Keeping the Heart (Annotated, Updated)

Lessons on Maintaining a Pure Heart in All Seasons of Life

By: John Flavel

Narrated by: Lyle Blaker

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

The heart of man is his worst part before it is regenerated, and the best part afterward. It is the seat of principles, and the fountain of actions.

The greatest difficulty in conversion is to win the heart to God. The greatest difficulty after conversion is to keep the heart with God. Direction and help in this great work are the scope of the text wherein we have:

• An exhortation: Keep thy heart with all diligence.
• The reason or motive enforcing it: For out of it are the issues of life.

In the exhortation we'll consider:

• The matter of the duty.
• The manner of performing it.

For out of it [the heart] are the issues of life. In other words, the heart is the source of all vital operations; it is the origin of both good and evil, just as the spring in a watch that sets all the wheels in motion. The heart is the treasury, the hand and tongue are but the shops. The heart contrives, and the members execute: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh (Luke 6:45).

About the Author

John Flavel (c.1628-1691) was born into an England wracked by political, social, and religious upheaval. Two civil wars and unstable leadership framed the political landscape. Economic hardships and a resurgence of plague further distressed the nation. The church, too, was in turmoil. Flavel, a pastor of one of the many independent churches persecuted by the government, was forced from his church in Dartmouth. In secret and under stress, he continued preaching, writing, and shepherding his flock. He suffered the death of three of his four wives and at least one child. He continued preaching until his sudden death in 1691.

©2022 Aneko Press (P)2022 Aneko Press

Keep my heart Lord

This has been the most enlightening lesson, for me, on true Christianity, and what it means to keep the heart in the love of God. John Flavel was on earth blessed with spiritual insight, and used of GOD to assist Christ's people to comprehend more and more of who and what Christ is.
I strongly recommend this book, if you heart yearns to know more of Christ, and have a fuller assurance of genuine faith in Christ.

actual samples on keeping the heart

all very good need to go through the book again,
and but the physical book

Offers rest, not work.

Slow to start, but so encouraging for every phase of life, and not seeking to cast burdens on the doing, but rather the resting in the One who said "It is finished" when He accomplished on our behalf all that is necessary for salvation to all who believe on Him: by grace alone through faith alone in Christ Jesus alone according to the scriptures alone for God's glory alone!

Look for clergy and non-clergy

Although written written in the 17th century, it is a wonderful book full of application for the Christian life. It is easy to understand and I highly recommend it.