A39673:1349
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 Sober Consideration Of the SIN of DRUNKENNESS. › Caution 5: V. CAUTION.
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.
Quest. 16. Why may I not defer it, at least for a little while?
Ans. For many weighty reasons this work can bear no delays. First, the offers of Grace are made to the present time, Heb. 3. 15. While it's said to day, harden not your heart. There may be a few more days of God's patience, but that is unknown to thee. Secondly, your Life is immediate uncertain; how many thousands are gone into Eternity since the last Night? If you can say to sickness when it comes, Go, and come again another time, it were somewhat. Thirdly, Sin is not a thing to be dallied with. Oh! who would be willing to lie down one Night under the guilt of all his sins? Fourthly, delays increase the difficulty of Conversion: Sin still roots itself deeper, habits are the more strengthened, and the heart still more hardened. Fifthly, There be thousands now in Hell, that perish through delays: Their Consciences often urged and pressed hard upon them, and many resolutions they had, as thou hast now; but they were never perfected by answerable executions, and so they perished. Sixthly, Thy way of sinning now is desperate; for every moment thou art acting against clear light and conviction; and that is a dreadful way of sinning. Seventhly, There can be no solid reason for one hours delay; for thou canst not be happy too soon: And be sure of it, if ever thou come to taste the sweetness of a Christian Life, nothing will more pierce and grieve thee than this, that thou enjoyedst it no sooner.
Ans. For many weighty reasons this work can bear no delays. First, the offers of Grace are made to the present time, Heb. 3. 15. Wbile it's said to day, harden not your heart. There may be a few more days of God's patience, but that is unknown to thee. Secondly, your Life is immediate uncertain; how many thousands are gone into Eternity since the last Night? If you can say to sickness when it comes, Go, and come again another time, it were somewhat. Thirdly, Sin is not a thing to be dallied whith. Oh! who would be willing to lie down one Night under the guilt of all his sins? Fourthly, delays increase the difficulty of Conversion: Sin still roots itself deeper, habits are the more strengthened, and the heart still more hardned. Fifthly, There be thousands now in Hell, that perish through delays: Their Consciences often urged and prest hard upon them, and many resolutions they had, as thou hast now; but they were never perfected by answerable executions, and so they perisht. Sixthly, Thy way of sinning now is desperate; for every moment thou art acting against clear light and conviction; and that is a dreadful way of sinning. Seventhly, There can be no solid reason for one hours delay; for thou canst not be happy too soon: And be sure of it, if ever thou come to taste the sweetness of a Christian Life, nothing will more pierce and grieve thee than this, that thou enjoyedst it no sooner.