A39669:2677
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.
Fourthly, External reformation is improved by the policy of Satan against true Spiritual reformation, and passes current up and down the world. For conversion, though it serves only to strengthen Satan's interest in the soul, Mat. 12. 44. and for want of a real change of heart doth but increase their sin and misery, 2 Pet. 2. 20. This is the generation that is pure in their own eyes, and yet are not washed from their filthiness. The cleanness of their hands blinds them in discovering the foulness of their hearts.
Fourthly, External reformation is improved by the policy of Satan against true Spiritual reformation, and passes current up and down the world. For conversion, though it serves only to strengthen Satans interest in the soul, Mat. 12. 44. and for want of a real change of heart doth but increase their sin and misery, 2 Pet. 2. 20. This is the generation that is pure in their own eyes, and yet are not washed from their filthiness. The cleanness of their hands blinds them in discovering the foulness of their hearts.
Fifthly, The policy of Satan improves diligence in some ⟨p. 580⟩duties, against the convictions of other duties. The external duties of Religion, as hearing, praying, fasting, against the great duties of repenting and believing. This was their case, Isa 58. 2, 3. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness; and forsook not the Ordinances of their God. They ask of me the Ordinances of Justice, they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted say they, and thou seest not, wherefore have we afflicted our souls, and thou takest no knowledge? Thus duty is improved against duty, the externals against the internals of Religion, and multitudes are blinded this way.