A39669:1922
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.
Three great discouragements are usually found upon the hearts of those that come to Christ in the way of faith.
First, The sensible greatness of guilt and sin, how can I go to Christ that am in such a case, that have been so vile a wretch? and here measuring the grace and mercy of Chris by what it finds in it self, or in other creatures, 1 Sam. 24. 19. the soul is ready to sink under the weight of its own discouraging and misgiving thoughts.
Secondly, The sense they have of their own weakness, and inability to do what God requires, and must of necessity be done, if ever they be saved: my heart is harder than an Adamant, how can I break it? My will is stubborn and exceeding obstinate, I am no way able to bow it; the frame and temper of my spirit is altogether carnal and earthly; and it is not in the power of my hand to alter and change it: alas I cannot subdue any one corruption, nor perform one spiritual duty, nor bear one of those sufferings and burdens which religion lays upon all that follow Christ: this also proves a great discouragement in the way of faith.
Secondly, The sense they have of their own weakness, and inability to do what God requires, and must of necessity be done, if ever they be saved: my heart is harder than an Adamant, how can I break it? My will is stubborn and exceeding obstinate, I am no way able to bow it; the frame and temper of my spirit is altogether carnal and earthly; and it is not in the power of my hand to alter and change it: alas I cannot subdue any one corruption, nor perform one spiritual duty, nor bear one of those sufferings and burthens which religion lays upon all that follow Christ: this also proves a great discouragement in the way of faith.