A39669:1621
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, The Lords receiving every small thing that comes from them with grace and favour, when (mean while) he rejects the greatest things offered by others, doth certainly bespeak Believers the special favourites of God. There was but one good word in a whole sentence from Sarah, and that very word is noted and commended by God, 1 Pet. 3. 6. She called ⟨p. 315⟩him Lord. There were but some small beginnings or buddings of grace in young Abijah, and the Lord took special notice of it, 1 Kings 14. 12. Because in him there is found some good thing toward the Lord God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam. Let this be an encouragement to young ones, in whom there are found any breathing desires after Christ: God will not reject them if any sincerity be found in them: a secret groan uttered to God in sincerity shall not be despised, Rom. 8. 26. The very bent of a Believers will when he hath no more to offer unto God is an acceptable present, 2 Cor. 8. 11. The very intent and purpose that lies secretly in the heart of a Believer, not yet executed, is accepted with him, 1 Kings 8. 18. Where as it was in thine heart to build an house to my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart. Thus small things offered to God by Believers find acceptance with him, whilst the greatest presents, even solemn assemblies, Sabbaths and prayers from others are rejected: They are a trouble unto me (saith God) I am weary to bear them, Isai. 1. 14, 15. Incense from Sheba, the sweet Cane from a far Country are not acceptable, nor sacrifices sweet unto God from other hands, Jer. 6. 20. From all which it appears beyond doubt, that the persons and duties of Believers are accepted into the special favour of God by Jesus Christ: which was the second thing to be spoken to, and brings us to the third general, viz.