A39669:386
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.
And besides, we know what works Naturally, works necessarily: if this Efficacy were inherent in the word, so that we should suppose it to work as other Natural agents do, then it must need convert all to whom it is at any time preached, except its effect were miraculously hindered, as the fire when it could not burn the three Children: but alas thousands hear it, that never feel the saving power of it, Isai. 53. 1. and 2 Cor. 4. 3, 4.
Secondly, It derives not this Efficacy▪ from the Instrument 1by which it is ministered: let their gifts and abilities be what they will, it's impossible that ever such effects should be produced from the strength of their Natural or gracious abilities: 2 Cor. 4. 7. We have this treasure (saith the Apostle) in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Secondly, It derives not this Efficacy▪ from the Instrument 1by which it is ministred: let their gifts and abilities be what they will, it's impossible that ever such effects should be produced from the strength of their Natural or gracious abilities: 2 Cor. 4. 7. We have this treasure (saith the Apostle) in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
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