B36604:34
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.
First, §1He lovingly and gently rebukes their fond and inordinate sorrow for his departure, in these words, What mean ye to weep, and break my heart? as if he should say, What mean these ⟨p. 4⟩passionate Entreaties, and tempting Tears? to what purpose is all this a-do? they are but so many Snares of Satan to turn my heart out of the way of Obedience: You do as much as in you lies to break my heart; let there be no more of this, I beseech you.
Secondly, §2He labours to Charm their unruly passions with a very quieting and calming Argument; For I am ready, &c. [Greek or Hebrew] parrot habee. I am prepared and fitted for the greatest sufferings which shall befall me in the pursuit of my duty, be it a Prison, or be it Death, I am provided for either; Liberty is dear, and Life much dearer, but Christ is dearer than either.
Secondly, §2He labours to Charm their unruly passions with a very quieting and calming Argument; For I am ready, &c. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 parate habee. I am prepared and fitted for the greatest sufferings which shall befall me in the pursuit of my duty, be it a Prison, or be it Death, I am provided for either; Liberty is dear, and Life much dearer, but Christ is dearer than either.
But what was there in all this to satisfy them whose trouble it was to see him so forward? let the words be considered, and we shall find divers things in them to satisfy and quiet their hearts, and make them willing to give him up.