A39669:1032
The Method of Grace
The method of grace, in bringing home the eternal redemption contrived by the Father, and accomplished by the Son through the effectual application of the spirit unto God's elect, being the second part of Gospel redemption : wherein the great mystery of our union and communion with Christ is opened and applied, unbelievers invited, false pretenders convicted, every mans claim to Christ examined, and the misery of Christless persons discovered and bewailed / by John Flavell ...The method of grace, in bringing home the eternal redemption contrived by the Father, and accomplished by the Son through the effectual application of the spirit unto God's elect, being the second part of Gospel redemption : wherein the great mysterie of our union and communion with Christ is opened and applied, unbelievers invited, false pretenders convicted, every mans claim to Christ examined, and the misery of Christless persons discovered and bewailed / by John Flavell ...
London: printed by M. White for Francis Tyton, 1681
Sermon 9 › Part 1 › Section 2 › Subsection 1: First Counsel.
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.
First Counsel.
Satisfy not your selves in fruitless complaints to men. Many 1do so, but it's never the near. I grant it's lawful in spiritual distresses to complain to men; yea, and it is a great mercy if we have any near us in times of trouble, that are judicious, tender and faithful, into whose bosoms we may pour out our troubles: but to rest in this short of Christ, is no better than a snare of the Devil to destroy us. Is there not a God ⟨p. 190⟩to go to in trouble? The best of men in the neglect of Christ are but Physicians of no value. Be wise and wary in your choice of Christian friends to whom you open your complaints: some are not clear themselves in the doctrine of Christ and faith, others are of a dark and troubled spirit as you are, and will but entangle you more. As for me (saith Job) is my complaint to man, and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled? Job 21. 4. One hour betwixt Christ and thy soul in secret, will do more to thy true relief, than all other counsellors and comforters in the world can do.
Satisfie not your selves in fruitless complaints to men. Many 1do so, but it's never the near. I grant it's lawful in spiritual distresses to complain to men; yea, and it is a great mercy if we have any near us in times of trouble, that are judicious, tender and faithful, into whose bosomes we may pour out our troubles: but to rest in this short of Christ, is no better than a snare of the Devil to destroy us. Is there not a God