A39682:50
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.
Doct. That the keeping and right managing of the heart in every condition, is the great business of a Christians life.
What the Philosopher saith of waters is as properly applicable to hearts, suis terminis difficilé continentur; 'tis hard to keep them within any bounds: God hath set bounds and limits to them, yet how frequently do they transgress. not only the bounds of Grace and Religion, but ⟨p. 6⟩even of Reason and common Honesty; Hic labor hoc opus est, this is that which affords the Christian matter of labour, fear and trembling to his dying day. 'Tis not the cleansing of the hand that makes a Christian, for many a Hypocrite can show as fair a hand as he, but the purifying, watching, and right ordering of the heart; this is the thing that provokes so many sad complaints, and costs so many deep groans and brinish tears. 'Twas the pride of Hezekiah's heart that made him •ye in the dust mourning before the Lord, 2 Chron. 32. 26. 'Twas the fear of Hypocrisy invading the heart, that made David cry, Let my heart be sound in thy Statutes that I be not ashamed, Psal. 119. 80. 'Twas the sad experience he had of the Divisions and Distractions of his own heart in the Service of God, that made him pour out that Prayer, Psal. 86. 11. Unite my heart to fear thy Name.
What the Philosopher saith of waters is as properly applicable to hearts, suis terminis difficilé continentur; 'tis hard to keep them within any bounds: God hath set bounds and limits to them, yet how frequently do they transgress. not only the bounds of Grace and Religion, but ⟨p. 6⟩even of Reason and common Honesty; Hic labor hoc opus est, this is that which affords the Christian matter of labour, fear and trembling to his dying day. 'Tis not the cleansing of the hand that makes a Christian, for many a Hypocrite can shew as fair a hand as he, but the purifying, watching, and right ordering of the heart; this is the thing that provokes so many sad complaints, and costs so many deep groans and brinish tears. 'Twas the pride of Hizekiah's heart that made him ye in the dust mourning before the Lord,