A39682:424
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.
Well, such a time may again be expected according to that promise, Isai. 60. 21. The people shall be all righteous But till we fall closer to this great work of keeping our hearts, I am out of hopes to see those blessed days: I cannot expect better times, till God give better hearts: doth it not grieve you to see what a scorn religion is made in the world, what objects of contempt and scorn the professors of it are made in the world.
Well, such a time may again be exspected according to that promise, Isai. 60. 21. The people shall be all righteous But till we fall closer to this great work of keeping our hearts, I am out of hopes to see those blessed daies: I cannot exspect better times, till God give better hearts: doth it not grieve you to see what a scorn religion is made in the world, what objects of contempt and scorn the professors of it are made in the world.
Professors, would you recover your credit? would you again obtain an honourable testimony in the Consciences of your very enemies? then, keep your hearts, watch your hearts: tis the looseness frothiness, and earthliness of your hearts that •ath made your lives so; and ⟨p. 200⟩this hath brought you under contempt of the world, you first lost your sights of God, and communion with him, then your heavenly and serious deportment among men; and by that, your interest in their Consciences, O then! for the credit of religion, for the honour of your profession, keep your hearts.
Professors, would you recover your credit? would you again obtain an honourable testimony in the Consciences of your very enemies? then, keep your hearts, watch your hearts: tis the loosness frothiness, and earthliness of your hearts that •ath made your lives so; and