A89737:546
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.
Touching that Objection taken from the seeming disorder of the second causes, as striking at the Wisdom of God.
We are to know, that Wisdom is the discerning the right way unto the best End. Now that the way of God (consisting of Creation and Providence) is the best way to the best End, is clear, first, From the natural Justice of God; whereby, giving unto himself that which is his, it is necessary that he doth all his work as becometh such an Agent; that is, by such means, and in such order, as is most suitable unto their End. Secondly, From the end of all things, and all events: The end of all things is either subordinate, viz. the good of the creature, looked at in it self. Or supreme, viz. the manifestation of the glory of the Creator.
We are to know, that Wisdom is the discerning the right way unto the best End. Now that the way of God (consisting of Creation and Providence) is the best way to the best End, is clear, first, From the natural Justice of God; whereby, giving unto himself that which is his, it is necessary that he doth all his work as becometh such an Agent; that is, by such means, and in such order, as is most suitable unto their End. Secondly, From the end of all things, and all events: The end of all things is either subordinate, viz. the good of the creature, looked at in it self. Or supream, viz. the manifestation of the glory of the Creatour.
God ordereth things in such a way, as though it serveth not most to the good of the creature considered in it self, (though it be also a truth concerning the Elect, that their happiness is included therein:) yet such as serveth most unto their chief good, and last end: namely, the Manifestation of his own Glory.