A39669:1618
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, The gracious manner in which he treats them upon the throne of grace, to which he allows them to come with boldness, Heb. 4. 16. This also speaks them in the special favour of God: he allows them to come to him in prayer, with the liberty, confidence and filial boldness of children to a Father, Gal. 4. 6. Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying Abba, Father: the familiar voice of a dear child: yea, which is a wonderful dignation and condescension of the great God to poor worms of the earth, he saith, Isai. 45. 11. Thus saith the Lord the holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me: an expression so full of grace and special favour to Believers, that it needs great caution in reading and understanding such an high and astonishing expression: the meaning is, that God hath as it were subjected the works of his hands to the prayers of his Saints: and it is as if he had said, If my glory, and your necessity shall require it, do but ask me in prayer, and whatever my almighty power can do, I will do it for you: however let no favourite of Heaven forget the infinite distance betwixt himself and God. Abraham was a great favourite of Heaven, and was called the friend of God, yet see with what humility of spirit, and reverential awe he addresseth to God, Gen. 18. 27. Behold now I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes. So that you see the Titles of favour above mentioned are no empty Titles.
Thirdly, Gods readiness to grant, as well as their liberty to ask speaks them the special favourites of God. The heart of God is so propense, and ready to grant the desires of Believers, that it is but ask and have, Mat. 7. 7. the door of grace is opened at the knock of prayer: that is a favourite indeed to whom the King gives a blank to insert what request he will: If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you; ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you,