A39669:529
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.
Inference 4.
Is this the first spring of spiritual motion after Christ? learn then from hence how it comes to pass that so many excellent Sermons and 1powerful persuasions are ineffectual, and cannot draw or win one soul to Christ. Surely it is because ministers draw alone, and the special saving power of God goes not forth at all times alike with their endeavours.
- 1Infer. 4.
Paul was a chosen Vessel, filled with a greater measure of gifts and graces by the Spirit than any that went before him, or followed after him; and as his talents so his diligence in improving them was beyond any recorded example we read of amongst men: he rather * flew like a Seraphim than travelled upon his masters errand about the world. Apollo was an 1eloquent preacher and mighty in the Scriptures, yet Paul is nothing, and Apollo nothing; but God that gives the increase, 1 Cor. 3. 7. We are too apt to admire men, yea, and the best men are but too apt to go forth in the strength of their own parts and preparations; but God secures his own glory, and magnifies his own power frequently in giving success to weaker endeavours, and men of lower abilities, when he withholds it from men of more raised; refined, and excellent gifts and abilities.