John Flavel, a Presbyterian ordained in 1650, studied at Oxford. Initially a Congregationalist, he served as a clergyman in Devon and Dartmouth. Due to the Great Ejection of 1662, he was expelled from Dartmouth but clandestinely continued preaching there. In 1687, following the Declaration of Indulgence, he became a minister at a Nonconformist Church in Dartmouth.

After taking his place among the suffering nonconformists, Flavel endured his fair share of persecution. This relentless oppression, with occasional breaks of varying intensity, persisted until James II's exile in 1688. The tyrannical laws that followed in 1662 shattered the evangelical ministry in England, but they also spread the light of the Gospel to previously unexplored territories.

John Flavel faithfully remained at his post until the summer of 1682, when his personal safety became gravely threatened. To protect himself, he made the decision to board a ship bound for London where he joined the congregation of his dear friend William Jenkyn. Despite the many dangers, Flavel returned to his beloved scattered flock in Dartmouth in 1684, where he continued to minister until that fateful day in November 1688. The resonating sound of bells filled the air in Exeter, Plymouth, and quite possibly Dartmouth as well, heralding the arrival of William of Orange. This monumental event, known as the ""Glorious Revolution,"" set in motion a chain of events that ultimately resulted in the fleeing of James II.

As the era of the ""Glorious Revolution"" unfolded, Flavel's tireless work was drawing to a close. The culmination of his ministry was on the horizon, as he embraced the challenges and uncertainties that lay ahead, and yet John Flavel knew where his hope lies. As he once expressed, “Did Christ finish His work for us? Then there can be no doubt but He will also finish His work in us.”

Contemporary preacher and author, Dr. Paul Washer once referred to the gentle Puritan pastor and theological giant as “My lovely, lovely, John Flavel,” and it is little wonder that this Presbyterian minister from 17th century Worcestershire is still influencing pastors and theologians of our day.

Theology