Facing Grief
Description
Publisher's Description: John Flavel (1627-91) was a minister of the gospel who lived through tumultuous times and faced even more tumultuous times in his own life. Like his Master, he lived a life acquainted with grief. He was one of the thousands of ministers of the Church of England who resigned their living in the Great Ejection of 1662. His parents both died of the plague in 1665. Flavel saw the death of his child, and the deaths of three wives. In 1674, Flavel published A Token for Mourners, based upon advice he gave to a woman who had lost her only child. In this work, Flavel meditates on the words of Luke 7:13, And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, 'Weep not'. From this verse Flavel helps the reader think about sorrowing that is 'moderate' and 'immoderate'. He spells out what is permitted and appropriate for a Christian, and what is not. He even has a section of advice to non-Christians who are mourning a loss. Most of the work, however, offers comfort to 'godly mourners'. Full of Scripture, counsel, warning and wisdom gained from prayerful reflection on the personal experience of affliction in loss and grief.
Author
John Flavel
Endorsements
"I first became acquainted with this work when a couple in our congregation was called to go through the dark valley of losing their first child. Flavel's words helped them to trust God for good through the affliction and grief. It helped them to fix their eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of their faith when they needed such help most."
- Pastor Mark Dever, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, D.C.
