A39682:231
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.
When the messenger of Satan buffeted Paul by wicked injections as is supposed, he goes to God, and mourns over it before him, 2 Cor. 12. 8. never slight wandering thoughts in duty as small matters, follow every vain thought with a deep sigh, turn thee to God with such words as these, Lord I came hither to speak with thee, and here a busy Devil, and a vain heart conspiring together have set upon me. O my God? what an heart have I? shall I never wait upon thee without distraction! when shall I enjoy an hour of free communion with thee? help me my God this once, do but display thy glory before mine eyes; and my heart shall quickly be recovered: Thou knowest I came hither to enjoy thee, and shall I go away without thee! ⟨p. 114⟩See, how the heart of thy poor child works towards thee! strives to get near thee, but cannot: my heart is a ground, come thou north wind, blow south wind, O for a fresh gale now •rom thy Spirit! to set my affections, afloat! couldst thou but thus affectionately bewail thy distractions to God, thou mightest obtain help and deliverance from them: He would say to Satan, and thine imperious lusts as Ahasuerus said of Haman, what will he force the Queen before my face? who are these, that set upon my child in my work, and presence?
When the messenger of Satan buffeted Paul by wicked injections as is supposed, he goes to God, and mourns over it before him, 2 Cor. 12. 8. never slight wandring thoughts in duty as small matters, follow every vain thought with a deep sigh, turn thee to God with such words as these, Lord I came hither to speak with thee, and here a busie Devil, and a vain heart conspiring together have set upon me. O my God? what an heart have I? shall I never wait upon thee without distraction! when shall I enjoy an hour of free communion with thee? help me my God this once, do but display thy glory before mine eyes; and my heart shall quickly be recovered: Thou knowest I came hither to enjoy thee, and shall I goe away without thee! ⟨p. 114⟩See, how the heart of thy poor child works towards thee! strives to get near thee, but cannot: my heart is a ground, come thou north wind, blow south wind, O for a fresh gale now rom thy Spirit! to set my affections, afloat! couldst thou but thus affectionately bewail thy distractions to God, thou mightest obtain help and deliverance from them: He would say to Satan, and thine imperious lusts as Ahashuerus said of Haman, what will he force the Qeen before my face? who are these, that set upon my child in my work, and presence?