A39669:1340
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, The beauty and loveliness of all other things is fading and perishing, but the loveliness of Christ is fresh to all eternity: the sweetness of the best of creatures is a Fading flower, if not before, yet certainly at death it must fade away, Job 4. 21. Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? Yes, yes, whether natural excellencies of the body, or acquired endowments of the mind, lovely features, amiable qualities, attracting excellencies: all these like pleasant flowers are withered, faded, and destroyed by death: but Christ is still the same, yesterday, to day and for ever, Heb. 13. 8.
Fourthly, The beauty and loveliness of creatures is ensna ring, and dangerous; a man may make an Idol of it, and dote beyond the bounds of moderation upon it: but there is no danger of excess in the love of Christ: the soul is then in the healthiest frame and temper, when it is most sick of love to Christ, Cant. 5. 8.
Fifthly, The loveliness of every creature is of a cloying and glutting nature: our estimation of it abates, and links by our nearer approach to it, or longer enjoyment of it: creatures like Pictures are fairest at a due distance; but it is not so with Christ, the nearer the soul approacheth him, and the longer it lives in the enjoyment of him, still the more sweet and desirable he is.
Fifthly, The loveliness of every creature is of a cloying and glutting nature: our estimation of it abates, and links by our nearer approach to it, or longer enjoyment of it: creatures like Pictures are fairest at a due distance; but it is not so with Christ, the nearer the soul approacheth him, and the longer it lives in the enjoyment of him, still the more sweet and desireable he is.