A39673:658
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 17 › 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.
Are all earthly things thus transitory and vain? Then what a reproach and shame is it to me, that the men of this world should be more industrious and eager in the prosecution of such vanities, then I am to enrich my Soul with solid and everlasting Treasure? O that ever a sensual lust should be more operative in them then the love of God in me! O my Soul, thou dost not lay out thy strength and earnestness for Heaven, ⟨p. 66⟩with any proportion to what they do for the World. I have indeed higher Motives, and a surer Reward than they: But as I have an advantage above them herein, so have they an advantage above me in the strength and entireness of the principle by which they are acted. What they do for the World, they do it with all their might; they have no contrary principle to oppose them; their thoughts, strength, and affection, is entirely carried in one Channel: But I find a Law in my Members warring against the Law of my Mind; I must strive through a thousand Difficulties and Contradictions, to the discharge of a Duty. O my God! Shall not my heart be more enlarged in Zeal, Love, and Delight in thee, than theirs are after their Lusts? O let me once find it so.
Are all earthly things thus transitory and vain? Then what a reproach and shame is it to me, that the men of this world should be more industrious and eager in the prosecution of such vanities, then I am to enrich my Soul with solid and everlasting Treasure? O that ever a sensual lust should be more operative in them then the love of God in me! O my Soul, thou dost not lay out thy strength and earnestness for Heaven, ⟨p. 66⟩with any proportion to what they do for the World. I have indeed higher Motives, and a surer Reward than they: But as I have an advantage above them herein, so have they an advantage above me in the strength and intireness of the principle by which they are acted. What they do for the World, they do it with all their might; they have no contrary principle to oppose them; their thoughts, strength, and affection, is entirely carried in one Channel: But I find a Law in my Members warring against the Law of my Mind; I must strive through a thousand Difficulties and Contradictions, to the discharge of a Duty. O my God! Shall not my heart bemore enlarged in Zeal, Love, and Delight in thee, than theirs are after their Lusts? O let me once find it so.