
The ancients believed that there were as many sins of the tongue as letters in the alphabet, while the Apostle James described the tongue as 'a world of iniquity'. The Puritan preacher, John Flavel, was often grieved by the language used by professing Christians. Here he warns against several forms of sinful speech and points to the Spirit's 'excellent way to season our words, and keep them sweet and sound... (Col. 4:6).'
Author
John Flavel (1628–1691) was an English Puritan who became a non-conformist after the ‘Great Ejection’ of 1662. It was 10 years before he was licenced to preach again, and then only in his own home. His writings, when collected in the 19th century, filled 6 volumes. Flavel’s writings are known for their practical nature. He was instrumental in promoting the ‘Happy Union’ of Presbyterians and Congregationalists.
Endorsement
"To read the work of a Puritan doctor of the soul is to enter a rich world of spiritual theology to feed the mind, heart-searching analysis to probe the conscience, Christ-centred grace to transform the heart, and wise counsel to direct the life. This series of Pocket Puritans provides all this in miniature, but also in abundance." - Sinclair Ferguson