A39669:602
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.
Thirdly, Another aim and design of God in the infusion of this principle of life, is thereby to prepare and qualify the soul for the enjoyment of himself in heaven: except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God, Joh. 3. 3. all that shall possess that inheritance must be begotten again to it, as the Apostle speaks 1 Pet. 1. 3, 4. this principle of grace is the very seed of that glory, it's eternal life in the root and principle, Joh. 17. 3. by this the soul is attempered and qualified for that state and employment: what is the life of glory, but the vision of God, and the souls assimilation to God by that vision? from both which results that unspeakable joy and delight which passeth understanding: but what vision of God, assimilation to God; or delight in God can that soul have, which was never quickened with the supernatural principle of grace? The temper of such souls is expressed in that sad Character, Zech. 11. 8. my soul loathed them, and their soul also abhorred me: for want of this vital principle it is that the very same duties and ordinances which are the delights and highest pleasures of the Saints, are no better than a mere drudgery and bondage to others, Ma• 1. 13. heaven would be no heaven to a dead soul; this principle of life in its daily growth and improvement is our meetness as well as our evidence for heaven: these are the main ends of its infusion.
Thirdly, Another aim and design of God in the infusion of this principle of life, is thereby to prepare and qualifie the soul for the enjoyment of himself in heaven: except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God, Joh. 3. 3. all that shall possess that inheritance must be begotten again to it, as the Apostle speaks 1 Pet. 1. 3, 4. this principle of grace is the very seed of that glory, it's eternal life in the root and principle, Joh. 17. 3. by this the soul is attempered and qualified for that state and imployment: what is the life of glory, but the vision of God, and the souls assimilation to God by that vision? from both which results that unspeakable joy and delight which passeth understanding: but what vision of God, assimilation to God; or delight in God can that soul have, which was never quickened with the supernatural principle of grace? The temper of such souls is expressed in that sad Character,