A39669:1375
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, Esteem nothing lovely, but as it is enjoyed in 1Christ, or improved for Christ: affect nothing for it self, love nothing separate from Jesus Christ. In two things we all sin in the love of creatures, viz. in the excess of our affections, loving them above the rate, and value of creatures, and in the inordinacy of our affections, (i. e.) in loving them out of their proper places.
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Thirdly, Let us all be humbled for the baseness of our hearts, 1that are so free of their affections to vanities, and trifles; and so hard to be persuaded to the love of Christ, who is altogether lovely. Oh how many pour out streams of love and delight upon the vain and empty creature, whilst no arguments can squeeze out one drop of love from their obdurate ⟨p. 260⟩and unbelieving hearts to Jesus Christ! I have read of one Johannes Mollius, who was observed to go often alone, and weep bitterly; and being pressed by a Friend to know the cause of his trouble; Oh, said he, it grieves me that I cannot bring this heart of mine to love Jesus Christ more fervently.
Thirdly, Let us all be humbled for the baseness of our hearts, 1that are so free of their affections to vanities, and trifles; and so hard to be perswaded to the love of Christ, who is altogether lovely. Oh how many pour out streams of love and delight upon the vain and empty creature, whilst no arguments can squeese out one drop of love from their obdurate ⟨p. 260⟩and unbelieving hearts to Jesus Christ! I have read of one Johannes Mollius, who was observed to go often alone, and weep bitterly; and being prest by a Friend to know the cause of his trouble; Oh, said he, it grieves me that I cannot bring this heart of mine to love Jesus Christ more fervently.