A39673:874
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 23 › 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 these the sins that blast our Blessings, and wither our Mercies? O then let me cease to wonder ⟨p. 86⟩it is no better, and rather admire that it is no worse with me; that my neglect of Prayer, injustice in dealings, Earthly-mindedness, and abuse of former Mercies, have not provoked God to strip me naked out of all my enjoyments. Let me humbly accept from the Lord the punishment of my Iniquities, and lay my hand upon my mouth. And O that these disappointments might convince me of the Creatures vanity, and cause me to drive on another trade for Heaven; then shall I adore thy wisdom in rending from me those idolized enjoyments. Ah Lord, when I had them, my heart was a perpetual drudge to them. How did I then forget God, neglect duty, and not mind my eternal concernments! Oh, if these had not perished, in all probability I had perished. My God, let my Soul prosper, and then a small portion of these things shall afford me more comfort than ever I had in their greatest abundance. A little that a righteous man hath, is better than the riches of many wicked, Psal. 37. 16.
THE POEM.
There's great Complaint abroad that Trading's bad;