A39669:1855
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 dampening efficacy of the world is a true and proper cause of these abortions and miscarriages under the Word, Luke 8. 12, 13, 14. there are hopeful and promising beginnings and budding of affections in some persons, especially in their youth; but when once they come to be engaged in the world, how soon are they damped and quenched! as the cares of a Family grow on, so do the cares of salvation wear off: 'tis not as it was wont to be, what shall I do to be saved? how shall I get interest in Christ? but what shall I eat and drink, and wherewithal shall I and mine be maintained? Thus earth jostles out heaven, and the present world drowns all thoughts of that to come. Good had it been for many men, they had never been engaged so deep in the world as they are: their life is but a constant hurry of business, and a perpetual diversion from Christ, and things that are eternal.
Secondly, The dampening efficacy of the world is a true and proper cause of these abortions and miscarriages under the Word, Luke 8. 12, 13, 14. there are hopeful and promising beginnings and budding of affections in some persons, especially in their youth; but when once they come to be engaged in the world, how soon are they dampt and quenched! as the cares of a Family grow on, so do the cares of salvation wear off: 'tis not as it was wont to be, what shall I do to be saved? how shall I get interest in Christ? but what shall I eat and drink, and wherewithal shall I and mine be maintained? Thus earth justles out heaven, and the present world drowns all thoughts of that to come. Good had it been for many men, they had never been engaged so deep in the world as they are: their life is but a constant hurry of business, and a perpetual diversion from Christ, and things that are eternal.
Thirdly, Lastly, The deceitfulness and treachery of the heart, which too easily gives way to the designs of Satan and suffers it self to be imposed upon by him, is not the least cause why so many hopeful beginnings come to nothing, and the effects of the word vanish. Pride and self-love are very apt to over-value every little good, and slight or undervalue every evil that is in us: and so quickly chokes those convictions that begin to work in our souls.