B36604:131
Preparation for sufferings. Or The best work in the worst times Wherein the necessity,…
Preparation for sufferings. Or The best work in the worst times Wherein the necessity, excellency, and means of our readiness for sufferings are evinced and prescribed; our call to suffering cleared, and the great unreadiness of many professors bewailed. By John Flavel minister of Christ in Devon.Preparation for sufferings. Or The best work in the worst times Wherein the necessity, excellency, and means of our readiness for sufferings are evinced and prescribed; our call to suffering cleared, and the great unreadiness of many profesours bewailed. By John Flavel minister of Christ in Devon.
London: printed for Robert Boulter, 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.
This work of Grace, 1of which I am here to speak, consists in the real change of the whole Man, by the Spirit of God, whereby he is prepared for every good work: In which brief Description, I shall open these four things to you.
- 1What Saving Grace is.
1. That it is a Change; this is palpably evident, both from Scripture and Experience. 2 Cor. 5.17. Old things are past away; behold, all ⟨p. 49⟩things are become new; and it is so sensible a Change, that it's called a turning from darkness to light, Act. 26.18. and a new Creature formed and brought forth. But to be a little more distinct and particular, there are several other Changes that pass upon men, which must not be mistaken for this: and therefore, (1.) It is not a mere change of the Judgment from Error to Truth, from Paganism to Christianity. Such a Change Simon Magus had, yet still remained in the gall of bitterness, and fast bound in the bonds of iniquity, Act. 8.23. (2.) Nor only of a mans practice, from Profaneness to Civility; this is common among such as live under the Light of the Gospel, which breaking into mens Consciences, thwarts their Lusts, and over-awes them with the fears of Hell: Which is no more than what the Gentiles had, Rom. 2.15. (3.) Nor is it a change from mere Morality, to mere Formality in Religion. Thus Hypocrites are changed, by the common gifts of the Spirit, illuminating their Minds, and slightly touching their Affections,