A89737:608
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.
Before sinners are invited immediately to believe,1 they must be such sinners, qualified sinners.
- 1Arguments from Scripture.
1. Sinners that are sensible of sin, as appeareth from these Scriptures, Matth. 9.13. Mark 2.17. Luke 5.31, 32. I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. He came not to call all sinners; for the righteous ⟨p. 131⟩here mentioned are sinners; but such sinners, sick sinners: the Text can admit no other interpretation. Sensible of their death in sin, Rom. 7. For I was alive without the Law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I dyed; And the Commandment which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. Paul was dead before, though he thought otherwise; but now he is sensible of his death, he found that he was dead. Sensible of their bondage, both in respect of the guilt and power of sin. Rom. 8.15. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the spirit of Adoption, whereby we cry Abba, Father. The state of bondage was always until faith: the Spirit of bondage signifieth the sensibleness of that bondage. We must distinguish between the state of bondage, and the Spirit of bondage. Sensible of their want of Christ. Ho every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, &c. Thirst doth not only signify a want of water, but a sensibleness of that want.