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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 5 › 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.
Lord! how doth the care, wisdom, and vigilancy of Men in temporal and external things, condemn my carelessness in the deep and dear concernments of my precious Soul! What care and labour is there to secure a perishing life, liberty, or treasure! When was I thus solicitous for my Soul, though its value be inestimable, and its dangers far greater? Self-preservation is one of the deepest Principles in Nature. There is not the poorest Worm or Fly, but will shun danger if it can: Yet I am so far from shunning those dangers to which my Soul lies continually exposed, that I often run it upon temptations, and voluntarily expose it to its enemies. I see, Lord, how watchful, Jealous and laborious thy People are, what Prayers, Tears, and Groans, searching of Heart, Mortification of Lusts, guarding of Senses: and all accounted too ⟨p. 21⟩little by them. Have not I a Soul to save or lose eternally, as well as they? Yet I cannot deny one fleshly lust, nor withstand one temptation. O, how am I convinced, and condemned; not only by others care and vigilancy, but my own too, in lesser and lower matters!
Lord! how doth the care, wisdom, and vigilancy of Men in temporal and external things, condemn my carelesness in the deep and dear concernments of my precious Soul! What care and labour is there to secure a perishing life, liberty, or treasure! When was I thus sollicitous for my Soul, though its value be inestimable, and its dangers far greater? Self-preservation is one of the deepest Principles in Nature. There is not the poorest Worm or Flie, but will shun danger if it can: Yet I am so far from shunning those dangers to which my Soul lies continually exposed, that I often run it upon temptations, and voluntarily expose it to its enemies. I see, Lord, how watchful, Jealous and laborious thy People are, what Prayers, Tears, and Groans, searching of Heart, Mortification of Lusts, guarding of Senses: and all accounted too