John Flavel — A Saint Indeed (Keeping the Heart), Of Adversity, Help 3

Providence is like a curious piece of arras, made of a thousand shreds, which single we know not what to make of, but put together, and stitched up orderly, they represent a beautiful history to the eye.

The study of Jesus Christ is the most noble subject that ever a soul spent itself upon; those that rack and torture their brains upon other studies, like children, weary themselves at a low game; the eagle plays at the s…

By keeping the heart, understand the diligent and constant use of all holy means to preserve the soul from sin, and maintain its sweet and free communion with God.

Wicked men are sometimes like mad horses, they would stamp the people of God under their feet, but that the bridle of providence is in their lips. A lion at liberty is terrible to meet; but who is afraid of a lion in the…

Even a gracious heart is like a musical instrument, which though it be never so exactly tuned, a small matter brings it out of tune again; yea, put it aside but a little while and it will need setting again before anothe…

All the comforts of believers are streams from this fountain. Jesus Christ is the very object matter of a believer's joy.