A39660:880
Englands duty under the present gospel liberty from Revel. III, vers. 20
Englands duty under the present gospel liberty from Revel. III, vers. 20 : wherein is opened the admirable condescension and patience of Christ in waiting upon trifling and obstinate sinners, the wretched state of the unconverted, the nature of evangelical faith ..., the riches of free grace in the offers of Christ ..., the invaluable privileges of union and communion granted to all who receive him ... / by John Flavell ...Englands duty under the present gospel liberty from Revel. III, vers. 20 : wherein is opened the admirable condescension and patience of Christ in waiting upon trifling and obstinate sinners, the wretched state of the unconverted, the nature of evangelical faith ..., the riches of free grace in the offers of Christ ..., the invaluable priviledges of union and communion granted to all who receive him ... / by John Flavell ...
London: printed for Matthew Wotton, 1689
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.
Secondly, Thy former vileness and present unworthiness can be no bar to Christs entrance, because it can be no surprise to him. He knew thou wast an unworthy Soul when he made the first overture of grace and reconciliation to thee; and if thy unworthiness hindered not the beginning of his treaty with thee, it shall not hinder the closing and finishing act thereof in his union with thee. I knew that thou wast a transgressor from the womb, Isa. 48. 8.
Secondly, Thy former vileness and present unworthiness can be no bar to Christs entrance, because it can be no surprize to him. He knew thou wast an unworthy Soul when he made the first overture of grace and reconciliation to thee; and if thy unworthiness hindred not the beginning of his treaty with thee, it shall not hinder the closing and finishing act thereof in his union with thee. I knew that thou wast a transgressor from the womb, Isa. 48. 8.
Thirdly, Christ never yet came into any Soul where Satan had not the possession before him. Every Soul in which Christ now dwells, was once in Satan's power and possession, Acts 26. 18. To turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. So Luke 11. 21, 22. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace. ⟨p. 356⟩But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him; he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoil.
Thirdly, Christ never yet came into any Soul where Satan had not the possession before him. Every Soul in which Christ now dwels, was once in Satans power and possession,