A89737:1439
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 formal Blessedness of the glorified Soul, consists in the clear vision of this object, which succeedeth Faith; hereby we know God. In perfect fruition thereof, which succeeds Hope; hereby we enjoy and possess God. In perfect love thereof, which succeeds our charity; hereby we close with, are like to, rest, and acquiesce in God.
By the Understanding, Will, and Affection, the Soul doth (as it were) enter into God, and God into the Soul; whence followeth (as it were) a mutual in-being of one in another, and an intimate vital union between God and the Soul. Either the vision, fruition, and love of God, is Blessedness, or there is no Blessedness; God is not God, Heaven is not Heaven; the Creature, according to the best, namely, the Gospel-dispensation of God, is capable of no more, needs no more, can have no more; God in Christ doth no more for Man, man needs no more from God.
By the Understanding, Will, and Affection, the Soul doth (as it were) enter into God, and God into the Soul; whence followeth (as it were) a mutual in-being of one in another, and an intimate vital union between God and the Soul. Either the vision, fruition, and love of God, is Blessednesse, or there is no Blessednesse; God is not God, Heaven is not Heaven; the Creature, according to the best, namely, the Gospel-dispensation of God, is capable of no more, needs no more, can have no more; God in Christ doth no more for Man, man needs no more from God.
Hereby the Soul enters into joy, Mat. 25.21, 23. which is the rest of the will, in its utmost and perfecting end. In this Life joy enters into us, the Soul here being larger than its joy; in the Life to come, we are said to enter into joy, as into that whereby our Soul is exceeded, and wherein (as it were) we are contained. If in the state of faith the Soul is full of joy unspeakable,