A39673:1055
Navigation spiritualizedNavigation spiritualiz'd
Navigation spiritualized: or, A new compass for seamen consisting of XXXII points of pleasant observations, profitable applications, and serious reflections: all concluded with so many spiritual poems. Whereunto is now added, I. A sober consideration of the sin of drunkenness. II. The harlots face in the Scripture-glass. III. The art of preserving the fruit of the lips. IV. The resurrection of buried mercies and promises. V. The sea-mans catechism. Being an essay toward their much desired reformation from the horrible and detestable [sic] sins of drunkenness, swearing, uncleanness, forgetfulness of mercies, violation of promises, and atheistical contempt of death. Fit to be seriously recommended to their profane relations, whether sea-men or others, by all such as unfeignedly desire their eternal welfare. By John Flavel, minister of the Gospel.Navigation spiritualiz'd: or, A new compass for seamen consisting of XXXII points of pleasant observations, profitable applications, and serious reflections: all concluded with so many spiritual poems. Whereunto is now added, I. A sober consideration of the sin of drunkenness. II. The harlots face in the Scripture-glass. III. The art of preserving the fruit of the lips. IV. The resurrection of buried mercies and promises. V. The sea-mans catechism. Being an essay toward their much desir'd reformation from the horrible and destable [sic] sins of drunkenness, swearing, uncleanness, forgetfulness of mercies, violation of promises, and atheistical contempt of death. Fit to be seriously recommmended to their profane relations, whether sea-men or others, by all such as unfeignedly desire their eternal welfare. By John Flavel, minister of the Gospel.
London: printed for M. Fabian, 1698
Title page typeset from the transcription.
A New Compass for Sea-Men: OR, Navigation Spiritualiz'd. › Chapter 29 › REFLECTION.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
REFLECTION.
O then, why is my heart disquieted, because it cannot sometimes discern the way of the Lord, and see the connection and dependence on his providential dispensations? Why art thou so perplexed, O my Soul, at the Confusions and Disorders that are in the world! I know that Goodness and Wisdom sits at the Stern: And though the Vessel of the Church be tossed and distressed in Storms of Trouble, yet it shall not perish. Is it not enough for me, that God hath condescended so far for my satisfaction, as to show me plainly the ultimate and general issue of all these mysterious Providences, Ephes. 1. 22. Rom. 8. 28. unless I be able to take the height of every particular? Shall I presume to call the God of Heaven to account? Must he render a reason of his ways, and give an account of his matters to such a worm as I am? Be silent (O my Soul) before the Lord; subscribe to his Wisdom, and submit to his Will, whatsoever he doth. However it be, yet God is good to Israel; the event will manifest it to be all over a design of love. I know not how to reconcile them to each other, or many of them to the Promise; yet are they all harmonious betwixt themselves, and the certain means of accomplishing the Promises. O what a favour is this, that in the midst of the greatest confusions in the world, God hath given such abundant security to his people, that it shall be well with them? Amos 9. 8. Eccles. 8. 12.
O then, why is my heart disquieted, because it cannot sometimes discern the way of the Lord, and see the connection and dependence on his providential dispensations? Why art thou so perplexed, O my Soul, at the Confusions and Disorders that are in the world! I know that Goodness and Wisdom sits at the Stern: And though the Vessel of the Church be tossed and distressed in Storms of Trouble, yet it shall not perish. Is it not enough for me, that God hath condescended so far for my satisfaction, as to shew me plainly the ultimate and general issue of all these mysterious Providences,