B36604:200
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.
3. Frequent actings of Faith, are rare and special means of improving it: To him that hath (i. e.) that improves and uses what he hath, shall be given, Mat. 25.29. This was the way by which Paul thrived in Faith, and every other Grace so exceedingly, that he out-grew them that were in Christ before him, 1 Cor. 15.10. It's true, that its beginning in the Soul, is not after the manner of other Habits, either Moral or Natural: This is not of Natural acquisition, but by Divine Infusion; but yet its improvement is in the same manner. Oh then! if ever you would have a flourishing Faith, rouse it up out of the dull Habit, and live in the daily exercise of it.
3. Frequent actings of Faith, are rare and special means of improving it: To him that hath (i. e.) that improves and uses what he hath, shall be given, Mat. 25.29. This was the way by which Paul thrived in Faith, and every other Grace so exceedingly, that he out-grew them that were in Christ before him, 1 Cor. 15.10. It's true, that its beginning in the Soul, is not after the manner of other Habits, either Moral or Natural: This is not of Natural acquisition, but by Divine Infusion; but yet its improvement is in the same manner. Oh then! if ever you would have a flourishing Faith, rouze it up out of the dull Habit, and live in the daily exercise of it.
4. Go to Jesus Christ, who is the Author and Finisher of Faith, and cry to him, as Mark 9.24. Lord increase my Faith: Yea, beg the assistance of others Prayers in this behalf, as the Apostle did, 1 Thes. 3.10