A39682:318
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.
4. Every thing which is a ground of grief to the people of God, is not a sufficient ground of questioning their sincerity. There are many more things to trouble you then there are to stumble you: if upon every slip and failing through infirmity, you should question all that ever was ⟨p. 150⟩wrought upon you your life must be made up of doubtings and fears: you can never attain a settled peace, nor live that life of praise and thankfulness, the gospel calls for.
4. Every thing which is a ground of grief to the people of God, is not a sufficient ground of questioning their sincerity. There are many more things to trouble you then there are to stumble you: if upon every slip and failing through infirmity, you should question all that ever was ⟨p. 150⟩wrought upon you your life must be made up of doubtings and fears: you can never attain a setled peace, nor live that life of praise and thankfulness, the gospel calls for.
5. The Soul is not at all times fit to pass judgment upon its own condition: To be sure in the dark day of desertion, when the Soul is benighted; and in the stormy day of temptation, when the Soul is in a hurry; 'tis utterly unfit to judge its estate: examine your hearts upon your beds, and be still, Psal. 4. This is rather a season for watching and resisting, then for judging, and determining.
6. That every breach of peace with God, is not a breach of Covenant with God: The wife hath many weaknesses and failings, often grieves and displeases her husband; yet in the main is faithful, and truly loves him: these failings may cause him to alter his carriage, but not to withdraw his love, or deny his relation. Return O back-sliding Israel for I am married unto you.