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Keeping the Heart
"The greatest difficulty is to keep the heart with God", so writes Flavel in his classic work on union and fellowship with God. In his comprehensive and helpful book Flavel looks at what 'Keeping the Heart' means, why we should take commission seriously and particular times when we need to be especially wary of being distacted from our goal. He then shows how we can develop a greater ability in keeping our hearts in tune with God. His advice is timeless, sensitive and profound.. His writings are known for their practical nature.
108 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1668
386 people are currently reading
1362 people want to read
About the author
John Flavel
329 books87 followers"John Flavel (c.1627–1691) was an English Presbyterian clergyman, puritan, and author.
Flavel, the eldest son of the Rev. Richard Flavel, described as 'a painful and eminent minister,' who was incumbent successively of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, Hasler and Willersey, Gloucestershire (from which last living he was ejected in 1662), was born in or about 1627 at Bromsgrove.
Having received his early education at the schools of the neighbourhood, he entered University College, Oxford, at an early age, and gained a good reputation for talent and diligence.
On 27 April 1650, he was sent by 'the standing committee of Devon' to Diptford, a parish on the Avon, five miles from Totnes, where the minister, Mr. Walplate, had become infirm. On 17 October 1650, after examination and the preaching of a 'trial sermon,' he was ordained Mr. Walplate's assistant by the classis at Salisbury. He continued to minister at Diptford for about six years, succeeding the senior minister when he died, and endearing himself greatly to the people, not only by his earnestness, but by his easy dealings with them in the matter of tithes.
In 1656 he removed to Dartmouth, though the Diptford emoluments were much greater. On the passing of the Act of Uniformity (1662) he was ejected, but continued to preach in private until the Five Mile Act drove him from Dartmouth. He kept as near it, however, as possible, removing to Slapton, five miles off, and there preached twice each Sunday to all who came, among whom were many of his old parishioners. On the granting of the indulgence of 1671 he returned to Dartmouth, and continued to officiate there even after the liberty to do so was withdrawn. In the end he found himself obliged to remove to London, travelling by sea and narrowly escaping shipwreck in a storm, which is said to have ceased in answer to his prayers. Finding that he would be safer at Dartmouth he returned there, and met with his people nightly in his own house, until in 1687, on the relaxation of the penal laws, they built a meeting-house for him. Just before his death he acted as moderator at a meeting of dissenting ministers held at Topsham. He died suddenly of paralysis at Exeter on 26 June 1691, and was buried in Dartmouth churchyard. Wood bitterly comments on the violence of his dissent."
-- Wikipedia
Flavel, the eldest son of the Rev. Richard Flavel, described as 'a painful and eminent minister,' who was incumbent successively of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, Hasler and Willersey, Gloucestershire (from which last living he was ejected in 1662), was born in or about 1627 at Bromsgrove.
Having received his early education at the schools of the neighbourhood, he entered University College, Oxford, at an early age, and gained a good reputation for talent and diligence.
On 27 April 1650, he was sent by 'the standing committee of Devon' to Diptford, a parish on the Avon, five miles from Totnes, where the minister, Mr. Walplate, had become infirm. On 17 October 1650, after examination and the preaching of a 'trial sermon,' he was ordained Mr. Walplate's assistant by the classis at Salisbury. He continued to minister at Diptford for about six years, succeeding the senior minister when he died, and endearing himself greatly to the people, not only by his earnestness, but by his easy dealings with them in the matter of tithes.
In 1656 he removed to Dartmouth, though the Diptford emoluments were much greater. On the passing of the Act of Uniformity (1662) he was ejected, but continued to preach in private until the Five Mile Act drove him from Dartmouth. He kept as near it, however, as possible, removing to Slapton, five miles off, and there preached twice each Sunday to all who came, among whom were many of his old parishioners. On the granting of the indulgence of 1671 he returned to Dartmouth, and continued to officiate there even after the liberty to do so was withdrawn. In the end he found himself obliged to remove to London, travelling by sea and narrowly escaping shipwreck in a storm, which is said to have ceased in answer to his prayers. Finding that he would be safer at Dartmouth he returned there, and met with his people nightly in his own house, until in 1687, on the relaxation of the penal laws, they built a meeting-house for him. Just before his death he acted as moderator at a meeting of dissenting ministers held at Topsham. He died suddenly of paralysis at Exeter on 26 June 1691, and was buried in Dartmouth churchyard. Wood bitterly comments on the violence of his dissent."
-- Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
May 23, 2014
This book rocked my world. It showed me how distracted my heart is, and how prone I am to wander. Flavel shows how at the center of everything we do, is our heart. Not the bodily artery, but the seat of all our emotions, desires, affections, words and actions. We are commanded in Proverbs 4:23 to keep it with all diligence. I need the Holy Spirit's help for this!
"O for a better heart! O for a heart to love God more; to hate sin more; to walk more evenly with God. Lord! deny not to me such a heart; whatever thou deny me: give me a heart to fear thee, to love and delight in thee, if I beg my bread in desolate places." - John Flavel
"O for a better heart! O for a heart to love God more; to hate sin more; to walk more evenly with God. Lord! deny not to me such a heart; whatever thou deny me: give me a heart to fear thee, to love and delight in thee, if I beg my bread in desolate places." - John Flavel
January 17, 2024
This is one of the best books that I have ever read. As a certified biblical counselor with ACBC, I cannot believe that I just learned about this book. This should be required reading for all biblical counselors IMO.
Many books talk about heart idols or how to influence one’s heart for God but Flavel is unparalleled in his ability to demonstrate the practice of heart-shepherding, or as he calls it, “heart-work.” Rather than telling the reader how it’s done, Flavel shows us by walking through, one step at a time, the thoughts that we must have about God and ourselves and those unique seasons of life when the heart requires increased vigilance.
The Puritan language might be a hurdle for some, but I believe that the return will more than reward every reader’s labor in these pages.
UPDATE
After reading this book a second time, I highly recommend the Banner of Truth Trust edition in volume 5 of John Flavel’s Works. “Keeping the Heart” was originally titled “Saint Indeed: or, The Great Work of a Christian Open and Pressed.” The Banner edition includes the original, unamended Puritan English and a more extensive text, as well as an introduction (The Epistle Dedicatory) that reveals the occasion and motivation for its publication and grants excellent insight into Flavel’s pastoral love for his congregation. That alone was an incredible encouragement to me and a word that I believe would benefit every local pastor.
Many books talk about heart idols or how to influence one’s heart for God but Flavel is unparalleled in his ability to demonstrate the practice of heart-shepherding, or as he calls it, “heart-work.” Rather than telling the reader how it’s done, Flavel shows us by walking through, one step at a time, the thoughts that we must have about God and ourselves and those unique seasons of life when the heart requires increased vigilance.
The Puritan language might be a hurdle for some, but I believe that the return will more than reward every reader’s labor in these pages.
UPDATE
After reading this book a second time, I highly recommend the Banner of Truth Trust edition in volume 5 of John Flavel’s Works. “Keeping the Heart” was originally titled “Saint Indeed: or, The Great Work of a Christian Open and Pressed.” The Banner edition includes the original, unamended Puritan English and a more extensive text, as well as an introduction (The Epistle Dedicatory) that reveals the occasion and motivation for its publication and grants excellent insight into Flavel’s pastoral love for his congregation. That alone was an incredible encouragement to me and a word that I believe would benefit every local pastor.
December 18, 2021
Rich, well-ordered, and deeply convicting. I enjoy the Puritans more and more with each book I read.
December 29, 2019
This little book begs to be read slowly. It would be a great discipleship tool as well. There are many nuggets of truth within its pages. I plan to read it again.
2019 - A book written by a Puritan
2019 - A book written by a Puritan
June 4, 2024
Fairly easy to read puritan book on keeping your love for God in various circumstances- whether good or bad. I will definitely eb referring back to this book in various stages of life.
January 31, 2023
Reading this book for the second time again reminded me of the Christian’s neediness for Scripture, to think on Truth (John 17:17), and to act according to that Truth - because our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
August 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I was convicted in regards to continuing growth and sanctification by the whole book and found some chapters very pointed. All the book is very centered and seeped with Christ and His word. I highly recommend! I can see myself returning to chapters when I am in need of help combating certain areas the chapters address.
