A39669:2407
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.
Pattern 6.
The inoffensiveness of the life of Christ upon earth is an excellent pattern to all his people: he injured none, offended none, but was holy and harmless, as the Apostle speaks, Heb. 7. 26. He denied his own liberty to avoid occasion of offence; as in the case of the Tribute Money, Mat. 19. 27. The children are free, notwithstanding lest we should offend them go, &c. So circumspect was Christ, and inoffensive among all men, that though his enemies sought occasion against him, yet could they find none, Luke 6. 7. Look unto Jesus, O ye professors of Religion, imitate him in this gracious excellency of his life according to his command, Phil. 2. 15. That ye may be harmless and blameless, the Sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. You are indeed allowed the exercise of your prudence, but not a jot farther than will consist with your innocence. Be ye wise as Serpents, and harmless as Doves. 'Tis the rule of Christ that you offend none, 1 Cor. 10. 32. 2 Cor. 6. 3. And to engage you to the imitation of Christ in this I will briefly press it with a few encouragements, which methinks should prevail with any heart that's truly gracious.
The inoffensiveness of the life of Christ upon earth is an excellent pattern to all his people: he injured none, offended none, but was holy and harmless, as the Apostle speaks, Heb. 7. 26. He denied his own liberty to avoid occasion of offence; as in the case of the Tribute Mony,