A39669:1884
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.
Thirdly, But to speak positively, the teachings of God are nothing else, but that spiritual and heavenly light, by which the Spirit of God shineth into the hearts of men to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, as the Apostle speaks, 2 Cor. 4. 6. and though this be the proper work of the Spirit, yet it is called the teachings of the Father, because the Spirit who enlightens us is commissionated, and sent by the Father so to do, Joh. 14. 26. Now these teachings of the Spirit of God consist in two things, viz.
In his 1. Sanctifying impressions. 2. Gracious assistances.
First, In his Sanctifying impressions, or regenerating works upon the soul, by virtue whereof it receives marvellous light and insight in spiritual things: and that not only as illumination is the first act of the spirit in our conversion, Col. 3. 10. but as his whole work of sanctification is Illuminative and instructive to the converted soul, 1 Joh. 2. 27. the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you, but as the same anointing teacheth you: the meaning is, that Sanctification gives the soul experience of those Mysterious things which are contained in the Scriptures, and that experien• the most excellent key to unlock, and open those deep Scripture Mysteries: no knowledge is so distinct, so clear, so sweet, as that which the heart communicates to the head,