A89737:839
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 Sum of this Answer is: The Text (in that it is a Parable) through our infirmity, is the more apt to suffer by a mis-interpretation. If it be taken in the first sense (according to the Commentators above-mentioned) it concerns not the question. If taken in the latter sense, whether selling of all, be interpreted preparatorily, or savingly, it doth not conclude the question: that is, It doth in no sense hold forth a saving parting with sin, before the grace of faith.
The Sum of this Ansvver is: The Text (in that it is a Parable) through our infirmity, is the more apt to suffer by a mis-interpretation. If it be taken in the first sence (according to the Commentators above-mentioned) it concerns not the question. If taken in the latter sence, whether selling of all, be interpreted preparatorily, or savingly, it doth not conclude the question: that is, It doth in no sence hold forth a saving parting with sin, before the grace of faith.
Obj. 3. Salvation is promised unto hungering, thirsting, poverty of spirit, seeking, repentance, &c. which are qualifications preceding faith: therefore salvation may be promised to some qualification before faith.
Ans. All Objections raised from these, and the like promises, (whereof there are many in the Scriptures) may receive a full answer, by the right application of the distinction of qualifications into Preparatory, or Legal; which go before faith: And Saving, or Evangelical; which follow faith: intimated before in the beginning of the Answer to the second Objection: Accordingly, there is a Poverty, Luke 4.18. Revel. 3.17. A Hunger,