A39669:1378
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.
Fifthly, Never be ashamed to own Christ: he is altogether 1lovely: he can never be a shame to you: 'twill be your great sin, to be ashamed of him. Some men glory in their shame, be not you ashamed of your glory: if you be ashamed of Christ now, he will be ashamed of you, when he shall appear in his own glory, and the glory of all his holy Angels. Be ashamed of nothing but sin, and among other sins, be ashamed especially for this sin, that you have no more love for him who is altogether lovely.
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Sixthly, Be willing to leave every thing that is lovely upon 1earth, that you may be with the altogether lovely Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven. Lift up your voices with the Spouse, Rev. 20. 20. Come Lord Jesus, come quickly. 'Tis true, you must pass through the pangs of death into his bosom and enjoyment; but sure 'tis worth suffering much more than that, to be with this lovely Jesus. The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and the patient waiting for of Jesus Christ, 2 Thes. 3. 5.
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Seventhly, Strive to be Christ-like, as ever you would be 1lovely in the eyes of God and men. Certainly my Brethren, 'tis the Spirit of Christ within you, and the beauty of Christ upon you, which only can make you lovely persons: the more you resemble him in holiness, the more will you discover of true excellency and loveliness: and the more frequent and spiritual your converse and communion with Christ is, the more of the beauty and loveliness of Christ will still be stamped upon your Spirits, changing you into the same image from glory to glory.