A89737:936
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.
Either Adam was able to believe in Christ, or else God calling upon man to believe, requireth that of man which he never enabled him with a principle to perform; but it cannot be proved that God requireth that of man which he never enabled him to perform. Therefore, &c.
Object. Faith in Christ as a Saviour from sin, and the state of innocency, are inconsistent. Therefore, Adam had not a power to believe in Christ.
Ans. This proves that Adam in innocency could not actually believe; but not that he could not potentially believe: that is, that he had not a principle able (through assisting grace) to believe in Christ; had the propounding of him been consisting with that estate.
The cause of Adams not believing, was not through an effect of a principle enabling him thereunto, but by reason, first, of the inconsistency of justifying faith with that estate. 2. By reason of the not revealing of the Object of Faith. Adam in innocency had a principle enabling him to Parental duties, though he was never called thereunto, as also to duties of mercy and charity; which yet were inconsistent with that estate.