July 9, 2024
Outstanding! A puritan classic worthy of reading many times.
January 11, 2025
I COULD NOT STOP. So helpful and rich and wonderful. I’m going to read it again!
July 5, 2020
Really, really good. This is the kind of book to have on hand for dark times or just "dry" spells in your faith. Short, convicting, encouraging, and easy to read.
January 8, 2025
I reread this book with a friend was a church member. This is a classic, biblical, and applicable Puritan book. Especially the last 2/3 of this book drive biblical truth right to hearts. This book focuses on what true religion is and how it involves our heart.
The Puritans were around before biblical counseling. But most of this book is what we would call biblical counseling.- taking the Bible, a high view of God, and a sweet view of Jesus toward someone’s heart and sin and issues.
The Puritans were around before biblical counseling. But most of this book is what we would call biblical counseling.- taking the Bible, a high view of God, and a sweet view of Jesus toward someone’s heart and sin and issues.
June 16, 2025
“The greatest difficulty in conversion is to win the heart to God. The greatest difficulty after conversion is to keep the heart with God.” This book made me love God more and challenged me deeply on guarding my heart with Christ. Still reflecting on many of these truths, and will continue to do so in the future.
October 5, 2024
an excellent read! jam packed with rich biblical truths and convicting questions to consider. highly recommend!
November 21, 2024
Ich muss sagen, dass es eines der wichtigsten Bücher ist, das ich bisher gelesen habe! John Flavel hat mir geholfen, mehr Bewusstsein dafür zu entwickeln, mein Herz zu behüten. Sünde fängt im Herzen an, und wir müssen es uns als wichtigste Aufgabe setzen, diese frühzeitig zu erkennen und dagegen vorzugehen. Im Buch gibt er sehr hilfreiche Gedankengänge, in verschiedenen Zeiten sein Herz zu behüten. Es war sehr überführend und ermutigend zugleich. Ich habe nur vier Sterne gegeben, weil es manchmal sprachlich etwas schwierig zu verstehen war (auch auf Deutsch).
October 13, 2020
"O that I might see the time when professors shall not walk in a vain show; when they shall please themselves no more with a vain name to live, while they are spiritually dead; when they shall be no more the company of frothy, vain persons; but when holiness shall shine in their conversation, and awe the world, and command reverence from all that are around them; when they shall warm the heart of those who come near them, and cause it to be said, God is in these men of a truth." pg 114
Heart work is one of the most difficult tasks the Lord has brought me to set about dealing with. Oh Lord, Grant me Your fervor and mercy; make me vigorous and strengthened by Your Spirit to such a great task as keeping my heart aligned to You. Let me taste and see that to be in Your presence with a heart that is stayed upon You is the greatest delight I can ever imagine or experience in this life. And O, what raptures of eternity, where at last this long and difficult road of heart work, I shall at once lay upon Your bosom and be at rest.
Heart work is one of the most difficult tasks the Lord has brought me to set about dealing with. Oh Lord, Grant me Your fervor and mercy; make me vigorous and strengthened by Your Spirit to such a great task as keeping my heart aligned to You. Let me taste and see that to be in Your presence with a heart that is stayed upon You is the greatest delight I can ever imagine or experience in this life. And O, what raptures of eternity, where at last this long and difficult road of heart work, I shall at once lay upon Your bosom and be at rest.
May 25, 2012
I love reading the insight of those long ago. Those who do not have the distractions we have today. Survival and the main needs of the day were at the forefront but today, we think about what we will wear, what restraunt we will eat, go on vacation. No wonder our hearts can be far from God. This book is a detailed look at the heart. By understanding the diligent and constant use of all holy means to preseve the soul from sin...the motive...and the fears of our heart. The comfort of our our souls much depends on the keeping of our hearts. How we understand grace comes from keeping our heart unto the Lord. We can be very careless. I saw that reading this. How careless I have been. Prayer and the heart are meant to be together. I thought it was very insightful of Flavel ..."Satan is angry and discontented spirit. He finds no rest but in restless hearts." This read is a reflection of the heart, that we would find peace and the knowledge of who God is.
