A39669:387
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.
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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This treasure of Gospel light is carried [Greek or Hebrew] in earthen vessels, as Gideon and his men had their Lamps 1in earthen pitchers or in Oyster-shells, for so the word also signifies, the Oyster-shell is a base and worthless thing in it self, however, there lies the rich and precious Pearl of so great value: and why is this precious treasure lodged in such weak worthless vessels? surely it is upon no other design but to convince ⟨p. 56⟩us of the truth I am here to prove, That the Excellency of the power is of God, and not of us: as it follows in the next words. To the same purpose speaks the same Apostle,