A89737:892
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.
Here take seasonable and just notice, That Election, or Gods Intent concerning his Elect in the Work of Redemption, is no part of the primary Object of saving Faith. The Rule of Faith, as it bindeth all, is the first object of faith. As the Command, not the Decree is the rule of that obedience that floweth from faith, so the Command, not the Decree is the rule of the obedience of the grace, & exercise of faith it self: for the better understanding whereof, compare that act of saith, whereby we believe in Jesus Christ, a sufficient. Saviour to every one that believeth in him (which containeth the object of faith) with the act of faith, whereby we believe in Jesus Christ, intended of God to be a Saviour unto us (or believe that we are elected, or that we are redeemed, or that Christ died for us, which all with others of like nature, are the same in effect, containing somewhat of Election of Gods Intent concerning his Elect, in the Work of Redemption,) and their difference will appear in respect, first, of their object.
The first propounds Christ as the actual existing cause of salvation to the unbeliever believing.
The second propounds the Intent of God, or Christ, concerning our salvation: The first holdeth out our duty, but not the certain intent of God concerning our estate: The holdeth forth purposely the certain intent of God concerning our estate. The first holdeth forth a remedy, scil. the object to be believed in by a sinner, that he may be justified: the second holdeth forth consolation unto a sinner justified. The first is faith in Christ; the second is a faith concerning Christ.