Preparation for sufferings. Or The best work in the worst times Wherein the necessity,…

CHAP. VII.

In which the necessity of getting clear Evidences of this work of Grace in us, in order to our readiness for sufferings is held forth; the nature of that Evidence opened, and divers things that cloud and obscure it removed out of the way.

I Have done with habitual readiness, consisting in an inwrought work of Grace. The following particulars are the things in which our actual readiness lies. And of them that which comes next to be handled, is the getting of clear Evidences in our own Souls that this work hath been wrought on us, this will exceedingly tend to your strengthening and comfort in a suffering hour. Blessed Paul, who here professeth himself ready both for Bonds and Death, was clear in this point, 2 Tim. 4.6, 7. 2 Tim. 1.12. And ⟨p. 60⟩indeed had he been cloudy and dark in this, he could not have said, I am ready. No, no, he had been in an ill case to undertake that Journey to Jerusalem: And thou wilt find it a singular advantage in dark and difficult days to have all clear and right within. Now for the opening of this, I will show:

I Have done with habitual readiness, consisting in an inwrought work of Grace. The following particulars are the things in which our actual readiness lies. And of them that which comes next to be handled, is the getting of clear Evidences in our own Souls that this work hath been wrought on us, this will exceedingly tend to your strengthning and comfort in a suffering hour. Blessed Paul, who here professeth himself ready both for Bonds and Death, was clear in this point,