A89737:945
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.
3. Distinguish between a Physical, and a Moral cause: A Physical cause is such a cause, as though without it the effect cannot be: yet, it is no ways bound to produce such an effect: thus the absence of the Sun is the cause of the night. A Physician is the cause why that disease remains uncured, which he can cure: but is not bound to cure. A Chirurgeon the cause why the issue remains unhealed, which he is not tied to heal. Thus the King not giving a pardon, is the cause why the offender is executed, whom no Law obligeth him to pardon.
3. Distinguish between a Physical, and a Moral cause: A Physical cause is such a cause, as though without it the effect cannot be: yet, it is no ways bound to produce such an effect: thus the absence of the Sun is the cause of the night. A Physician is the cause why that disease remains uncured, which he can cure: but is not bound to cure. A Chyrurgion the cause why the issue remains unhealed, which he is not tyed to heal. Thus the King not giving a pardon, is the cause why the offender is executed, whom no Law obligeth him to pardon.
A Moral cause is such a cause wherein the Agent stands by duty bound concerning the producing, or not producing of such an effect: so, as by omission of what is commanded, or commission of what is forbidden, there is a guilt incurred: so mans will is moral, therefore the blameable cause of unbelief.
Gods Will is the Antecedent, not the Cause of unbelief, the abuse of mans free-will in the fall, is the cause of unbelief. Unbelief not cured, (considered Negatively) is in respect of the Will of God a physical, and unblamable effect: of a physical and unblamable cause: but mans will being a moral cause; unbelief in this sense cannot be the effect thereof. Unbelief not cured (privatively considered) is in respect of God, as a blamable Consequent, of an unblamable Antecedent: in respect of the will of man, it is a blamable effect, of a moral, and blamable cause.