B36604:284
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. He that is well acquainted with Satan's Methods of tempting, will not only discern it sooner than another; but also knows his Work and Duty, and how to manage the Conflict with it, which is a great matter. There are many poor Souls that labour under strong Temptations, and know not what to do: They go up and down complaining, from Christian to Christian, whilst the Judicious Christian plies the Throne of Grace with strong Gries. See 2 Cor. 12.8. keeps up his Watch, Luke 22.46. countermines the Temptation, by assaulting that Corruption by endeavours of Mortification, which Satan assaults by Temptation, 1 Cor. 9.27.
2. He that is well acquainted with Satans Methods of tempting, will not only discern it sooner than another; but also knows his Work and Duty, and how to manage the Conflict with it, which is a great matter. There are many poor Souls that labour under strong Temptations, and know not what to do: They go up and down complaining, from Christian to Christian, whilest the Judicious Christian plies the Throne of Grace with strong Gries. See 2 Cor. 12.8. keeps up his Watch, Luke 22.46. countermines the Temptation, by assaulting that Corruption by endeavours of Mortification, which Satan assaults by Temptation, 1 Cor. 9.27.
3. Lastly, To name no more; he that is best acquainted with the Mystery of Temptation, and can maintain his ground against it, he shall be the persevering Christian under Persecutions, and the victorious Christian over them. Here lies the main Design of Satan, in raising Persecution against the Saints. It is not so much their Blood that he thirsteth after, as their Fall by Temptation: and all Persecutions are designed by him, to introduce his Temptations. These work upon our Fear, and Fear drives us into his Trains and Snares,