A89737:29
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 use of Books, is to communicate pertinent truth; the excellency of Books, is to do it Substantially, clearly, briefly. Abuse takes not away their use; nay such books, are the cure of evil books. The opening of Titus lips, is the means to stop deceivers mouths: the light of the book of the Gospel, consumes the Magicians books to ashes:1 one pin, must be forced out by another.
After forgiveness begged in the Blood of Jesus, for what is mine herein; Pardon I crave of all, pardon and acceptance as I hope for from some, so especially from your selves, to whom as I could bequeath no greater legacy; so then from whom, whence could I encourage my self with better expectation; for YOU are OUR glory and joy: forget not the emphasis in the word OUR: Ministers (compared with other Christians) have little to joy in, in this world. 'Tis not with the Ministers of the present, as with the Ministers of late times; nor with exiles, as with the rest: nor with your exiles, as with some others: Let this our (or if you please your) condition (for therein you have been ⟨image 7⟩both partakers with us, and supporters of us) be your provocation. A receiving encouragement whereof is the constant remembrance that you are our companions in this Patmos, wherein many of you were before divers of us. You know the hearts of strangers, for ye are strangers.
The Lord who in rich grace hath not only Sanctified the tongue of the Preacher, but also the pen of the Scribe unto the edification of his; So bless all our labours, that both Speaker and Hearer, Writer and Reader, may rejoice together in that day, that they have not run in vain. This is the prayer of