A39682:19
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.
But alas! it is not our printed apologies for religion, but the visible reformations of its professors that must both salve its honour and remove those fatal stumbling blocks at which the blind world strikes and falls into eternal perdition.
But alas! it is not our printed apologies for religion, but the vi•ible reformations of its professors that must both salve its honour and remove those fatal stumbling blocks at which the blind world strikes and falls into eternal perdition.
Now there are two ways by which this may be effected. First, by convincing the consciences of professors of their miscarriages, and the evil and aggravations of them. Secondly by medicating the heart, and cleansing the fountain whence they proceed: in the first of these a worthy and eminent servant of Christ bath lately laboured, holding a clear Gospel glass before the faces of professors which truly represents their spots and blemishes.1 If he that reads it, will consider, apply, and practise, it shall doubtless turn to his salvation, but if it turn to no good account to him that reads it; I know it shall turn to a testimony for him that wrote it. The second is a principal design of this small treatise, the subject whereof is exceeding weighty and of daily use to the people of God: though the manner of handling it be attended with many defects and weaknesses: every one cannot be excellent who yet may be useful.
Now there are two ways by which this may be effected. First, by convincing the consciences of professors of their miscarriages, and the evil and agravations of them. Secondly by medicateing the heart, and cleansing the fountain whence they proceed: in the first of these a worthy and eminent servant of Christ bath lately laboured, holding a clear Gospel glasse before the faces of professors which truly represents their spots and blemishes.1 If he that reads it, will consider, apply, and practise, it shall doubtless turn to his salvation, but if it turn to no good account to him that reads it; I know it shall turn to a testimony for him that wrote it. The second is a principal design of this small treatise, the subject whereof is exceeding weighty and of daily use to the people of God: though the manner of handling it be attended with many defects and weaknesses: every one cannot be excellent who yet may be useful.