A89737:591
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.
The second cause acts, and doth its actions as properly, really, and formally: as if (upon a supposition, which yet is impossible) there were no first cause. The first cause acts, and doth all things as properly, and really, as if there were no second cause.
Notwithstanding the creature in regard of its formal free-efficiency, is somewhat distinguished from a mere instrument: yet, even those effects wherein God useth the second cause, as a subordinate free-agent, depend upon, and are determined by the first cause; as much as where the second cause is a mere passive instrument; because the free-efficiency of the second cause, is the effect of the first cause. And as much as those effects, for the producing of which, a man makes use of a mere instrument; depend upon, and are determined by the man, who used that instrument. Because an instrument being a creature, cannot depend upon its fellow-creature, so much as every creature depends upon its Creator. And hence it is, that second free-agents are sometimes compared unto mere instruments.
Notwithstanding the creature in regard of its formal free-efficiency, is somewhat distinguished from a meer instrument: yet, even those effects wherein God useth the second cause, as a subordinate free-agent, depend upon, and are determined by the first cause; as much as where the second cause is a meer passive instrument; because the free-efficiency of the second cause, is the effect of the first cause. And as much as those effects, for the producing of which, a man makes use of a meer instrument; depend upon, and are determined by the man, who used that instrument. Because an instrument being a creature, cannot depend upon its fellow-creature, so much as every creature depends upon its Creatour. And hence it is, that second free-agents are sometimes compared unto meer instruments.
Notwithstanding sin is wholly of man, and subordinate efficiency in sinful actions, belongs formally unto the second cause: yet the infallible futurition, and execution of all effects: the infallible futurition, and ordering the execution of all events; is as fully ascribed unto God, as if man had no hand therein. So then it was not you that sent me hither, but God,