A89737:538
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.
If the Decree of God hindered not the liberty of the second cause, (as we saw before) then the Efficiency of God hindereth not the Liberty of the second cause: Gods Efficiency being nothing else but the Execution of the Decree. If the Decree of God be so far from being a hinderance unto liberty, as that liberty cannot be without it; nay, is the effect thereof, as its first cause: then the Efficiency of God (being but the Execution of the Decree) will also be found to be so far from being a prejudice unto liberty, as that liberty cannot be without it; nay, is the effect thereof as its next cause.
Obj. The Disorder of the second cause, is often such as seemeth not to consist with the All-governing Providence of God. Divine Government would not order things so disorderly.
Ans. Order is two-fold: either the Order of the Decree, or the Order of the Command; the whole creature both reasonable and unreasonable, is constantly and exactly governed according to the Order of the Decree, in the best way to the best end; viz. the Glory of the Creator. This Order can no more be violated, then God can be disappointed of his Will. Man, even in violating Gods Command, fulfilleth Gods Decree. The Order of the Command, is ⟨p. 116⟩either the Law of Nature, the Rule of the unreasonable creature: whose Government according thereunto, see in this Chapter a little after the beginning. Or the Moral Law, the Rule of the reasonable creature: whose subjection thereunto, is the greatest difficulty: Touching which, together with what the Reader may be pleased to recall, of that which hath been spoken to this purpose, immediately after the place fore-mentioned; it may suffice, at present to answer this Objection (which Answer is yet easily and readily upon occasion applicable unto the Angels,) so far only as it concerneth the Government of ungoverned man.