A89737:356
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.
Again,1 Note the aptness of the blessings to the persons for whom he prayeth; Here are three blessings that do more eminently and distinctly suit with every person of the Trinity: and I do the rather note it, because I find the Apostle elsewhere distinguishing these blessings by their proper fountains, as Rom. 1.7. Grace to you, and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ: Sort the blessings right, there is grace from the Father, and peace from Christ: So here is mercy from God the Father, who is called the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, 2 Cor. 1.3. and peace from the Son, for he is our peace, Ephes. 2.14. and love from the Spirit; Rom. 5.5. The love of God is s•ed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given to us. Thus you see every Person concureth to our happiness with his distinct blessing.
- 1Observat. 4.
In the next place,1 how aptly these blessings are suited ⟨p. 71⟩among themselves; first mercy, then peace, and then love; mercy doth not differ much from that which is called grace in Pauls Epistles, only grace doth more respect the bounty of God, as mercy doth our want and need: By mercy then is meant the favour and good-will of God to miserable creatures; and peace signifieth all blessings inward and outward, as the fruits and effects of that favour and good-will; more especially calmness and serenity of Conscience, or a secure enjoying of the love of God, which is the top of spiritual prosperity: And then love sometimes signifieth Gods love to us; here I should rather take it for our love to God, and to the Brethren for Gods sake: So that mercy is the rise and spring of all, peace is the effect and fruit, and love is the return. He beginneth with mercy, for that is the fountain and beginning of all the good things which we enjoy; higher then love and mercy we cannot go, for Gods Love is the reason of it self,