A39669:2671
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, 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, James 1. 23, 24. if the hearer of the word be not a doer (i. e.) a pre•ent doer while the impressions of it are fresh upon the soul, he doth but deceive himself. For it is with the heart as it is with melted wax, if the seal be clapped to it presently, it will receive a fair impression; but if it be let alone but for a little while, you can make none at all; it was therefore Davids great care and wisdom to set about the work of Religion under the first impetus or vigorous motion of his heart and affections, Psal. 119. 60. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. Multitudes of souls have perished by these delays. 'Tis a temptation incident to all that are under beginning convictions, especially young persons, whom the Devil persuades that it were no better than madness in them to abridge and deny themselves so much delight and pleasure, and steep their youthful thoughts in such a melancholy subject as Religion is.
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 perswades 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, James 1. 23, 24. if the hearer of the word be not a doer (i. e.) a pre•ent doer while the impressions of it are fresh upon the soul, he doth but deceive himself. For it is with the heart as it is with melted wax, if the seal be clapt to it presently, it will receive a fair impression; but if it be let alone but for a little while, you can make none at all; it was therefore Davids great care and wisdom to set about the work of Religion under the first impetus or vigorous motion of his heart and affections,