A39669:1121
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
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.
Thirdly, It was an intolerable burden to the soul to be under the continual fears, alarms and frights of death and 1damnation. Its life hath been a life of bondage upon this account, ever since the Lord opened his eyes to see his condition. Poor souls lye down with tremblings for fear what a night may bring forth. 'Tis a sad life indeed to live in continual bondage to such fears. But faith sweetly relieves the trembling Conscience, by removing the guilt which breeds it; fears. The sting of death is sin; when guilt is removed, fears vanish. Smite Lord, smite, said Luther, for my sins are forgiven. Now if sickness come, 'tis another thing than it was 2wont to be, Isai. 33. 21. The Inhabitant shall not say I am sick, the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquities: a man scarce feels his sickness in comparison to what he did, whilst he was without Christ, and hope of pardon.
Thirdly, It was an intolerable burthen to the soul to be under the continual fears, aiarms and frights of death and 1damnation. Its life hath been a life of bondage upon this account, ever since the Lord opened his eyes to see his condition. Poor souls lye down with tremblings for fear what a night may bring forth. 'Tis a sad life indeed to live in continual bondage to such fears. But faith sweetly relieves the trembling Conscience, by removing the guilt which breeds it; fears. The sting of death is sin; when guilt is removed, fears vanish. Smite Lord, smite, said Luther, for my sins are forgiven. Now if sickness come, 'tis another thing than it was 2wont to be, Isai. 33. 21. The Inhabitant shall not say I am sick, the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquities: a man scarce feels his sickness in comparison to what he did, whilst he was without Christ, and hope of pardon.
- 1