A89737:16
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.
To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, to bear witness unto the truth. So our Lord Jesus, notwithstanding the Truth was that which the Jews then maligned, and Pilate derided, see the Spirit of Christ an Hypocrite, and a Moralist, the difference between piety, Malignity, and neutrality concerning the truth.
Nothing is more contended for, nothing more contended against, then the truth. The Gospel truth as it is most dear to God, so is it most oppugned by Satan. As the Attribute of the Holy One is the Spirit of truth: So the wicked one, is called a liar from the beginning. Concerning it, are the greatest thoughts of heart, the most intense endeavours of Tongues, Pens, and Swords: It being much more beloved of its followers then Life: and more hated of its opposers then death.
Nothing is more contended for, nothing more contended against, then the truth. The Gospel truth as it is most dear to God, so is it most oppugned by Satan. As the Attribute of the Holy One is the Spirit of truth: So the wicked one, is called a lyar from the beginning. Concerning it, are the greatest thoughts of heart, the most intense endeavors of Tongues, Pens, and Swords: It being much more beloved of its followers then Life: and more hated of its opposers then death.
Truth is the excellency of things, where truth is ⟨image 4⟩there may be a bad action, but where truth is not, there cannot be a good action. Paul supposeth a man may give his Body to be burned in a good cause, and it profit him nothing. 'Tis not the suffering and the cause alone; both suffering, cause and Spirit, must concur to make a Martyr. In a bad cause it holds universally, Who hath required these things at your hand?