A39669:2680
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.
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.
Eighthly, The policy of Satan improves soundness of Judgment, against soundness of heart. An Orthodox head, against an Orthodox heart and life; Dogmatical faith, against justifying saith. This was the case of them before mentioned, Rom. 2. 18, 19. Men satisfy themselves that they have a sound understanding, though mean while they have a very rotten heart. 'Tis enough for them that their heads are regular, though their hearts and lives be very irregular.
Eighthly, The policy of Satan improves soundness of Judgment, against soundness of heart. An Orthodox head, against an Orthodox heart and life; Dogmatical faith, against justifying saith. This was the case of them before mentioned, Rom. 2. 18, 19. Men satisfie themselves that they have a sound understanding, though mean while they have a very rotten heart. 'Tis enough for them that their heads are regular, though their hearts and lives be very irre•gular.
Ninthly, The policy of Satan improves the blessings of God, against the blessings of God, blinding us by the blessings of providence, so as not to discern the want of spiritual blessings,