A89737:634
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.
Obj. 2. Preparatory work seemeth to darken the freeness of grace.
Ans. Preparatory works precede vocation in way of order, not in way of causality: God giveth Christ after them as the way, not for them, as the cause. Preparatory work, is the effect of free common grace: as saving work is the effect of free special grace. It can therefore be no more prejudice unto grace, then a free way is unto a free thing, whereunto it is the way. No more then freedom prejudiceth freedom: i. e. No more then a free act of an inferior nature prejudiceth a free act of a superior nature. It doth no whit touch it in it self, it in many respects cleareth it, but no way darkeneth it unto us.
Ans. Preparatory works precede vocation in way of order, not in way of causality: God giveth Christ after them as the way, not for them, as the cause. Preparatory work, is the effect of free common grace: as saving work is the effect of free special grace. It can therefore be no more prejudice unto grace, then a free way is unto a free thing, whereunto it is the way. No more then freedom prejudiceth freedom: i. e. No more then a free act of an inferiour nature prejudiceth a free act of a superiour nature. It doth no whit touch it in it self, it in many respects cleareth it, but no way darkeneth it unto us.
Obj. 3. The Corinthians, 1 Cor. 6.11. that were Idolaters, Adulterers, Abusers of themselves with mankind, received Christ: yet we read of no preparatory qualification mentioned: Therefore there was no preparatory work?