A39669:2051
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.
I sometime find my heart raised, and my affections melted 1in duties, but I doubt it is but in a natural way, and not from the spirit of God: could I be assured those motions of my heart were from the spirit of grace, and not merely a natural thing, it would be singular comfort and satisfaction to me.
I sometime find my heart raised, and my affections melted 1in duties, but I doubt it is but in a natural way, and not from the spirit of God: could I be assured those motions of my heart were from the spirit of grace, and not meerly a natural thing, it would be singular comfort and satisfaction to me.
- 1Obj. 2.
First, Consider, whether this be not the ground of your 1fear and doubting, because you are fain to take pains in the way of meditation, prayer, and other duties to bring your hearts to sense and savour the things of God: whereas, it may be you expect your spiritual enlargements and comforts should flow in upon you spontaneously, and drop from heaven immediately of their own accord; without any pains or industry of yours: here may be, (and probably is) a great mistake in this matter; for the spirit of God works in the natural method, wherein affections use to be raised; and makes use of such duties as meditation and prayer as instruments to do that work by, Ezech. 36. 37. So▪ David was forced to reason with, and chide his own heart: Psal. 42. 5. thy comfort and enlargement may nevertheless be the fruit of the spirit, because God makes it spring up, and grow upon thy duties.