A39682:328
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.
1. Quer. If any action of God towards his people will bear a favourable, as well as an harsh and severe construction, why should not his people interpret it in the best sense? ⟨p. 153⟩And is not this such? may he not have a design of love as well as of hatred in this dispensation? may he not depart for a season, and not for ever, yea, that he might not depart for ever? you are not the first that have mistaken Gods ends in desertion, Isai. 49. 14. Zion said the Lord hath forsaken me, my God hath forgotten me: was it so indeed? nothing less v. 15. can a mother forget, &c.
1. Quer. If any action of God towards his people will bear a favourable, as well as an harsh and severe construction, why should not his people interpret it in the best sense? ⟨p. 153⟩And is not this such? may he not have a design of love as well as of hatred in this dispensation? may he not depart for a season, and not for ever, yea, that he might not depart for ever? you are not the first that have mistaken Gods ends in desertion, Isai. 49. 14. Sion said the Lord hath forsaken me, my God hath forgotten me: was it so indeed? nothing less v. 15. can a mother forget, &c.
2. Q•er. Do you find the marks of an absolute total and final desertion upon your own Spirits, that you are so apt to conclude yours to be such? Do you find your heart inclined to forsake God? have you lost your conscientious tenderness in point of sin? if so, Sad characters appear upon you indeed: but if in this dark hour you are as tender of sin as ever, as much resolved to cleave to God as ever; I cannot, I will not forsake God, let him do what he will with me, oh no I cannot, If your hearts work thus, it can be but a partial, limited and temporary desertion; by this he still keeps his interest in your hearts, a sure sign he will return and visit you again.