A39669:2248
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.
Inference 8.
If Mortification be the great business of a Christian, then 1Christian fellowship, and society duly managed, and improved, must needs be of singular use, and special advantage to the people of God. For thereby we have the friendly help and assistance of many other hands, to carry on our great design, and help us in our most difficult business; if corruption be too hard for us, others this way come into our assistance, Gal. 6. 1. Brethren if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness. If temptations prevail, and over-bear us that we fall under sin, 'tis a special mercy to have the reproofs and counsels of our brethren, who will not suffer sin to rest upon us, Levit. 19. 17. Whilst we are sluggish and sleepy, others are vigilant, and careful for our safety: The humility of another, reproves and mortifies my pride: The activity and liveliness of another, awakens and quickens my deadness: The prudence and gravity of another, detects and cures my levity and vanity: The heavenliness and Spirituality of another, may be exceeding useful both to reprove, and heal the earthliness, and sensuality of my heart. Two are better than one, but woe unto him that is alone. The Devil is well aware of this great advantage, and therefore strikes with special malice against embodied Christians, who are as a well disciplined army, whom he therefore more especially endeavours to rout and scatter by persecutions, that thereby particular Christians may be deprived of the sweet advantages of mutual society.