A39669:1516
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.
But Jesus Christ brings to their souls all that is comfortable, and removes from their souls all that is uncomfortable.
Therefore Christ only is the Consolation of Believers.
First, Jesus Christ brings whatsoever is comfortable to the souls of Believers. Is pardon comfortable to a person condemned? Nothing can be matter of greater comfort in this world. Why, this Christ brings to all Believers, Jer. 23. 6. And this is the name whereby he shall be called, The Lord our righteousness: this cannot but give strong consolation; righteousness is the foundation of peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, Rom. 14. 17. The work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness, and assurance for ever; Isai. 32. 17. Come to a dejected soul, labouring under the burden of guilt, and say, Cheer up, I bring you good tidings; there is such an Estate befallen you, or such a troublesome business comfortably ended for you; alas! this will not reach the heart. If you can bring me (saith he) good news from Heaven, that my sins are forgiven, and God reconciled; how soon should I be comforted! And therefore (as one well observes) this was the usual receipt with which Christ cured the souls of men and women, when he was here on earth; Son, or Daughter, be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven thee: and indeed it is as easy to separate light and warmth from the beams of the Sun, as cheeriness and comfort from the voice of pardon.
First, Jesus Christ brings whatsoever is comfortable to the souls of Believers. Is pardon comfortable to a person condemned? Nothing can be matter of greater comfort in this world. Why, this Christ brings to all Believers,