A39682:213
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.
Sol. Every condition in the World hath its clogs, and attending temptations; and were you in a prosperous condition, you might there meet with more temptations and fewer advantages than you now have: For though I confess poverty hath its temptations as well as prosperity, yet I am confident, prosperity hath not those excellent advantages that poverty hath: for here you have an opportunity to discover the sincerity of your love to God, when you can live upon him, find enough in him, and constantly follow him, even when all external inducements and motives fail. And thus I have showed you how to keep your hearts from the temptations and dangers attending a poor and low condition ⟨p. 103⟩in the World, when want pinches, and the heart begins to sink, then improve, and bless God for these helps to keep it.
Sol. Every condition in the World hath its clogs, and attending temptations; and were you in a prosperous condition, you might there meet with more temptations and fewer advantages than you now have: For though I confess poverty hath its temptations as well as prosperity, yet I am confident, prosperity hath not those excellent advantages that poverty hath: for here you have an opportunity to discover the sincerity of your love to God, when you can live upon him, find enough in him, and constantly follow him, even when all external inducements and motives fail. And thus I have shewed you how to keep your hearts from the temptations and dangers attending a poor and low condition ⟨p. 103⟩in the World, when want pinches, and the heart begins to sink, then improve, and bless God for these helps to keep it.
6. Season. The sixth Season of expressing this diligence in keeping the heart is the Season of Duty; when we draw nigh to God in public, private, or secret Duties, then 'tis time to look to the heart; for the vanity of the heart seldom discovers it self more than at such times. How oft doth the poor soul cry out, O Lord how fain would I serve thee, but vain thoughts will not let me; I came to open my heart to thee, to delight my soul in communion with thee, but my corruptions have set upon me: Lord rare off these vain thoughts, and suffer them not to prostitute the soul, which is espoused to thee, before thy face. The sixth Case then is this.