A39682:437
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.
My brethren, these be the things that have spoiled Christian fellowship, and made it become a dry and sapless thing; so that many Christians are even weary of it, and are ready to say with the prophet Jer. 9. 2. O that I had a Cottage in the wilderness, &c. That I might leave my people and go from them! and with David Psal. 120. 6. My soul hath long dwel• with them that hate peace: This hath made them long for the grave, that they might go from them that are not their own people, to them that are their own people, as the original of that text imports, 2 Cor. 5. 8.
My brethren, these be the things that have spoiled Christian fellowship, and made it become a dry and sapless thing; so that many Christians are even weary of it, and are ready to say with the prophet Ier. 9. 2. O that I had a Cottage in the wilderness, &c. That I might leave my people and go from them! and with David Psal. 120. 6. My soul hath long dwel• with them that hate peace: This hath made them long for the grave, that they might goe from them that are not their own people, to them that are their own people, as the original of that text imports, 2 Cor. 5. 8.
But now, if professors would study ⟨p. 206⟩their own hearts more, watch and keep them better, all this would be prevented; and the beauty and glory of communion again restored: they would divide no more, contend no more, censure rashly no more; when their hearts are in tune their tongues will not jar, how charitable, pitiful and tender will they be one of another, when every one is daily humbled under the evil of his own heart; Lord hasten those much desired days, and bless these counsels in order to them.