Preparations for Sufferings
by John Flavel
Flavel wrote this treatise on Acts 21:13 amid the persecution of England's ejected Nonconformist ministers, calling it 'the best work in the worst times.' It urges Christians to ready their hearts for trial before it arrives, since sufferings that come by surprise wound most deeply, and it prescribes the graces that sweeten the bitter cup.
Based on Preparation for Sufferings, or The Best Work in the Worst Times (1682), by John Flavel
Puritan quotes
Quotes by John Flavel
“The cup of sufferings is a very bitter cup, and it is but needful that we provide somewhat to sweeten it, that we may be able to receive it with thanksgiving.”
“Troubles will be so much the more sinking and intolerable, by how much the more they steal upon us by way of surprisal.”
“The Scriptures teach us the best way of living, the noblest way of suffering, and the most comfortable way of dying.”
“They that know God will be humble, and they that know themselves, cannot be proud.”
“The providence of God is like a Hebrew word, it can only be read backwards.”
“To see a man humble under prosperity is one of the greatest rarities in the world.”
“Christ is so in love with holiness, that at the price of His blood He will buy it for us.”
“It is a dangerous crisis when a proud heart meets with flattering lips.”
“That which begins not with prayer, seldom winds up with comfort.”
“Conscience which should have been the sinner's curb here on earth becomes the sinner's whip that will lash his soul in hell.”
