A39669:1183
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, None so tender hearted, and sympathizing with sick souls, as Jesus Christ: he is full of bowels and tender compassions to afflicted souls: he is one that can have compassion, because he hath had experience, Heb. 5. 2. If I must come into the Chirurgeons hand with broken bones, give me such a one to choose, whose own bones have been broken, who hath felt the anguish in himself. Christ knows what it is by experience, having felt the anguish of inward troubles, the weight of Gods wrath, and the terrors of a forsaking God, more than any, or all the sons of men: this makes him tender over distressed souls, Isai. 42. 3. A bruised reed he will not break, and smoking flax he shall not quench.
Thirdly, None so tender hearted, and sympathizing with sick souls, as Jesus Christ: he is full of bowels and tender compassions to afflicted souls: he is one that can have compassion, because he hath had experience, Heb. 5. 2. If I must come into the Chirurgeons hand with broken bones, give me such a one to choose, whose own bones have been broken, who hath felt the anguish in himself. Christ knows what it is by experience, having felt the anguish of inward troubles, the weight of Gods wrath, and the terrors of a forsaking God, more than any, or all the sons of men: this makes him tender over distressed souls, Isai. 42. 3. A bruised reed he will not break, and smoaking flax he shall not quench.
Fourthly, None cures in so wonderful a method as Christ doth: he heals us by his stripes, Isai. 53. 5. The Physician ⟨p. 224⟩dyes that the Patient may live: his wounds must bleed, that ours may be cured: he feels the smart and pain, that we might have the ease and comfort. No Physician but Christ will cure others at this rate.