A39682:229
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.
It is with the heart in duty, as it is with those that dig for gold oar; they try here, and finding none, try there; and so go from place to place till at last they hit upon the rich vein, and there they sit down. If thy heart could but once hit the rich vein in duty, it would dwell and abide there with delight, and constancy. O how I love thy law, it is my meditation day and night! Psal. 119. 97. The Soul could dwell ⟨p. 113⟩day and night upon its knees, when once its delights, loves, and desires are engaged. What's the reason your hearts are so shuffling, especially in secret duties? why are you ready to be gone almost as soon as you are come into the presence of God? but because your affections are not engaged.
It is with the heart in duty, as it is with those that dig for gold oare; they try here, and finding none, try there; and so go from place to place till at last they hit upon the rich vein, and there they sit down. If thy heart could but once hit the rich vein in duty, it would dwell and abide there with delight, and constancy. O how I love thy law, it is my meditation day and night! Psal. 119. 97. The Soul could dwell ⟨p. 113⟩day and night upon its knees, when once its delights, loves, and desires are ingaged. What's the reason your hearts are so shufling, especially in secret duties? why are you ready to be gone almost as soon as you are come into the presence of God? but because your affections are not ingaged.
7. Help. Mourn over the matter to God, and call in assistance from Heaven: when vain thoughts assault thy heart in duty.