B36604:374
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. The politic and hypocritical Professors, whole hearts were never set right at first, and therefore cannot be steadfast when trials come, Psal. 78.8. Their hearts were never sound in Gods statutes, and therefore no wonder if they be not only a shame ⟨p. 124⟩to, but ashamed of their profession, Psal. 119.80. Never wonder if you see that profession which began in hypocrisy, to end in apostasy. These want their habitual readiness for sufferings, and so cannot drink of that Cup: needs must they fall when tried; and when they fall, they fall dreadfully, and often irrecoverably, for they neither have the seed of God in them, nor any promise of God made to them.
1. The politick and hypocritical Professours, whole hearts were never set right at first, and therefore cannot be stedfast when trials come, Psal. 78.8. Their hearts were never sound in Gods statutes, and therefore no wonder if they be not only a shame ⟨p. 124⟩to, but ashamed of their profession, Psal. 119.80. Never wonder if you see that profession which began in hypocrisie, to end in apostacy. These want their habitual readiness for sufferings, and so cannot drink of that Cup: needs must they fall when tried; and when they fall, they fall dreadfully, and often irrecoverably, for they neither have the seed of God in them, nor any promise of God made to them.
And are there not many such to be found in every place? For (1) how difficult is it to persuade many of you to any duty that hath loss or hazard attending on it. Doth not the sincere heart stand inclinable and disposed to all the known will of God?