A89737:548
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.
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.
We must distinguish between the Order of the Decree, and the Order of the Command: Disorder in respect of the Command, is Order in respect of the Decree: Thus both order and disorder in respect of the Command, are order in respect of the Decree. The Wisdom of the first cause shineth in the folly of the second cause. The Order of the Creator disposeth of, and runneth through the confusion of the creature. The face of Providence is oftentimes like unto some picture, which if you look upon it on the one side casteth a deformed shape: but if you behold it on the other side, it presenteth you with a most grateful aspect. Faith seeth beauty, where reason seeth only confusion. What sight more horrid then the sufferings of Christ, if looked upon in the wisdom of man? few more glorious, if beheld in the Wisdom of God. He hath made every thing beautiful in its time, Eccles. 3.11. See more in the seventh Consection ⟨p. 118⟩of the Doctrine of the Decree, Chapter 4.
We must distinguish between the Order of the Decree, and the Order of the Command: Disorder in respect of the Command, is Order in respect of the Decree: Thus both order and disorder in respect of the Command, are order in respect of the Decree. The Wisdom of the first cause shineth in the folly of the second cause. The Order of the Creatour disposeth of, and runneth through the confusion of the creature. The face of Providence is oftentimes like unto some picture, which if you look upon it on the one side casteth a deformed shape: but if you behold it on the other side, it presenteth you with a most grateful aspect. Faith seeth beauty, where reason seeth only confusion. What sight more horrid then the sufferings of Christ, if looked upon in the wisdom of man? few more glorious, if beheld in the Wisdom of God. He hath made every thing beautiful in its time,