A39669:2343
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, This imitation of Christ implies, that as no man is or may pretend to be his own guide, so no mere man how wise or holy soever he be, may pretend to be a rule to other men: but Christ is the rule of every mans way and walking. 'Tis true indeed, the Apostle saith, We should be followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises, Heb. 6. 12. And again, James 5. 10. Take my Brethren the Prophets who have spoken in the name of the Lord for an example of suffering affliction and of patience: but you must always remember that there is a twofold rule.
Secondly, This imitation of Christ implies, that as no man is or may pretend to be his own guide, so no meer man how wise or holy soever he be, may pretend to be a rule to other men: but Christ is the rule of every mans way and walking. 'Tis true indeed, the Apostle saith, We should be followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises, Heb. 6. 12. And again, James 5. 10. Take my Brethren the Prophets who have spoken in the name of the Lord for an example of suffering affliction and of patience: but you must always remember that there is a twofold rule.
1. Regula regulans, the rule, ruling. 2. Regula regulata, the rule ruled.
The wisest and holiest among men may pretend no higher than a ruled rule. The great Apostle, though filled with as great a measure of the spirit of wisdom and holiness as ever was possessed by any mere man; yet goes no higher than this,