A39696:402
Two treatises the first of fear, from Isa. 8, v. 12, 13, and part…
Two treatises the first of fear, from Isa. 8, v. 12, 13, and part of the 14 : the second, The righteous man's refuge in the evil day, from Isaiah 26, verse 20 / by John Flavell.
London: printed by H.H. for Robert Boulter, 1682
A PRACTICAL TREATISE OF Fear, &c. › Chapter 7 › Section 7 › Answer.
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.
Answer.
Who enabled those Christians you mention to endure these things? They loved their lives, and sensed their pains as well as you, they had the same thoughts and fears many of them, that you now have; yet God carried them through all, and so he can you: Did not he make the devouring Flames a bed of Roses to some of them? Was he not within the fires? Did he not abate the extremity of the torment, and enable weak and tender persons to endure them patiently and cheerfully? some singing in the midst of flames, others clapping their hands triumphantly, and to the last sight that could be had of them in this world, nothing appeared but signs and demonstrations of joy unspeakable. Ah friends! we judge of sufferings by the outside, and appearance, which is terrible, but we know not the inside of sufferings which is exceeding comfortable. O when shall we have done with our unbelieving ifs and buts, our questionings and doubtings of the power, wisdom and render care of our God over us, and learn to trust him over all. Now the just shall live by faith, and he that lives by faith, shall never die by fear. The more you trust God, the less you will torment your selves. I have done; the Lord strengthen, stablish, and settle the trembling and feeble hearts of his people, by what hath been so seasonably offered for their relief by a weak hand. Amen.
Who enabled those Christians you mention to endure these things? They loved their lives, and sensed their pains as well as you, they had the same thoughts and fears many of them, that you now have; yet God carried them through all, and so he can you: Did not he make the devouring Flames a bed of Roses to some of them? Was he not within the fires? Did he not abate the ex•remity of the torment, and enable weak and tender persons to endure them patiently and chearfully? some singing in the midst of flames, others clapping their hands triumphantly, and to the last sight that could be had of them in this world, nothing appeared but signs and demonstrations of joy unspeakable. Ah friends! we judge of sufferings by the outside, and appearance, which is terrible, but we know not the inside of sufferings which is exceeding comfortable. O when shall we have done with our unbelieving ifs and buts, our questionings and doubtings of the power, wisdom and render care of our God over us, and learn to trust him over all. Now the just shall live by faith, and he that lives by faith, shall never die by fear. The more you trust God, the less you will torment your selves. I have done; the Lord strengthen, stablish, and settle the trembling and feeble hearts of his people, by what hath been so seasonably offered for their relief by a weak hand. Amen.