And I consent the more willingly to the publication of this, because the design I first aimed at could not be complete without it; but especially as the subject, through the blessing and concurrence of the Spirit, may be useful both to rouse the drowsy consciences of this sleepy generation, and to assist the upright in clearing the work of the Spirit upon their own souls. These considerations have prevailed with me against all discouragements. If thou be one that hast sincerely applied and received Jesus Christ by faith, this book may be useful to thee, to clear and confirm thy evidences, to melt thy heart in the sense of thy mercies, and to quicken thee in the way of thy duties. Here thou wilt see what great things the Lord has done for thy soul, and how these dignities, as thou art his son or daughter by the double title of regeneration and adoption, oblige thee to yield up thyself to God entirely, and to say from thy heart, Lord, whatever I am, I am for thee; whatever I can do, I will do for thee; and whatever I can suffer, I will suffer for thee; all that I am or have, all that I can do or suffer, is nothing to what thou hast done for my soul. If thou art a stranger to regeneration and faith, making a powerless profession of Christ; if thou hast a name to live but art dead; here it is possible thou mayest meet with something to convince thee how dangerous it is to be an old creature in the new creature's dress and habit; and what it is that blinds thy judgment, and is likely to prove thy ruin; a seasonable and full conviction of which will be the greatest mercy that can befall thee in this world, if thereby at last God may help thee to put on Christ, as well as the name of Christ. If thou art in darkness about the state of thy soul, and willing to have it faithfully and impartially tried by the word, which will not warp to any man's humor or interest, here thou wilt find some assistance offered thee to clear thy doubting thoughts, which, through thy prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, may lead thee to a comfortable inward peace. If thou art a proud, presumptuous soul, who hast too little knowledge, and too much self-love, to admit any doubts of thy state towards God, there are many things in this treatise proper for thy conviction and better information; for wo to thee if thou shouldst not fear till thou 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 is quite below the dignity of the subject. But when I consider that the success of sermons and books in the world has but little relation to the elegance of language and 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. One thing I earnestly request of all the people of God into whose hands this book shall fall, that they will be persuaded to end all the strifes among themselves, which have wasted so much precious time and consumed the vital spirit of religion, hindered the conversion of multitudes, and increased and confirmed the atheism of the times. O put on, as the elect of God, bowels of mercy, and a spirit of charity and forbearance, if not for your own sakes, yet for the church's sake. O that you would dwell more in your closets, and be more frequently and fervently upon your knees that would search your you hearts more narrowly and sift them more thoroughly than ever, before the Lord's fierce anger come upon you: look into your Bibles, then into your hearts, and then to heaven, for a true discovery of your condition; and if this poor mite may contribute any thing to that end, it will be a great reward of the unworthy labors of Your servant in Christ, JOHN FLAVEL. CONTENTS. The nature of the Spirit's application of Christ to Men. CHAPTER I.-The general nature of the effectual appli- cation of Christ to men. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us CHAPTER II.-The believer's union with Christ. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one. CHAPTER III.—The Gospel ministry as an external means of applying Christ. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did be- CHAPTER IV.—The work of the Spirit, the internal and No man can come to me except the Father who hath sent me draw 75 CHAPTER V.-The work of the Spirit more particularly And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins. 97 CHAPTER VI.-The act by which we effectually apply But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become CHAPTER VII.-Saving faith.—Continued. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God; even to them that believe on his name. CHAPTER VIII.—The believer's fellowship with Christ. PAGE. 117 137 Therefore, God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of glad· 162 The whole subject applied in a solemn Invitation to CHAPTER IX.—All men invited to apply Jesus Christ. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will CHAPTER X.-First title of Christ-The Physician of Souls. 181 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. Matt. 9: 12. 222 |