N00051:182
Three choice and profitable sermons upon several texts of Scripture
Three choice and profitable sermons upon several texts of Scripture; viz. Jer. 30. 17. John 14. 3. Heb. 8. 5. / By that Reverend servant of Christ, Mr. John Norton late teacher of the Church of Christ at Boston in N.E. ; The first of them being the last sermon which he preached at the Court of Election at Boston. The second was the last which he preached on the Lords-Day. The third was the last which he preached on his weekly-lecture-day. ; Wherein (beside many other excellent and seasonable truths) is showed, the Lords sovereignty over, and care for his church and people, in order to both their militant and triumphant condition; and their fidelity and good affection towards himself. ; [Eleven lines of Scripture quotations]Three choice and profitable sermons upon several texts of Scripture; viz. Jer. 30. 17. John 14. 3. Heb. 8. 5. / By that Reverend servant of Christ, Mr. John Norton late teacher of the Church of Christ at Boston in N.E. ; The first of them being the last sermon which he preached at the Court of Election at Boston. The second was the last which he preached on the Lords-Day. The third was the last which he preached on his weekly-lecture-day. ; Wherein (beside many other excellent and seasonable truths) is shewed, the Lords soveraignty over, and care for his church and people, in order to both their militant and triumphant condition; and their fidelity and good affection towards himself. ; [Eleven lines of Scripture quotations]
printed by S.G. and M.I. i.e for Hezekiah Usher of Boston, 1664
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.
Answ. 1. But is it not true, that the Objector may err? The major part may err; so saith the Delinquent standing before the Church, and must that evacuate all Church-power? 2. 'Tis more likely that truth should be with many Orthodox, Pious, Orderly, &c. In the multitude of Counsellors (was anciently said, Prov. 11. 14.) there is safety. The Objector is one to many, and he is in his own case a Judge, but a Council in other mens. But if that be not a truth, that [We must subject to Order] because the major part may err, then put an end to Church-administrations, there will be no end of Controversies. But distinguish we concerning Councils. There is a Council Regular, of Orthodox and meet Members orderly gathered: There is a Council that is Irregular, and abusive, as in times of Popery. When the Ark was taken by the Philistines, no marvel it was not Oraculous to Israel; but what Israelite refused to consult the Ark of God after its return from the Philistines, because they had abused it? You tell us, that Popish Councils have erred; and therefore must we forget that the Councils of the Orthodox have maintained the Truth, and have been the support of Religion in former times? Look to the Nicene, and other Councils. Councils have been sometimes among the Philistines, among the Papists, and for so long a time; but shall we esteem the less of Orthodox Councils because of that […] 3. Distinguish between the Truth of Order, and Truth Positive. John 8. 17. The testimony of two men is true: this is what God hath appointed for the Preservation of Society Humane and Christian. That is a truth in foro, viz. in Church or Court, which may not be the truth positive. The God of Truth hath made it for to keep Societies in peace; and if it were not for this Institution, there could be no sitting in Judgement, or any Polity among men. 4. Remember that the Spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophet, 1. Cor 14. 32. the Spirits of the Elders are subject to the Elders, &c. If this be not attended, there can be ⟨p. 10⟩no Administration, or else there must needs be a mere rixation and chiding-administration. Where there is liberty and the Old man, there must needs be much Controversy; 'twere more sad if there were no Remedy. The non-admission of this help, renders the Churches, in case of Non-action, like the field of the sleeping Husbandman,