A39669:36
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.
Many eyes are now opened to see the common danger, but some foresaw it long ago; when they saw the general decay of godliness every where, the notorious Profanity and Atheism that overspread the Nations; the spirit of enmity and bitterness against the power of godliness wherever it appeared: and though there seemed to be a present calm and general quietness; yet those that were wise in heart could not but discern distress of nations with great perplexity in these seeds of judgement and calamity: but as the Epha fills more and more, so ⟨image 10⟩the determined wrath grows more and more visible to every eye: and 'tis a fond thing to dream of tranquillity in the mid• of so much iniquity. Indeed, if these Nations were once swept with the besom of reformation, we might hope God would not sweep them with the besom of destruction: but what peace can be expected whilst the highest provocations are continued?
Many eyes are now opened to see the common danger, but some foresaw it long ago; when they saw the general decay of godliness every where, the notorious Prophanity and Atheism that overspread the Nations; the spirit of enmity and bitterness against the power of godliness whereever it appeared: and though there seemed to be a present calm and general quietness; yet those that were wise in heart could not but discern distress of nations with great perplexity in these seeds of judgement and calamity: but as the Epha fills more and more, so ⟨image 10⟩the determined wrath grows more and more visible to every eye: and 'tis a fond thing to dream of tranquillity in the mid• of so much iniquity. Indeed, if these Nations were once swept with the besom of reformation, we might hope God would not sweep them with the besome of destruction: but what peace can be expected whilst the highest provocations are continued?
It is therefore the great and present concernment of all to provide themselves of a refuge before the storm overtake them: for as Augustin well observes, non facile inveniuntur praesidia in adversitate, quae non fuerint in pace quaesita, O take up your lodgings in the Attributes and Promises of God, before the night overtake you: view them often by faith, and clear up your interest in them, that you may be able to go to them in the dark, when the Ministers and Ordinances of Christ have taken their leave of you, and bid you good night.