A89737:592
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.
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, Gen. 45.8.