A39669:1211
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.
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.
Thirdly, Open your case to wise, judicious and experienced Christians, and especially the Ministers of Christ, whose office it is to counsel and direct you in these difficulties; and let not your troubles lye like a secret smothering fire, always in your own breasts. I know men are more ashamed to open their sins under convictions, than they were to commit them before conviction: but this is your interest, and the true way to your rest and peace. If there be with, or near you an Interpreter, one of a thousand, to show you your righteousness, and remedy, as it lies in Christ; neglect not your own souls in a sinful concealment of your case: it will be the joy of their hearts to be employed in such work as this is.
Thirdly, Open your case to wise, judicious and experienced Christians, and especially the Ministers of Christ, whose office it is to counsel and direct you in these difficulties; and let not your troubles lye like a secret smothering fire, always in your own breasts. I know men are more ashamed to open their sins under convictions, than they were to commit them before conviction: but this is your interest, and the true way to your rest and peace. If there be with, or near you an Interpreter, one of a thousand, to shew you your righteousness, and remedy, as it lies in Christ; neglect not your own souls in a sinful concealment of your case: it will be the joy of their hearts to be imployed in such work as this is.