John Flavel (or Flavell) was born in 1628 in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. He was the son of Richard Flavel, a minister who died of the plague in 1665 while in prison for nonconformity. John Flavel was educated by his father in the ways of religion, then "plied his studies hard" as a commoner at University College, Oxford. In 1650, he was ordained by the presbytery at Salisbury. He settled in Diptford, where he honed his numerous gifts.
He married Joan Randall, a godly woman, who died while giving birth to their first child in 1655. The baby died as well. After a year of mourning, Flavel married Elizabeth Stapell and was again blessed with a close, God-fearing marriage, as well as children.
In 1656, Flavel accepted a call to be minister in the thriving seaport of Dartmouth. He earned a smaller income there, but his work was more profitable; many were converted. One of his parishioners wrote of Flavel, "I could say much, though not enough of the excellency of his preaching; of his seasonable, suitable, and spiritual matter; of his plain expositions of Scripture; his talking method, his genuine and natural deductions, his convincing arguments, his clear and powerful demonstrations, his heart-searching applications, and his comfortable supports to those that were afflicted in conscience. In short, that person must have a very soft head, or a very hard heart, or both, that could sit under his ministry unaffected."
Showing 1 to 8 of 8 items.
Loading
Biography
The Life of the late Rev. Mr. John Flavel
Those of the name of Flavel derive their pedigree from one who was the third great officer that came over with William the Conqueror; but this worthy Divine was far from that weakness and vanity to boast of any thing of that nature, being of the poet's mind, who said,
Et genus, et proavos, et quae non fecimus ipsi,
Vix ea nostra voco ---
H ...read
Book
A Display of Christ - Table of Contents
"For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified." I Corinthians 2:2
THE former verse contains an apology for the plain and familiar manner of the apostle's preaching, which was "not with excellency of speech, or of wisdom:" he studied not to gratify their curiosity with rhetorical strains, or philosophic ...read
Article
Christ Altogether Lovely
Christ is to be Loved
"Yes, He is altogether lovely." Song of Songs 5:16.
At the ninth verse of this chapter, you have a question put forth by the daughters of Jerusalem, "What is your beloved more than another beloved?" The spouse answers, "He is the chief among ten thousand." She then recounts many of the things she finds so excellent i ...read
Book
On Keeping the Heart - Table of Contents
On Keeping the Heart
by
John Flavel
This volume is an abridgment extensively circulated in the USA by the American Tract Society. It is without doubt a classic without peer on the subject of the book, and has gone through myriads of printings.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23.
The h ...read
Book
Pneumatologia - Table of Contents
Pneumatologia
by
John Flavel
A Treatise of the Soul of Man
The Epistle Dedicatory
To the much honoured, his dear kinsman, Mr. John Flavel, and Mr. Edward Crispe, of London, Merchants; and the rest of my worthy friends in London, Ratcliffe, Shadwell, and Lymehouse, grace, mercy, and peace.
Dear Friends,
"Among all the creatures in t ...read
Book
The Fountain of Life Opened Up - Table of Contents
The Fountain of Life Opened Up:
or,
A Display of Christ in His
Essential and Mediatorial Glory.
Containing forty-two sermons on various texts.
First published by
W. Baynes and Son,
1820
To his much honoured and beloved Kinsman, Mr. John Flavel, of London, Merchant, and his virtuous Consort, the Author wisheth Grace, Mercy, and Peace.
...read
Book
The Method of Grace in the Gospel Redemption - Table of Contents
The Method of Grace
in the
Gospel Redemption
First published by
W. BARNES AND SON,
1820
The Epistle Dedicatory
To the Worshipful John Upton of Lupton, Esq. and the most accomplished and virtuous Lady, his dear Consort, the Author wishes Grace, Mercy, and Peace.
Honoured and worthy Friends.
It was a comfortable expression, which Ambro ...read
Book
The Mystery of Providence - Table of Contents
The Mystery of Providence
by
John Flavel
Contents
Author's Introduction
Part One - The Evidence of Providence
Chapter 1) The Work of Providence for the Saints
Chapter 2) Our Birth and Upbringing
Chapter 3) The Work of Conversion
Chapter 4) Our Employment
Chapter 5) Family Affairs
Chapter 6) Preservation of the Sain ...read
