A39669:2679
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.
Sixthly, The policy of Satan improves zeal against zeal; and thereby blinds a great part of the world: he allows men to be zealous against a false religion, if thereby he may prevent them from being zealous in the true Religion. He diverts their zeal against their own sins, by spending it against other mens. Thus Paul was once blinded by his own zeal for the law, Act. 22. 3. And many men at this day satisfy themselves in their own zeal against the corruptions of Gods worship, and the superstitions of others; who never felt the power of true Religion upon their own hearts: a dangerous blind of Satan.
Sixthly, The policy of Satan improves zeal against zeal; and thereby blinds a great part of the world: he allows men to be zealous against a false religion, if thereby he may prevent them from being zealous in the true Religion. He diverts their zeal against their own sins, by spending it against other mens. Thus Paul was once blinded by his own zeal for the law, Act. 22. 3. And many men at this day satisfie themselves in their own zeal against the corruptions of Gods worship, and the superstitions of others; who never felt the power of true Religion upon their own hearts: a dangerous blind of Satan.
Seventhly, The policy of Satan improves the esteem and respect men have from the people of God, against their great duty and interest to become such themselves, Rev. 3. 1. Thou hast a name that thou livest, but thou art dead. It is enough to many men that they obtain acceptation among the Saints, though they be none of that number; the good opinion of others begets and confirms their good opinion of themselves.