terror of the Lord; Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect? It is God that justifieth; who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that dyed, yea rather that is risen again, who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us, Rom. 8.33, 34.
From the effectual apprehension and perswasion of the Premises, proceeded that triumphing speech of a Beleever, then a sinner (and before, a Blasphemer, a Persecutor, and injurious) ⟨p. 326⟩wel knowing the sinfulnesse of sin, and the terrour of the Lord; Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect? It is God that justifieth; who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that dyed, yea rather that is risen again, who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us, Rom. 8.33, 34.
Obj. Few Believers seem to have this peace.
Obj. Few Beleevers seem to have this peace.
Ans. All Believers have the same state of peace, although many Believers have not the full persuasion and comfortable sense of it; we must distinguish between justifying faith (properly so called) namely, the direct act of faith receiving Christ, and his righteousness, or relying upon him for pardon, according to the Promise, whereby we are justified, and have peace; and assurance, namely, a reflex act of faith, whereby we are fully persuaded, and do believe that we do believe; hereby we are not justified, and made first partakers of peace, but we rest persuaded that we are justified, and have the sense of our peace; the first is called the certainty of the Object, the thing believed is certain, i.e. infallible; the second is called the certainty of the subject, because the subject, i.e. the person believing, is certain that he doth believe. This distinction is of great use unto many Believers, who not sufficiently attending to the nature of justifying faith, think they have no faith, because they want assurance.