A39669:2670
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.
First, By hastening to quench convictions betime, and nip them in the bud. Satan knows how dangerous a thing it is, and destructive to his interest, to suffer convictions to continue long; and therefore it is said of him, Mat. 13. 19. When any one heareth the word of the Kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. Satan is compared in this Scripture to the fowls of the air, which pick up the seed before it take any root in the earth. The Devil is very jealous of this, and therefore labours all he can to destroy the word before it comes to operate upon the heart, which he doth sometimes by the cares of the world, and sometimes by vain companions who prove mere quench coals unto beginning convictions. One sinner destroyeth much good.
First, By hastening to quench convictions betime, and nip them in the bud. Satan knows how dangerous a thing it is, and destructive to his interest, to suffer convictions to continue long; and therefore it is said of him, Mat. 13. 19. When any one heareth the word of the Kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. Satan is compared in this Scripture to the fowls of the air, which pick up the seed before it take any root in the earth. The Devil is very jealous of this, and therefore labours all he can to destroy the word before it comes to operate upon the heart, which he doth sometimes by the cares of the world, and sometimes by vain companions who prove meer quench coals unto beginning convictions. One sinner destroyeth much good.
Secondly, No sooner doth the God of this world observe the light of truth begin to operate upon the heart, but he obstructeth that design by procrastinations and delays, which delude and baffle the convinced soul; he persuades them if ⟨p. 578⟩they will alter their course, it will be time enough hereafter, when such incumbrances, and troubles in the world are over; is he prevail here, 'tis a thousand to one but the work miscarries,