A39682:113
A Saint Indeed
A saint indeed: or The great work of a Christian, opened and pressed; from Prov. 4. 23 Being a seasonable and proper expedient for the recovery of the much decayed power of godliness, among the professors of these times. By John Flavell M. of the Gospel.
London: printed by W.R., 1668
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.
2. Season. The second special Season in the life of a Christian requiring more than a common diligence to keep his heart is the time of adversity; when providence frowns upon you, and blasts your outward comforts, then look to your hearts, keep them with all diligence from repining against God, or fainting under his hand; for troubles, though sanctified, are troubles still; even sweet briar, and holy ⟨p. 47⟩thistle have their prickles. Jonah was a good man, and yet how pettish was his heart under affliction? Job was the Mirror of patience, yet how was his heart discomposed by trouble? you will find it as hard to get a composed spirit under great afflictions, as it is to fix Quicksilver: Oh the hurries and tumults which they occasion even in the best hearts! well then, the second Case will be this.
2. Season. The second special Season in the life of a Christian requiring more than a common diligence to keep his heart is the time of adversity; when providence frowns upon you, and blasts your outward comforts, then look to your hearts, keep them with all diligence from repining against God, or fainting under his hand; for troubles, though sanctified, are troubles still; even sweet bryar, and holy ⟨p. 47⟩thistle have their prickeles. Ionah was a good man, and yet how pettish was his heart under affliction? Iob was the Mirrour of patience, yet how was his heart discomposed by trouble? you will find it as hard to get a composed spirit under great afflictions, as it is to fix Quicksilver: Oh the hurries and tumults which they occasion even in the best hearts! well then, the second Case will be this.
2. Case. How a Christian under great afflictions may keep his heart from repining or desponding under the hand of God? Now there are nine special helps I shall here offer, to keep thy heart in this condition; and the first shall be this, To work upon your hearts this great truth.