A89737:988
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.
5. Interpret God in the best sense, according to his revealed Will.
5. Interpret God in the best sence, according to his revealed Will.
The Elect stumble not finally; at sinful, unreasonable, and malicious Cavils, touching the secret purpose of God, concerning them in particular: but acknowledge it their duty to magnify the free tender of grace, and to interpret God according to his revealed Will, and accordingly to apply themselves to their acknowledged duty. The woman of Canaan ceaseth not her suit, but gathers upon Christ even from appearing discouragements, Matth. 15.22—28. It is unlikely that Jonah (denouncing only destruction to ⟨p. 216⟩the Ninevites, and being exceedingly displeased, that they were spared, encouraged them to believe: yet (God purposing outward mercy to them.) See how the King is stirred up, to encourage both himself, and them to fasting, and turning from their evil way, upon this ground of hope: Who can tell if God will turn and repent, notwithstanding destruction threatened? Jonah 3.4, 9. Did ever any poor shipwrecked creature, yet floating, and striving (amongst others) in the waves for life:1 upon the unexpected approach of some tender-hearted Mariner, casting out his lines, and calling upon them all indefinitely to take hold thereupon, and save their lives: Did ever (I say) such a poor creature reject the opportunity, because the Mariner had not as yet expressed his affection touching him in particular?2
The Elect stumble not finally; at sinful, unreasonable, and malicious Cavils, touching the secret purpose of God, concerning them in particular: but acknowledge it their duty to magnifie the free tender of grace, and to interpret God according to his revealed Will, and accordingly to apply themselves to their acknowledged duty. The woman of Canaan ceaseth not her suit, but gathers upon Christ even from appearing discouragements,