A89737:329
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.
This Answer unto this Objection concerning faith foreseen, may serve in like manner for an answer unto the objection concerning works foreseen, being the cause of Election. As also unto that of sin foreseen, being the cause of Reprobation. Good works are the way to salvation, not the cause of Gods Decree to save. Sin •is the cause of punishment (which is the actual execution of justice for sin) but not of Gods intent to punish sin: Sin is the cause of damnation, and consequent of reprobation. Election is not without the sight of faith, and new obedience: nor Reprobation without the sight of sin: yet faith, though it be the instrument and means of the application of salvation following thereupon; is the effect, not the cause of Election: and sin, though it be the cause of the application of all the evil of punishment, yet is it the consequent, not the cause of Reprobation.
Obj. 3. If sin followeth necessarily upon the Decree, then God is the Author of sin; But sin followeth necessarily upon the Decree: Therefore God is the Author of sin.
Obj. 3. If sin followeth necessarily upon the Decree, then God is the Authour of sin; But sin followeth necessarily upon the Decree: Therefore God is the Authour of sin.
Ans. This blasphemous Inference is in effect the same, with what the ancient Enemies of the Doctrine of the Decree, of old calumniated the Teachers thereof with; thereby through their sides blaspheming the Scriptures, and God himself. So objected the Adversaries of this great Truth, against Paul, the greatest Preacher thereof, amongst those that were but men: Rom. 9.19. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? for who hath resisted his Will? i. e. If Gods Will determining the being of sin be irresistible, then man in committing sin is unblameable;