A39669:1236
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.
It respected innocent man as undeserving, for Adam could put no obligation upon his Benefactor: it respecteth fallen man as ill deserving. Innocent man could not merit favour, and fallen man did merit wrath: the favour or mercy of God to both is every way free; and that is the first acceptation of the word mercy: but then it is also taken for the effects and fruits of Gods favour; and they are,
Either, 1. Principal and primary, or, 2. Subordinate and Secondary.
Either, 1. Principal and primary, or, 2. Subordinate and Secundary.
Of Secondary and Subordinate Mercies, there are multitudes, both Temporal, respecting the body, and Spiritual, respecting the soul: but the Principal and Primary Mercy is but one, and that is Christ, the first-born of mercy; the capital mercy; the comprehensive-root-mercy, from whom ⟨p. 234⟩are all other mercies; and therefore called by a singular emphasis in my Text The Mercy, (i. e.) the mercy of all mercies; without whom no drop of saving mercy can flow to any of the sons of men; and in whom are all the tender bowels of Divine mercy yearning upon poor sinners. The Mercy, and the mercy promised. The first promise of Christ was made to Adam, Gen. 3. 15. and was frequently renewed afterwards to Abraham, to David; and as the Text speaks, unto the Fathers, in their respective generations.
Of Secundary and Subordinate Mercies, there are multitudes, both Temporal, respecting the body, and Spiritual, respecting the soul: but the Principal and Primary Mercy is but one, and that is Christ, the first-born of mercy; the capital mercy; the comprehensive-root-mercy, from whom