A39669:1210
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.
First, Shut your Ears against the dangerous counsels of carnal persons or relations; for as they themselves are unacquainted with these troubles: so also are they with all proper memedies; and it is very usual with the Devil to convey his temptations to distressed souls by such hands; because by them he can do it with least suspicion. It was Augustins complaint, that his own Father took little care for his soul; and many Parents act in this case, as if they were employed by Satan.
First, Shut your Ears against the dangerous counsels of carnal persons or relations; for as they themselves are unacquainted with these troubles: so also are they with all proper memedies; and it is very usual with the Devil to convey his temptations to distressed souls by such hands; because by them he can do it with least suspicion. It was Augustins complaint, that his own Father took little care for his soul; and many Parents act in this case, as if they were imployed by Satan.
Secondly, Be not too eager to get out of trouble, but be content to take Gods way, and wait his time: no woman that is wise, would desire to have her travail hastened one day before the due time: nor will it be your interest to hasten too soon out of trouble. 'Tis true, times of trouble are apt to seem tedious; but a false peace will endanger you more than a long trouble: a man may lengthen his own troubles to the loss of his own peace, and he may shorten them to the hazard of his own soul.
Secondly, Be not too eager to get out of trouble, but be content to take Gods way, and wait his time: no woman that is wise, would desire to have her travail hastned one day before the due time: nor will it be your interest to hasten too soon out of trouble. 'Tis true, times of trouble are apt to seem tedious; but a false peace will endanger you more than a long trouble: a man may lengthen his own troubles to the loss of his own peace, and he may shorten them to the hazard of his own soul.