A89737:33
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 the Judicious Christian Reader.
The Penning and Reading of godly Books, is a singular improvement of the Communion of Saints: as whereby we enjoy sweet and gracious conference with the Saints, though unknown to us, though absent in place, & distant in time (yea many ages before us) and so partake in the Communion of their most precious Gifts, as if they were present with us, or as if we had been of long acquainted with them, which maketh me sometimes to wish, that though I cannot nor dare not say, that Spiritual Gifts are buried, when they are only dispensed in a Pulpit (for in a Pulpit they are set upon a Candlestick, and give light to all that are in the House of this or that particular Church:) yet where God giveth an eminent measure of light, fit to shine forth to a Nation, or to a world of Churches: That such Gifts might not be confined to a Pulpit; but as clusters of ripe Grapes passing under the press, are fit to be transported to all Nations; So such Gifts and Labours passing under the Press, may be fitly Communicated to all Churches. It is indeed a true word which the word of truth hath spoken (Eccles. 12.12.) Of making many books there is no end, and much reading is a weariness to the flesh. But yet, some books there be, of which I may say, as Fernelius, and other Physicians speak of their Pills; There are Pillulae sine quibus, that is, sine quibus esse nolo; so there be some libelli sine quibus, some books sine quibus esse nolo. And this is one of them, without which I would neither be my self, nor wish thee to be. Though most books be accommodated to Popular capacity (and they do most good extensively:) yet there ⟨image 8⟩had need to be some, which speak accurately, that they who apply their Sermons and writings to Popular capacity, may still keep within the compass of exact Truth: and they do most good intensively. The Holy •host by Paul giveth the People of God an holy warning, See that ye walk circumspectly; or (as the word is) exactly,