A39682:141
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.
6. Direct. Record the famous instances of Gods care and tenderness over his people in former straits. Christ hath not suffered ⟨p. 69⟩it to be devoured yet, for above these 1600 years the Christian Church hath lived in affliction, and yet it is not consumed: many a wave of persecution hath gone over it, and yet it is not drowned; many designs to ruin it, and hitherto none hath prospered: this is not the first time that Hamans and Achitophels have plotted its ruin; that an Herod hath stretched out his hand to vex it. Still it hath been preserved from, supported under, or delivered out of all its troubles: and is it not as dear to God as ever? is not he as able to save it now as formerly? though we know not whence deliverance should arise, Yet the Lord knoweth how to deliver the Godly out of temptations, 2 Pet. 2. 9.
6. Direct. Record the famous instances of Gods care and tenderness over his people in former straits. Christ hath not suffered ⟨p. 69⟩it to be devoured yet, for above these 1600 years the Christian Church hath lived in affliction, and yet it is not consumed: many a wave of persecution hath gone over it, and yet it is not drowned; many designs to ruine it, and hitherto none hath prospered: this is not the first time that Hamans and Achitophels have plotted its ruine; that an Herod hath stretcht out his hand to vex it. Still it hath been preserved from, supported under, or delivered out of all its troubles: and is it not as dear to God as ever? is not he as able to save it now as formerly? though we know not whence deliverance should arise, Yet the Lord knoweth how to deliver the Godly out of temptations, 2 Pet. 2. 9.
7. Direct. If you can fetch no comfort from any of the former arguments, then in the last place, try whether you cannot draw some comfort out of your very trouble. Surely this trouble of yours is a good argument of your integrity; union is the ground of sympathy, if you had not some rich adventure in that ship, you would not tremble as you do when it is in danger: besides, this frame of spirit may afford you this argument, that if you be so sensible of the Churches troubles,