A39682:71
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.
In these and such like particulars, do gracious sou•s express the care they have of their hearts; they are as careful to prevent the breaking loose of their corruptions in times of temptation, as Sea-men are to bind fast the Guns that they break not loose in a storm; as careful to preserve the sweetness and comfort they have got from God in any duty, as one that comes out of an hot Bath, or great sweat is of taking cold, by going forth into the chill air; this is the work, and of all works in Religion it is the most difficult, constant, and important work.
In these and such like particulars, do gracious sou•s express the care they have of their hearts; they are as careful to prevent the breaking loose of their corruptions in times of temptation, as Sea-men are to binde fast the Guns that they break not loose in a storm; as careful to preserve the sweetness and comfort they have got from God in any duty, as one that comes out of an hot Bath, or great sweat is of taking cold, by going forth into the chill aire; this is the work, and of all works in Religion it is the most difficult, consta•t, and important work.
1. 'Tis the hardest work; Heart-work is hard work indeed: To shuffle over Religious-Duties with a loose and heedless Spirit, will cost no great pains, but to set thy self before the Lord, and tie up thy ⟨p. 15⟩loose and vain thoughts to a constant and serious attendance upon him; this will cost thee something: to attain a facility and dexterity of language in Prayer, and put thy meaning into apt and decent expressions is easy, but to get thy heart broken for sin whilst thou art confessing it; melted with free grace, whilst thou art blessing God for it; to be really ashamed and humbled through the apprehensions of Gods infinite holiness, and to keep thy heart in this frame, not only in, but after Duty; will surely cost thee some groans, and travelling pains of soul: to repress the outward acts of sin, and compose the external part of thy life in a laudable and comely manner is no great matter, even carnal persons by the force of common principles can do this; but to kill the root of corruption within, to set and keep up an holy Government over thy thoughts, to have all things lye straight and orderly in the heart, this is not easy.