A39669:2348
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.
Fifthly, The imitation of Christ necessarily implies the defectiveness and imperfection of the best men in this life: for if the life of Christ be our pattern; the best and holiest of men must confess they come short in every thing of the rule of their duty. Our pattern is still above us; the best of men are ashamed when they compare their lives with the life of Christ. 'Tis true, a vain heart may swell with pride when a man compares himself with other men: thus measuring our selves by our selves, and comparing our selves among our selves we show our folly, and nourish our pride: but if any man will compare his own life with Christs, he will find abundant cause at every time, and in every thing to be humbled. Paul was a great proficient in holiness and obedience; ⟨p. 500⟩he had been long striving to come up to the top of holiness; yet when he looks up and sees the life of Christ, and rule of duty so far above him, he reckons himself still but at the foot of the Hill, Phil. 3. 12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, but I follow after, if that I may apprehend, that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. q. d. Alas I am not come up to my duty; I am a a great way behind, but I am following after, if at last I may attain it: perfection is in my expectation and hope at last, not in my attainment here.
Fifthly, The imitation of Christ necessarily implies the defectiveness and imperfection of the best men in this life: for if the life of Christ be our pattern; the best and holiest of men must confess they come short in every thing of the rule of their duty. Our pattern is still above us; the best of men are ashamed when they compare their lives with the life of Christ. 'Tis true, a vain heart may swell with pride when a man compares himself with other men: thus measuring our selves by our selves, and comparing our selves among our selves we shew our folly, and nourish our pride: but if any man will compare his own life with Christs, he will find abundant cause at every time, and in every thing to be humbled. Paul was a great proficient in holiness and obedience; ⟨p. 500⟩he had been long striving to come up to the top of holiness; yet when he looks up and sees the life of Christ, and rule of duty so far above him, he reckons himself still but at the foot of the Hill,