PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Whole Works of John Flavel — Volume 3
Flavel, John, 1630?-1691 · 303,410 words · 253 reading sections
Section 241
But both these hypothesis are not only notoriously false, but utterly impossible, as will be manifested by and by ; but before I come to the refutation of them, it will ba necessary to lay down some concessions to clear the orthodox doctrine in this controversy, and narrow the matter under debate as much as may be. (1…
1,268 wordsSECTION 242Section 242
Fourthly, If the way of making our sins Christ's by imputation, be thus rejected and derided ; and Christ asserted by some other way to become as completely sinful as we ; then I cannot see which way to avoid it, but that the very same acts and habits of sin must inhere both in Christ and in believers also. For I suppo…
1,220 wordsSECTION 243Section 243
I am well assured, no good man would embrace an opinion so derogatory to Christ's honour as this is : did he but see the odious consequences of it, doubtless he would abhor them as much as we. And as for those now in heaven, who fell into such mistakes in the way thither, were they now acquainted with what is transacte…
1,209 wordsSECTION 244Section 244
of wicked men eternally damn them, disturb the peace and order of the world, draw down national judgments upon the whole com- munity, cause wars, plagues, persecutions, &c. which consider- ations of the sins of others opened fountains of tears in David''s eyes, Psal. cxix. 1S6. caused horror to take hold upon him, ver.…
1,232 wordsSECTION 245Section 245
This covenant of grace made with believers in Christ, is not the same, nor must it be confounded with the covenant of redemption made with Christ before the world began ; they are two distinct covenants : For in the covenant of grace, into which believers are taken, there is a Mediator, and this Mediator is Christ hims…
1,260 wordsSECTION 246Section 246
But all this notwithstanding, The examination of our justifica- tion by our sanctification, is not only a lawful, and possible, but a very excellent and necessary work and duty. It is the course that Christians have taken in all ages, and that which God hath abundantly blessed to the joy and encouragement of their soul…
1,077 wordsSECTION 247Section 247
Argum. 1. And first, he enforces the duty of unity by a solemn, apostolical obsecration and adjuration, I beseech vou, saith he; he had power tp command them to this duty, and threaten them for the neglect of it : He had in readiness to revenge all disobedience, and might have shaken that rod over them ; but he chuseth…
1,201 wordsSECTION 248Section 248
It hath indeed been said, that it is never better with the churcli, than when there are most hypocrites in it ; but then you must un- derstand it only with respect to the external tranquillity and pros- perity of the church : For as to its real spiritual advantage, they add nothing. And therefore it behoves church-offi…
1,265 wordsSECTION 249Section 249
Use. The only improvement I shall make of this point, shall be for, 1. Exhortation to unity. % Directions for the maintaining of it. The first use,Jbr exhortation. Use 1. And first, having briefly discoursed of the nature, neces- sity, and desirableness of unity among all Christians, and especially of those in part…
1,123 wordsSECTION 250Section 250
How long and how anxiously have we prayed and waited for such a day of gospel-liberty as we now enjoy.? It hath been one of the sorest afflictions we have grappled with in the days of our re- straint, that we could not speak unto the carnal world. If we had an opportunity to speak at all, it was for the most part to su…
932 wordsSECTION 251Section 251
God hath distributed variety of gifts and graces, in different de- grees amongst his people; the improvement of these gifts and graces to the glory of God and our mutual edification, is the very scope and end of particular church-fellowship and communion : Every man hath his proper gift of God, and (as a late * worthy …
872 wordsSECTION 252Section 252
matter fills the church, that it can never be quiet. Christians, and Christians, mav live together harmoniously, and coalesce in one orderly and comfortable society, as having one and the same Head, cne Spirit, the same general design and end : But godly and un- godly, spiritual and carnal, are acted by contrary princi…
1,116 wordsSECTION 253Section 253
Direction 4. Respectful deportments to those that are beneath us in gifts, or estates, is an excellent conservative of church-peace ; lofty and contemptuous carriages towards those that are beneath us in either respect, is a frequent occasion of bitter jars and animosities. The apostle chargeth it upon the Corinthians,…
1,207 wordsSource & rights
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Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.