Flavel is a shepherd of souls. This book is his exposition on Proverbs 4:23 which says, “Keep the heart with all vigilance for from it flow the springs of life.” Just as a musical instrument requires constant tuning, so Flavel believes the heart also requires regular attention. He believes it is a perpetual work during all the days and seasons of a Christian’s life, for as long as the issues of life flow out of the heart, we are obliged to keep it. This business of keeping the heart is the great work of the Christian, he says.

He gives many exhortations and inducements toward that end, not content to leave his instruction without motivation to propel the believer toward this weighty business of heart watching. He mentions that a well kept heart frees us from burdensome diversions, helps us maintain liveliness and sweetness of communion with God, fits us for any condition or service God directs us to, provides us with a fountain of matter in prayer, helps us know the deep mysteries of Scripture, and furnishes us with the word which is the best preservative against sin.

He goes on to give counsel in specific seasons by which the Christian must especially keep, watch, and guard their own souls. These include times of prosperity, adversity, revenge, seasons of suffering, temptation, doubts, and death. In all, he walks through twelve directives for keeping the heart in various seasons of life.

Flavel also warns that Christians ought not allow the heart to be overrun with earthly business. The heart must be called to account frequently. Saints cannot afford to be a stranger to their own hearts and a well kept heart will enliven Christian conversation and sweeten fellowship with other believers.

I found Flavel’s chapter on keeping the heart during times of humble prosperity to be especially good. For believers living at the apex of wealth in the history of the world, keeping the heart during seasons of well being and prosperity can easily escape attention.

It is a commendable work and also free on the world wide web. ( )

A. Must. Read.

2nd time for me....love Flavel.... So convicted, so compelling. The diligence required, the motivation of, and the exhortation to keeping the heart.... Keeping it both for the Lord and His effectual work, but also from our rubberband nature that snaps back in an instant the moment we let our guard down. ( )

oh.this.book. "And now are you inclined to undertake the business of keeping your heart? Are you
resolved upon it? I charge you, then, to engage in it earnestly. Away with every
cowardly feeling, and make up your mind to encounter difficulties. Draw your armour
from the word of God. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in its commands, its
promises, its threatenings; let it be fixed in your understanding, your memory, your
conscience, your affections. You must learn to wield the sword of the Spirit (which is
the word of God) familiarly, if you would defend your heart and conquer your
enemies. You must call yourself frequently to an account; examine yourself as in the
presence of the all seeing God; bring your conscience, as it were, to the bar of
judgment.".... such good reminders. great for self, great for remembering as we raise kiddos, great for encouraging others. just great :) ( )

First two chapters are great. Third felt out of place. Nonetheless, this is an excellent little book on the importance of a right heart. ( )

The 900th book entered in cataloguing our library. A rare find that reminds me in this process that one furnishes his library to better furnish his heart.