A39673:1207
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.
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.
Much honoured and esteemed,
Much honour'd and esteem'd,
Although Dedications are too often abused to a vain flattery, yet is there an excellent use and advantage to be made of them: Partly to encourage Persons of Worth and Eminency to espouse the Interest of Religion themselves; and partly to oblige those Readers, for whom such Books are principally intended, to a diligent perusal of them, by interesting such Persons in them, for whom they have great Respects, o• on whom they have any dependence.
ALthough Dedications are too often abused to a vain flattery, yet is there an excellent use and advantage to be made of them: Partly to encourage Persons of VVorth and Eminency to espouse the Interest of Religion themselves; and partly to oblige those Readers, for whom such Books are principally intended, to a diligent perusal of them, by interesting such Persons in them, for whom they have great Respects, o• on whom they have any dependance.
Upon the first account, a Dedication would be needless to you: for I am persuaded, you do not only in your Judgment approve the Design I here manage, viz. The Reformation of the profane and looser sort of our Sea-men; but are also heartily willing to improve your Interest to the uttermost for the promotion of it. I cannot look upon you as Persons acted by that low and common spirit that the most of your Profession are acted by, who little regard, if they be good Servants to them, whether God have any Service from them, or no, and if ⟨image 75⟩they pay them the Wages due for their work never think of the Wages they are to receive for their sin. You are judged to be Persons of another spirit, who do not only mind, but advance Christ's Interest above your own, and negotiate for his Glory, as well as for your own gain: And yet, herein you consult your own Interest as well as God's: Subordinata non pugnant. Your Interest is never more prosperously managed, or abundantly secured, than when it is carried on in a due subordination to God's. Their Reformation will apparently tend to your advantage. Those sins of theirs, against which I have here engaged, are the Jonahs in your Ships: 'tis sin that sinks them, and drives them against the Rocks. One sinner destroys much good,