A39682:26
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. 1. I answer, there are multitudes of books indeed, and of them many concern not themselves about root truths, and practical godliness, but spend their strength upon impracticable notions, and frivolous controversies: many also strike at root truths, and endeavour to undermine the power of godliness: and some there are that nourish the root, and tend to clear and confirm, to prepare and apply the great truths of the gospel that they may be bread for souls to live and feed on: now, though I could wish, that those that have handled the pen of the scribe, had better employed their time and pains then to obtrude such useless discourses upon the world, yet for books of the latter rank, I say, that when husbandmen complain of too much corn, let Christians complain of too many such books.
Sol. 1. I answer, there are multitudes of books indeed, and of them many concern not themselves about root truths, and practical godliness, but spend their strength upon impracticable notions, and frivolous controversies: many also strike at root truths, and endeavour to undermine the power of godliness: and some there are that nourish the root, and tend to clear and confirm, to prepare and apply the geart truths of the gospel that they may be bread for souls to live and feed on: now, though I could wish, that those that have handled the pen of the scribe, had better imployed their time and pains then to obtrude such useless discourses upon the world, yet for books of the latter rank, I say, that when husbandmen complain of too much corn, let Christians complain of too many such books.
2. And if you be so highly conceited of your own furniture and ability, that such books are needless to you: if you let them alone they will do you no hurt, and other poor hungry souls will be glad of them, and bless God for what you despise and leave.
2. And if you be so highly conceited of your own furniture and ability, that such books are needless to you: if you let them alone they will doe you no hurt, and other poor hungry souls will be glad of them, and bless God for what you despise and leave.