A39682:208
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.
Object. But though there be no sting of guilt, yet this condition wants not other stings: as first the discredit of Religion; I cannot comply with mine engagements in the world, and thereby Religion is like to suffer.
Sol. 'Tis well you have an heart to discharge every duty, •et if God disable you by Providence, 'tis no discredit to your profession, because you do not that which you cannot do, so long as it is your desire, & endeavour to do what you can and ought to do, and in this case Gods will is that lenity and forbearance be exercised towards you, De•t, 24. 12, 13.
2 Object. But it grieves me to behold the necessities of others, whom I was want to relieve and refresh, but now cannot.
Sol. If you cannot, it ceases to be your duty, and God accepts the drawing out of your soul to the hungry in compassion and desire to help them, though you cannot draw forth a full purse to relieve and supply them.