A39669:2207
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, The necessity of crucifying the flesh appears from the method of Salvation as it is stated in the Gospel. God every where requires the practice of mortification under pain of damnation, Mat. 18. 8. Wherefore if thy hand, or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed; rather than having two hands, or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire: the Gospel legitimates no hopes of salvation, but such as are accompanied with serious endeavours of mortification, 1 John 3. 3. Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure: 'twas one special end of Christs coming into the world, to save his people from their sins, Mat. 1. 21. nor will he be a Saviour unto any who remain under the dominion of their own lusts.
Fourthly, The whole stream and current of the Gospel put us under the necessity of mortification. Gospel precepts have respect unto this, Col. 3. 5. mortify your members therefore which are upon the earth, 1 Pet. 1. 15. be ye holy for I am holy. Gospel presidents have respect unto this, Heb. 12. 1. wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, &c. Gospel threatenings are written for this end, and do all press mortification in a thundering dialect, Rom. 8. 13. If ye live after the flesh ye shall dye, Rom. 1. 18. The wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness, and unrighteousness of men: the promises of the Gospel are written designedly to promote it,