A39682:116
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.
Afflictions fall not out by Casualty, but by Counsel. Job 5. 6. Eph. 1. 11. by this Counsel of God they are ordained as means of much spiritual good to Saints, Isai. 27 9. By this shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged, &c. Heb. 12. 10. But he for our profit, &c. Rom. 8. 28. all things work together ⟨p. 48⟩for good, they are Gods workmen upon our hearts, to pull down the pride and carnal security of them; and being so, their nature is changed; they are turned into blessings and benefits, Psal. 119 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted. And sure then, thou hast no reason to quarrel with, but rather to admire that God should concern himself so much in thy good, to use any means for the accomplishing of it, Philip. 3. 11. Paul could bless God▪ if by any means he might attain the resurrection of the dead, my brethren (saith James, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations, 1 Jam. 2. 3. My father is about a design of love upon my soul, and do I well to be angry with him? all that he doth is in pursuance of, and reference to some eternal glorious ends upon my Soul. O 'tis my ignorance of Gods design, that makes me quarrel with him! he saith to thee in this case, as to Peter, What I do thou knowest not now, but hereafter thou shalt know it.
Afflictions fall not out by Casualty, but by Counsel. Iob 5. 6. Eph. 1. 11. by this Counsel of God they are ordained as means of much spiritual good to Saints,