May 4, 2021
This is a book I think I will probably re-read on a somewhat regular basis going forward. Flavel wrote this as instructions for following Proverbs 4:23, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." Each chapter centers around doing so in different seasons and against different assailants such as prosperity, doubt, wrongful accusation, sickness, etc. I found even this modernized version (the original was written in the 1600's) to be well-written and engaging. I've already recommended this to several people, and can definitely see using it in the future for discipleship purposes.
June 10, 2022
What “pains” do you endure to take care of your soul? Flavel is a soul physician. He understands matters of the heart, and speaks to them in a way that will pierce you. The content is just as relevant today as it was in the 1600s. He speaks the truth in love and encourages you to make every effort to keep the faith.
Just one of many thought provoking and convicting lines that resonated with me “If your body had been dieted as your soul has, that would have been dead too.” Keeping the heart is as essential to the Christian life as anything, and the advantages of doing so are worth more than any pains that come from striving for this.
Just one of many thought provoking and convicting lines that resonated with me “If your body had been dieted as your soul has, that would have been dead too.” Keeping the heart is as essential to the Christian life as anything, and the advantages of doing so are worth more than any pains that come from striving for this.
January 20, 2023
Jan 2023 - This continues to be one of my favorite books.
Dec. 2020 -I've read this little book twice now and will probably read it several more times. I continue to be amazed by the depth, richness, and relevance of Puritan writing. This one's central theme is that the most important aspect of the Christian life is the inner life, not the outward actions. "Keeping the heart" is thus the key task and desire of the true Christian. Flavel doesn't rest in generalities, but has practical ideas for how to "keep the heart" that are as meaningful now as they would have been then.
Dec. 2020 -I've read this little book twice now and will probably read it several more times. I continue to be amazed by the depth, richness, and relevance of Puritan writing. This one's central theme is that the most important aspect of the Christian life is the inner life, not the outward actions. "Keeping the heart" is thus the key task and desire of the true Christian. Flavel doesn't rest in generalities, but has practical ideas for how to "keep the heart" that are as meaningful now as they would have been then.
August 8, 2021
This is one of the greatest books I’ve read. It is one of the most helpful resources; I needed to read it thoughtfully, slowly. This is probably the most enjoyable Puritan work I have yet read—though I’ve read few, more are certainly in the pipeline. I am indebted to John Flavel. The Lord hs used his words in ink to help my heart. May I be zealous for “the greatest work that ever a creature was employed about.”
#letmeintroduceyou
#JESUSisLORD
#letmeintroduceyou
#JESUSisLORD
May 5, 2020
So so good. Will read again.
“A guilty conscience is more terrified of imagined dangers, than a pure conscience is by real ones.”
“A guilty conscience is more terrified of imagined dangers, than a pure conscience is by real ones.”
April 1, 2022
4.75
What a refreshing and encouraging book.
What a refreshing and encouraging book.
April 5, 2024
One of the most convicting, encouraging, and helpful books I have ever read. John Flavel's work continues to be such a blessing to me, and I will be recommending this book to Christians until the Lord calls me home. So good.
May 26, 2024
A wonderful exhortation to do the important work of keeping the heart with all diligence! To see an example of a believer who did this with diligence, read “William Wilberforce: His Unpublished Spiritual Journals”.
October 24, 2022
Simply excellent. Much to apply.
January 20, 2022
In “Keeping the Heart”, Flavel encourages Christians to diligently look after the heart so that it stays focused on devotion to, obedience to, and love for God. Even after conversion, our hearts are easily distracted and so this discipline of keeping the heart is essential to maintaining focus on the pursuit of holiness for God’s glory. This requires watchfulness, prayer, and self-denial, among other things. The benefits of keeping the heart are many including assurance, joy, comfort, endurance, boldness, and Christlikeness.
After describing what it means to keep the heart and providing evidence for why Christians should prioritize this discipline, Flavel gives practical advice for keeping the heart in twelve particular circumstances that require extra diligence:
1. Times of prosperity
2. Times of adversity
3. Times of danger for God’s people
4. Times of danger and public turmoil
5. Times of outward wants
6. Times of public and private worship
7. Times when injured and attacked by others
8. Times of great personal trial
9. Times of temptation
10. Times of doubting and spiritual darkness
11. Times of suffering for being a Christian
12. The time of our impending death
This book is such a great reminder of our need to watch after, guard, and keep our hearts because of the centrality of the heart to all other aspects of our Christian life.
