A39682:438
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.
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.
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 jarre, 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 daies, and bless these counsels in order to them.
10. Mot. Lastly, By this the comforts of the Spirit, and precious influences of all Ordinances would be fixed, and much longer preserved in your Souls than now they are.
Ah! what would I give, that my Soul might be preserved in that frame I sometimes find it after an Ordinance! aliquandò intromittis me domine in affectium multum inusuatum introrsus ad nescio quam dulcedinem, &c. Sometimes O Lord, (saith one of the fathers sweetly) thou admittest me into the most inward, unusual and sweet delights, to I know not what sweetness, which were it perfected in me, I know not what it would be; or rather, what it would not be. But