A39682:118
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.
3. Help. It is of marvellous efficacy to keep the heart from sinking under affliction, to call to mind; that thine own father hath the ordering of them: not a Creature moves hand or tongue against thee, but by his permission. Suppose the cup be a bitter cup, yet 'tis the cup which thy Father hath given thee to drink, and canst thou suspect poison to be in that cup, which he delivers thee? foolish man, ⟨p. 50⟩put home the case to thine own heart, consult with thine own bowels; canst thou find in thy heart to give thy Child, that which would hurt, and undo him? no, thou wouldst as soon hurt thy self as him; If thou then being evil knowest how to give good gifts to thy children, how much more doth God, Math. 7. 11. the very consideration of his nature, a God of love, pity and tender mercies, or of his relation to thee, as a father, husband, friend; might be security enough, if he had not spoken a word, to quiet thee in this case: and yet you have his word too, Jer. 25. 6. I will do you no hurt. You lye too near his heart to hurt you, nothing grieves him more than your groundless and unworthy suspicions of his designs do; would it not grieve a faithful tender hearted Physician, when he hath studied the case of his Patient, prepared the most excellent receipts to save his life, to hear him cry out; Oh he hath undone me, he hath poisoned me; because it gripes and pains him in the operation? O when will you be ingenious!
3. Help. It is of marvellous efficacy to keep the heart from sinking under affliction, to call to mind; that thine own father hath the ordering of them: not a Creature moves hand or tongue against thee, but by his permission. Suppose the cup be a bitter cup, yet 'tis the cup which thy Father hath given thee to drink, and canst thou suspect poison to be in that cup, which he delivers thee? foolish man, ⟨p. 50⟩put home the case to thine own heart, consult with thine own bowels; canst thou find in thy heart to give thy Child, that which would hurt, and undoe him? no, thou wouldst as soon hurt thy self as him; If thou then being evil knowest how to give good gifts to thy children, how much more doth God,