B36604:400
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.
IN the last place, If it be such a blessed thing to be ready for Bonds, or Death for Christ, this may minister much comfort to such Souls, who though they cannot say as Paul here did, that they are ready; yet are at work da•ly upon their own hearts to make them ready, and strive in the use of all means to conquer those corruptions that hinder it, and improve those Graces in which it mainly consisteth. O poor Soul, what ever present unreadiness or indisposition thou findest, and complainest of in thine heart, yet thy condition is safe.
Oh but I cannot be satisfied in that: Ob. I fear I shall be over-born by Temptations, when they come to an height. I have such experience of the Deceits and Treacherousness of my own heart, that it seems impossible to me to do as these blessed Souls did, when I come to the like Trials.
Oh but I cannot be satisfied in that: Ob. I fear I shall be over-born by Temptations, when they come to an height. I have such experience of the Deceits and Treacherousness of my own heart, that it seems impossible to me to do as these blessed Souls did, when I come to the like Tryals.
It's well thou suspectest thine own heart, Sol. and tremblest in thy self; this fear will keep thee waking, when others are securely sleeping. It was a good saying of a Reverend Minister, now with God, He that fears to flinch, 1shall never flinch for fear. It's true, seeming Grace may be totally lost, Luke 8.18. Heb. 6.4, 5.