A89737:410
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.
From the Instant of believing, there is a certainty of the Object, i. e. The thing believed, Namely, a state of favour is certain, though there be not yet a certainty of the Subject; that is, The person believing is not certain, that he is in a state of favour, and consequently, that he is beloved of God. Without which added to the former, the believer neither can, nor ought to rest: For the attaining hereof, he hath revealed his love to the believer, 1 John 5.10. 1. Thes. 4.5. Knowing, Brethren, Beloved, your Election of God, &c. commanding us to make it sure. Give diligence to make your calling and election sure, 2 Pet. 1.10. The Spirit is therefore given us, 1 Cor. 2.12. Yea, he hath been pleased to take upon him the work to reveal it to us, Ephes. 4.30. The attaining thereof, is a matter of much praise unto God, Rom. 4.20. Much enlargeth the heart to God and man, Cant. 8.6. 1 John 4.16, 17, 18. It is as necessary in time of temptation, as an Helmet unto the Soldier, Ephes. 6.17. as an anchor to the ship, Heb. 6.19. Without it our hearts dye, with it we live in sad hours. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed, because the Love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us, Rom. 5.3, 4, 5.
From the Instant of believing, there is a certainty of the Object, i. e. The thing believed, Namely, a state of favour is certain, though there be not yet a certainty of the Subject; that is, The person believing is not certain, that he is in a state of favour, and consequently, that he is beloved of God. Without which added to the former, the believer neither can, nor ought to rest: For the attaining hereof, he hath revealed his love to the believer,