B36604:207
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.
CHAP. IX.
Wherein the necessity and usefulness of Christian fortitude, in order to sufferings, is evinced; with a brief account of its nature, and the means of attaining it.
The next Grace which concurs to the completing of our actual readiness for sufferings, is Christian Fortitude, or holy courage; which must say in thy heart in a time of danger, as Elijah once did, As the Lord lives, I will show my self. This also is a choice part of your preparation work. In this Grace our Apostle was Eminent: When he was told, Bonds and Afflictions waited for him; he could say, That none of those things moved him, Acts 20.24. yea, when he was to appear before the Lyon Nero, and not a man would own or stand by him, yet he stands his ground, resolving rather to die on the place, then dishonourably to recede from his Principles and Profession, 2 Tim. 4.16, 17. He set the World, with all its threats and terrors, lower than it set him. Oh how conspicuous was this Grace in all those Heroes that have past on before us! And if ever you hope to stand in the evil day, and be fetched off the Field with honour, you must rouse up and awaken your courage for God: And the necessity thereof will appear upon these four considerations.
THe next Grace which concurs to the compleating of our actual readiness for sufferings, is Christian Fortitude, or holy courage; which must say in thy heart in a time of danger, as Elijah once did, As the Lord lives, I will shew my self. This also is a choice part of your preparation work. In this Grace our Apostle was Eminent: When he was told, Bonds and Afflictions waited for him; he could say, That none of those things moved him,