A39682:356
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.
11. Case. How the heart may be kept from relapsing under the greatest sufferings for religion? If the bitterness of sufferings at any time cause thy Soul to distaste the way of God and take up thoughts of forsaking it, stay thine heart under that temptation by propounding these 8. questions solemnly to it.
1. Quest. What reproach and dishonour shall I pour upon Christ and religion by deserting him at such a time as this? This will proclaim to all the world that how much soever I have boasted of the promises, yet when it comes to the trial, I dare hazard nothing upon the credit of them: and how will this open the mouths of Christs enemies to blaspheme? O better I had never been born then that worthy name should be blasphemed through me! shall I furnish the triumphs of the uncircumcised? shall I make mirth in Hell? O if I did but value the name of Christ as much as many a wicked man values his own name! I would never endure to see it exposed to such contempt will proud dust and ashes venture death, yea Hell, rather then a blot upon their name? and shall I venture nothing to salve the honour and reputation of Christ?
1. Quest. What reproach and dishonour shall I pour upon Christ and religion by deserting him at such a time as this? This will proclaim to all the world that how much soever I have boasted of the promises, yet when it comes to the tryal, I dare hazard nothing upon the credit of them: and how will this open the mouths of Christs enemies to blaspheme? O better I had never been born then that worthy name should be blasphemed through me! shall I furnish the triumphs of the uncircumcised? shall I make mirth in Hell? O if I did but value the name of Christ as much as many a wicked man values his own name! I would never endure to see it exposed to such contempt will proud dust and ashes venture death, yea Hell, rather then a blot upon their name? and shall I venture nothing to salve the honour and reputation of Christ?