A30570:319
The excellency of holy courage in evil times by Jeremiah Burroughs
The excellency of holy courage in evil times by Jeremiah Burroughs ; published by Thomas Goodwin ... [et al.]
London: printed by Peter Cole and Edward Cole, 1661
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.
Secondly, You ask this question whether you may not flee danger? I answer, when God doth so dispose of things, as to bring his people into danger, usually God intends more to exercise faith and courage, and patience, then to exercise discretion, though it call for both? and that which is Gods usual chief intent, should be our chief care; when as the care of most Christians in the time of Danger, is more to exercise their discretion for their safety. Then to exercise faith, courage, and patience that God calls most for.
Secondly, You ask this question whether you may not flee danger? I answer, when God doth so dispose of things, as to bring his people into danger, usually God intends more to exercise faith and courage, and patience, then to exercise discretion, though it call for both? and that which is Gods usual cheif intent, should be our chief care; when as the care of most Christians in the time of Danger, is more to exercise their discretion for their safety. Then to exercise faith, courage, and patience that God calls most for.
Thirdly, Grant that the danger may be avoided, yet a Christian should count it a more honourable thing to be called to exercise faith, courage, and patience in a way of suffering, then to be called forth to exercise his discretion ⟨p. 56⟩in avoiding of suffering. Indeed God doth not call at all times to that which is the most honourable service, yet a Christian should account that more honourable, and not bless himself that his condition is better then others, because God calls others to suffer, and there gives them an opportunity to exercise faith, and courage and patience, and that he gives him liberty to avoid suffering, wherein he gives me an opportunity to exercise my discretion, and wisdom; I am to count them the most honourable Christians that do suffer.
Thirdly, Grant that the danger may be avoided, yet a Christian should count it a more honorable thing to be called to exercise faith, courage, and patience in a way of suffering, then to be called forth to exercise his discretion