B36604:55
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.
Secondly, As God provides for his own glory by the sufferings and troubles of his people: so he advanceth their happiness, and greatly promotes their Interest thereby.
For first, §1These troubles are ordered as so many occasions and means to mortify the Corruptions that are in their hearts; there are rank Weeds springing up in the best Soil, which need such Winter weather to rot them; and certainly if we reckon Humility, Heavenly-mindedness, contempt of the World, and longing desires after Heaven, to be the real interest and advantage of the Church; then 'tis evident nothing so much promotes their Interest as a suffering condition doth; adversity kills those corruptions which prosperity bred.
For first, §1These troubles are ordered as so many occasions and means to mortifie the Corruptions that are in their hearts; there are rank Weeds springing up in the best Soil, which need such Winter weather to rot them; and certainly if we reckon Humility, Heavenly-mindedness, contempt of the World, and longing desires after Heaven, to be the real interest and advantage of the Church; then 'tis evident nothing so much promotes their Interest as a suffering condition doth; adversity kills those corruptions which prosperity bred.
Secondly, §2By these trials their sincerity is cleared, to the joy and satisfaction of their own hearts; many a doubt and fear which had long entangled and perplexed them is removed and answered: when adversity hath given them proof and trial of their own hearts, one sharp trial wherein God helps us to be faithful, will do more to satisfy our fears, and resolve our doubts, than all the Sermons that ever we heard in our lives could do.