by John Norton
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
This text has been initially updated from EEBO-TCP by Project Puritas (Logan West, David Jonescue, Alex Sarrouf) www.puritansearch.org. Further revision and editing done by Monergism. Copyright Monergism via universal text usage permission from the above.
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.
"For I determined not to know anything amongst you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified," - 1 Cor. 2.2.
"Moreover, I will endeavor, that you may be able after my decease, to have these things always in remembrance." - 2 Pet. 1.15.
"The Orthodox Evangelist" by John Norton is a comprehensive theological exploration focused on central tenets of Christian doctrine. It is a call to faithfulness, precision, and unity in understanding God's Word. Norton's earnest hope is for the grace of God to use this work to foster truth, peace, and understanding among His people, facilitating the genuine alignment of hearts and judgments with divine truth.
Penned by the insightful John Norton, explores the essence of the Communion of Saints, emphasizing the timeless value of sacred literature and its role in bridging generational, spatial, and temporal divides. Norton beautifully illustrates the power of literature to make the wisdom of ancient saints available to contemporary readers as if those very saints were present and conversing with them.
The book, while acknowledging the ubiquity of literary works and the potential for overwhelming readers, distinguishes itself by its exceptional importance. Drawing parallels to indispensable medicines, Norton contends that "The Orthodox Evangelist" stands as a beacon of accuracy in religious discourse. It serves as a guide for readers to navigate their faith with precision, drawing inspiration from Ephesians 5:15, which emphasizes a life walked "exactly".
Using vivid imagery from Revelations 4:7, Norton portrays the four critical roles within the Church and underscores the paramount duty of the Teacher, an office seemingly held by Norton himself, to unearth and elucidate the intricate mysteries of God's Kingdom.
A striking feature of the book is its concise yet profound expression. Mirroring the ideals of Dr. Preston, who wished to "live long in a little time," Norton strives to convey profound insights with an economy of words. Drawing a contrast with the Schoolmen – scholars revered for their brevity and solidity yet criticized for their deviations from pure divinity – Norton emphasizes the necessity of grounding discussions in Scripture. His approach in this work sheds light on intricate theological debates, including the interplay of Grace and Free-will, aiming to bring clarity and harmony among varying doctrines of Grace.
Furthermore, Norton's treatment of Christ's soul-sufferings emerges as a corrective to some Protestant views that diminish Christ's agony. He argues for a deeper appreciation of Christ's sacrifice and the immeasurable love embedded therein. The imputation of our sins to Christ and His obedience to us are foundational to our salvation, a theme he underscores.
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Table of Contents
To the Church, and Inhabitants, of Ipswich in New-England
To the Judicious Christian Reader.
CHAPTER. I. Of the Divine Essence.
CHAPTER II. Of the Trinity.
CHAPTER III. Of Christ.
CHAPTER IV. Of the Decree.
CHAPTER V. Of the Efficiency of God.
CHAPTER VI. There are certain Preparatory works coming between the carnal rest of the soul in the state of sin, and effectual vocation
CHAPTER VII. What are the Principal Heads, whereunto the Substance of Preparatory Work in the full Extent thereof, may be referred.
CHAPTER VIII. Whether there be any saving Qualification, before the grace of faith, viz. Any such Qualification whereupon salvation may be certainly promised unto the person so qualified.
CHAPTER IX. Of the first Object of Saving Faith.
CHAPTER X. Saving Faith is the Effect of true special Grace, that is, of Grace flowing from God, according to Election, and from Christ, according to Redemption
CHAPTER XI. What is the first saving gift actually applied unto an Elect Soul.
CHAPTER XII. The Soul is passive in Vocation.
CHAPTER XIII. Of the Union of the Believer with Christ.
CHAPTER XIV. Of Justification by Faith.
CHAPTER XV. Of the state of the blessed, where: Of the condition of their souls from the instant of their Dissolution, and of their persons after the Resurrection