A89737:228
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.
God by his absolute power could have saved man without a Mediator;1 he is omnipotent, and could have done what he pleased; Besides, his Will is the Rule of righteousness: God doth not will things because they are just, but they are just because God willeth them. Besides, the Execution of Justice showeth that it is not dispensed of absolute necessity: for he doth not punish sin always; Adam's sin was not punished until Christ. Nor doth he punish sin to the uttermost of his power; the torment of hell might have been greater then it is: both which properties are inseparable from necessary Agents. As the Sun because it shineth necessarily, it shineth always, and shineth with all its might: fire, because it burneth necessarily, (having a fit matter) it burneth continually; ⟨p. 43⟩and with all its force. The punishment of sin, then being the effect of his pleasure; it followeth, had he so pleased, there might have been no punishment of sin at all.
God by his absolute power could have saved man without a Mediatour;1 he is omnipotent, and could have done what he pleased; Besides, his Will is the Rule of righteousness: God doth not will things because they are just, but they are just because God willeth them. Besides, the Exectuion of Justice sheweth that it is not dispensed of absolute necessity: for he doth not punish sin alwayes; Adam's sin was not punished until Christ. Nor doth he punish sin to the uttermost of his power; the torment of hell might have been greater then it is: both which properties are inseperable from necessary Agents. As the Sun because it shineth necessarily, it shineth always, and shineth with all its might: fire, because it burneth necessarily, (having a fit matter) it burneth continually; ⟨p. 43⟩and with all its force. The punishment of sin, then being the effect of his pleasure; it followeth, had he so pleased, there might have been no punishment of sin at all.
- 1Tho. Part. 3. qu. 46. art. 2. Estius lib. 3. dist. 24. ss. 1. Twiss. de Elect. lib. 1. part 2. dig. 8.