B36604:298
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.
1. In employing such instruments to man•ge his temptations as are least suspected, and have the greatest influence. A Teacher, Gal. 2.1•. a Wife, Gen. 3.6. Job 2.9. Friends, Acts 21, 13. The Devil knows it is a bad business, and therefore must make the best of it; Pauls forest trial was by his dearest Friends.
1. In imploying such instruments to man•ge his temptations as are least suspected, and have the greatest influence. A Teacher, Gal. 2.1•. a Wife, Gen. 3.6. Job 2.9. Friends, Acts 21, 13. The Devil knows it is a bad business, and therefore must make the best of it; Pauls forest tryal was by his dearest Friends.
2. In the orderly disposition and ranging of his temptations; beginning with little things first, and then by degrees working over to greater. His first motions are commonly most modest, Gen. 3.1. Should he discover the depth of his design at first, it would startle the Soul, and make it reply as Hasael, Am I a Dog that I should do thus? It's far easier to gain his end by parts, then putting for all at once.