A39669:2189
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, Nor doth the crucifixion of sin consist in the suppression of the external acts of sin only, for sin may reign over the souls of men whilst it doth not break forth into their lives in gross and open actions, 2 Pet. 2. 20. Mat. 12. 43. Morality in the Heathens (as Tertullian well observes) did abscondere, sed non abscindere vitia, hide them, when it could not kill them: many a man shows a white and fair hand, who yet hath a very foul and black heart.
Secondly, Nor doth the crucifixion of sin consist in the suppression of the external acts of sin only, for sin may reign over the souls of men whilst it doth not break forth into their lives in gross and open actions, 2 Pet. 2. 20. Mat. 12. 43. Morality in the Heathens (as Tertullian well observes) did abscondere, sed non abscindere vitia, hide them, when it could not kill them: many a man shews a white and fair hand, who yet hath a very foul and black heart.
Thirdly, The crucifixion of the flesh doth not consist in the cessation of the external acts of sin: for in that respect the lusts of men may dye of their own accord, even a kind of natural death. The members of the body are the weapons of unrighteousness as the Apostle calls them: age or sickness may so blunt or break those weapons that the soul cannot use them to such sinful purposes and services as it was wont to do in the vigorous and healthful season of life: not that there is less sin in the heart, but because there is less strength and activity in the body. Just as it is with an old Soldier, who hath as much skill, policy and delight as ever in military actions; but age and hard services have so enfeebled him, that he can no longer follow the camp.
Thirdly, The crucifixion of the flesh doth not consist in the cessation of the external acts of sin: for in that respect the lusts of men may dye of their own accord, even a kind of natural death. The members of the body are the weapons of unrighteousness as the Apostle calls them: age or sickness may so blunt or break those weapons that the soul cannot use them to such sinful purposes and services as it was wont to do in the vigorous and healthful season of life: not that there is less sin in the heart, but because there is less strength and activity in the body. Just as it is with an old Soldier, who hath as much skill, policy and delight as ever in military actions; but age and hard services have so infeebled him, that he can no longer follow the camp.