by John Flavel
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
John Flavel’s A Token for Mourners is a deeply pastoral and scripturally rich treatise on the subject of grief and Christian sorrow. In this work, Flavel, a 17th-century Puritan minister, speaks to those who are weighed down by the burden of loss, particularly the loss of a child, drawing wisdom from Christ’s own words in Luke 7:13: “Weep not.”
What makes this book compelling is Flavel’s ability to balance a realistic acknowledgment of human sorrow with a powerful call to faith and submission to God’s providence. He does not dismiss grief—far from it—but he seeks to place it within the bounds of Christian duty and hope. He argues that excessive sorrow can lead to bitterness and rebellion against God, while godly sorrow, rightly ordered, can draw a believer closer to Christ. Flavel draws from his own personal experiences of loss, making this work especially heartfelt and intimate.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its use of Scripture. Flavel weaves biblical narratives and doctrinal truths throughout, ensuring that his counsel is not merely human wisdom, but divine comfort. He directly addresses common objections of the grieving, offering pointed and compassionate correctives to those who struggle under the weight of loss. His arguments are laced with tender exhortations, urging believers to find solace in God’s sovereignty and Christ’s sufficiency.
Another aspect that will draw readers in is the book’s practical nature. Flavel does not only diagnose the problem of grief but also prescribes remedies—offering specific rules and spiritual disciplines to help the mourner navigate sorrow with faith. He encourages the afflicted to reflect on the goodness of God, to pour their grief into prayer, and to rest in the knowledge that Christ Himself was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.
This book is a must-read for any believer facing sorrow, as well as for pastors and counselors seeking to minister to the brokenhearted. Flavel's compassionate yet firm guidance provides a timeless answer to one of life’s most difficult realities. With its rich biblical foundation and warm pastoral care, A Token for Mourners remains one of the best works on Christian grieving, offering a beacon of hope in the valley of the shadow of death.
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Table of Contents
The Epistle Dedicatory
"Weep not." - Luke 7:13.
Considerations
Pleads
Rules