A89737:407
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.
Rule 6. No Person can know that he is elected before faith.
It is the duty of every one that heareth the Gospel, to believe in Christ. It belongs to us by the help of the Doctrine of the Decree, and all other means, to apply our selves unto the great duty of believing;1 and not to enquire before the time after what is decreed concerning us in particular. It is both sin and folly for us to trouble our selves, and delay our yielding obedience unto a Command known, with scruples about our Personal-Election, remaining hitherto a Secret unrevealed: and as yet inexpedient for us to know; the enquiry after which before faith, we are forbidden: though by it, and other saving effects of that everlasting Love of God, we are directed, and commanded thereunto. No man in danger of drowning in the waters by reason of shipwreck would in case of lines cast out, with a charge that the persons then fleeting to and fro in the waves should make use thereof for their safety, forbear to lay hold ⟨p. 85⟩on them, until such time as the mind of him that cast them out, were known in particular concerning him. What poor Lazarus standing amongst many others, if the rich men casting money amongst them bid them all to take part thereof, would abstain, until he knew what the purpose of that rich man were concerning him?
It is the duty of every one that heareth the Gospel, to believe in Christ. It belongs to us by the help of the Doctrine of the Decree, and all other means, to apply our selves unto the great duty of believing;1 and not to enquire before the time after what is decreed concerning us in particular. It is both sin and folly for us to trouble our selves, and delay our yeilding obedience unto a Command known, with scruples about our Personal-Election, remaining hitherto a Secret unrevealed: and as yet inexpedient for us to know; the enquiry after which before faith, we are forbidden: though by it, and other saving effects of that everlasting Love of God, we are directed, and commanded thereunto. No man in danger of drowning in the waters by reason of shipwrack would in case of lines cast out, with a charge that the persons then fleeting to and fro in the waves should make use thereof for their safety, forbear to lay hold