A89737:418
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.
5. That God may proceed with man in such a way as is most suitable and agreeable unto a reasonable creature: Namely, by persuasion, and Proposal of Arguments.
5. That God may proceed with man in such a way as is most sutable and agreeable unto a reasonable creature: Namely, by perswasion, and Proposal of Arguments.
6. That the outward Dispensation being alike to all, both Elect, and Reprobate; the Reprobate may be found without excuse for their unbelief.1 Jesus Christ tendered as a sufficient Saviour to all that hear the Gospel, with a Command to believe, and a Promise that Whosoever (none excepted) believeth, shall be saved; is sufficient in respect of the sufficiency of outward means, (though not in respect of inward efficacy) unto the salvation of the hearers: More then this, in respect of external means, is not tendered unto the Elect; ⟨p. 87⟩nor less then this unto Reprobates. The tender then being so great, and so far the same unto both, albeit the Elects receiving of it be the effect of special grace, yet the Reprobates rejecting of it, is without excuse.
- 1Rhetorf. ex Apol. ex. 3. cap. 2.
For neither doth the Gospel (saith Zanchy) signify God's Will to be, that this or that man, suppose Peter or Paul shall be saved: and accordingly that his Will is, that this or that man shall believe in Christ: but the Gospel publisheth, that it is God's Will, That whosoever will be saved from death unto Eternal life, they ought (that is, it is their duty) to believe in Christ: But who those are, he himself truly knows; but in no measure hath made known by the Gospel, and that because it is not expedient. Therefore the Lord Jesus in the preaching of the Gospel, did not express whom he had chose, but preached only in general. First, That he came indeed that men should be saved: Nextly, What ones both the Father, and he would have them to be, which shall be saved; Namely, Believers: and such as are obedient to the Commands of God. Thus is provision made for the salvation of the Elect; the Reprobates are left without excuse, and none have any occasion given them to despair. | Neque enim Evangelium significat,