A39669:1788
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.
First, The activity and liveliness of mens spirits in pursuit of the world. O how lively and vigorous are their hearts in the management of earthly designs, Psal. 6. 4. Who will show us any good? The world eats up their hearts, time and strength. Now this could never be if their eyes ⟨p. 353⟩were but opened to see the danger and misery their souls be in: how few designs for the world run in the thoughts of a condemned man? O if God had ever made the light of conviction to shine into their Consciences, certainly the temptations would lye the quite contrary way; even in too great a neglect of things of this life: but this briskness and liveliness plainly shows the great security which is upon most men.
First, The activity and liveliness of mens spirits in pursuit of the world. O how lively and vigorous are their hearts in the management of earthly designs, Psal. 6. 4. Who will shew us any good? The world eats up their hearts, time and strength. Now this could never be if their eyes ⟨p. 353⟩were but opened to see the danger and misery their souls be in: how few designs for the world run in the thoughts of a condemned man? O if God had ever made the light of conviction to shine into their Consciences, certainly the temptations would lye the quite contrary way; even in too great a neglect of things of this life: but this briskness and liveliness plainly shews the great security which is upon most men.
Secondly, The marvellous quietness and stillness that is in the thoughts and consciences of men about their everlasting concernments plainly shows this to be the life of the unregenerate: how few scruples, doubts or fears shall you hear from them? how many years may a man live in carnal families before he shall hear such a question as this seriously propounded, What shall I do to be saved? There are no questions in their lips, because no fear or sense of danger in their hearts.