A89737:405
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 Doctrine of the Decree, is commanded to be taught, and learned, and is many ways useful both before and after faith respectively. But the Personal Application thereof before faith, in point of Election, or during this life in point of Reprobation, (of which more in the two next following rules) is forbidden, and is inexpedient, and hurtful many ways.
Rule 5.1 'Tis a sin for any man in this life to conclude that he is a Reprobate. Because Final Disobedience, the Consequent, and Argument of Reprobation cannot be known before death. Should any desperate person argue to this purpose, he must reason out of the Word; for no one knoweth who are reprobate but God; and those to whom God revealeth it in his Word. But the reprobation of any particular person, that either is, or shall be, during this life, (the cases of the sin against the Holy Ghost, Matth. 12.32. And Anathema Maranatha, 1 Cor. 16.22. which are rare, and extraordinary, excepted:) is not to be found in the Word.
- 1Nunquam in hacvita possit esse certus Reprobus, de sua reprobatione. Prideaux. Lect. 1.
Rule 6. No Person can know that he is elected before faith.