A39682:180
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.
5. Seas. The fifth Season to exert this diligence in keeping the heart, is the time of straits and outward pinching wants; although at such times we should complain to God, and not of God, (the Throne of Grace being erected for a time of need, H•b. 4. 16.) yet when the waters of relief run low, and wants begin to pinch hard: how prone are the best hearts to distrust the Fountain! When the Meal in the Barrel, and oil in the Cruse are almost spent, our faith and patience are almost spent too: Now 'tis difficult to keep down the proud and unbelieving heart in an holy quietude and sweet submission at the foot of God. 'Tis an easy thing to talk of trusting God for daily bread while we have a full Barn or Purse; but to say as the Prophet, Hab. 3. 17. Though the Fig-tree should not blossom, neither fruit be in the Vine &c. yet will I rejoice in the Lord. Sure this is not easy. The fifth Case therefore shall be this.
5. Seas. The fifth Season to exert this diligence in keeping the heart, is the time of straits and outward pinching wants; although at such times we should complain to God, and not of God, (the Throne of Grac• being erected for a time of need, H•b. 4. 16.) yet when the waters of relief run low, and wants begin to pinch hard: how prone are the best hearts to distrust the Fountain! When the Meal in the Barrel, and oylin the Cruse are almost spent, our faith and patience are almost spent too: Now 'tis difficult to keep down the proud and unbelieving heart in an holy quietude and sweet submission at the foot of God. 'Tis an easie thing to talk of trusting God for daily bread while we have a full Barn or Purse; but to say as the Propher, Hab. 3. 17. Though the Fig-tree should not blossome, neither fruit be in the Vine &c. yet will I rejoyce in the Lord. Sure this is not easie. The fifth Case therefore shall be this.
5. Case. How a Christian may keep his heart from distrusting God, or repining against him when outward wants are either felt, or feared?