A39669:46
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.
If thou be in darkness about the state of thy own soul, and willing to have it faithfully and impartially tried by the rule of the word, which will not warp to any mans humour or interest: here thou wilt find some weak assistance offered thee, to clear and disentangle thy doubting thoughts, which through thy prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, may lead thee to a comfortable settlement, and inward peace.
If thow be in darkness about the state of thy own soul, and willing to have it faithfully and impartially tried by the rule of the word, which will not warp to any mans humour or interest: here thou wilt find some weak assistance offered thee, to clear and disintangle thy doubting thoughts, which through thy prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, may lead thee to a comfortable settlement, and inward peace.
If thou be a proud, conceited, presumptuous •oul, who hast too little knowledge, and too much pride and self-love to admit any doubts or scruples of thy state towards God; there are many things in this Treatise proper for thy conviction and better information: for woe to thee, if thou shouldest not fear, till thou ⟨image 12⟩begin to feel thy misery; if thy troubles do not come on, till all thy hopes are gone off.
I know all these things are performed by me with much infirmity: and that the whole management is quite below the dignity of the subject. But when I consider the success of Sermons and Books in the world, hath but little relation to the elegance of Language or accuracy of method; and that many may be useful, who cannot be excellent: I am willing in all humility and sincerity to commit it to the direction of providence, and the blessing of the Spirit.