B36604:178
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.
2. Question not the truth of thy Grace, because it was not wrought in the same way and manner in thee, as in others: For there is great variety, as to the circumstances of time and manner, betwixt the Spirits operations upon one and another. Compare the History of Paul's Conversion with that of the Jailer, Zacheus, or Lydia, and see the variety of circumstances.
2. Question not the truth of thy Grace, because it was not wrought in the same way and manner in thee, as in others: For there is great variety, as to the circumstances of time and manner, betwixt the Spirits operations upon one and another. Compare the History of Paul's Conversion with that of the Jaylor, Zacheus, or Lydia, and see the variety of circumstances.
3. Conclude not that you have no Grace, because you feel not those transportations and ravishing joys that other Christians speak of. If thou canst not say as Paul doth, Rom. 8.38. yet bless God, if thou canst but breath forth such language as that, Mark 9.24. Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief.
4. Say not thou hast no Grace, because of the high attainments of some Hypocrites, who in some things may excel thee. When some persons read the sixth Chapter to the Hebrews, they are startled to see to what a glorious height the Hypocrite may soar; not considering that there are these three things wherein they excel the most glorious Hypocrite in the world. (1) That Self was never dethroned in Hypocrites, as it is in them. All that an Hypocrite doth is for himself. (2) The Hypocrite never hated every sin, as he doth; but hath still some Agag, Rimmon, or Delilah. (3) That the Hypocrite never acted in duty from the bent and inclination of a new nature, taking delight in heavenly employment, but is moved rather as a Clock by the weights and poises of some external motives and advantages.