Notable Quotes:
“The comfort of our souls much depends upon the keeping of our hearts; for he that is negligent in attending to his own heart, is, ordinarily, a great stranger to assurance, and the comforts following from it.”
“By cross providences God is faithfully pursuing the great design of electing love upon the souls of his people, and orders all these afflictions as means sanctified to that end. Afflictions come not by casualty, but by counsel. By this counsel of God they are ordained as means of much spiritual good to saints.”
“The mercy of God to us should melt our hearts into mercy towards others. It is impossible that we should be cruel to others, except we forget how kind and compassionate God hath been to us.”
After describing what it means to keep the heart and providing evidence for why Christians should prioritize this discipline, Flavel gives practical advice for keeping the heart in twelve particular circumstances that require extra diligence:
1. Times of prosperity
2. Times of adversity
3. Times of danger for God’s people
4. Times of danger and public turmoil
5. Times of outward wants
6. Times of public and private worship
7. Times when injured and attacked by others
8. Times of great personal trial
9. Times of temptation
10. Times of doubting and spiritual darkness
11. Times of suffering for being a Christian
12. The time of our impending death
This book is such a great reminder of our need to watch after, guard, and keep our hearts because of the centrality of the heart to all other aspects of our Christian life.
Notable Quotes:
“The comfort of our souls much depends upon the keeping of our hearts; for he that is negligent in attending to his own heart, is, ordinarily, a great stranger to assurance, and the comforts following from it.”
“By cross providences God is faithfully pursuing the great design of electing love upon the souls of his people, and orders all these afflictions as means sanctified to that end. Afflictions come not by casualty, but by counsel. By this counsel of God they are ordained as means of much spiritual good to saints.”
“The mercy of God to us should melt our hearts into mercy towards others. It is impossible that we should be cruel to others, except we forget how kind and compassionate God hath been to us.”
May 19, 2015
Outstanding thorough read! Have not read many Puritan authors before. Was pleasantly surprised and challenged in this short read! Infused with Scripture and presented in a direct, straight-forward manner, Flavel zeroes in on what should be one of the key focuses of a Christian - that of keeping one's heart with all diligence.
I highlighted and marked many a statement from this book. The author lists and expounds upon special times in life when one ought to give special attention to the keeping of his/her heart:
1. The time of prosperity
2. The time of adversity
3. The time of Zion's troubles
4. The time of danger and public distraction
5. The time of outward wants
6. The season of duty
7. When receiving injuries and abuses from men
8. When we meet with great trials
9. The hour of temptation
10. The time of doubting and of spiritual darkness
11. When sufferings for religion are laid upon us
12. When we are warned by sickness that our dissolution is at hand
I highlighted and marked many a statement from this book. The author lists and expounds upon special times in life when one ought to give special attention to the keeping of his/her heart:
1. The time of prosperity
2. The time of adversity
3. The time of Zion's troubles
4. The time of danger and public distraction
5. The time of outward wants
6. The season of duty
7. When receiving injuries and abuses from men
8. When we meet with great trials
9. The hour of temptation
10. The time of doubting and of spiritual darkness
11. When sufferings for religion are laid upon us
12. When we are warned by sickness that our dissolution is at hand
November 17, 2017
One of my all-time favorites - I’ve read it several times and make a practice of reading it every few years. Deep, soul-searching breakdown of Proverbs 4:23 - “Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life.” The most valuable aspect of Flavel’s treatment is how he considers many different circumstances of life that we commonly experience, and the necessity of living by faith rather than by sight. It gets at true heart religion. Not formality, but true devotion and love for Christ. I highly recommend this as one of my favorites from the English puritans.
January 13, 2022
Could not recommend this more. Absolutely excellent and heart probing! I want to read it every year.
“All that I beg for is this, that you would step aside oftener to talk with God and your own heart; that you would not suffer every trifle to divert you; that you would keep a more true and faithful account of your thoughts and affections; that you would seriously demand of your own heart at least every evening, 'O my heart, where hast thou been today, and what has engaged thy thoughts?'”
“All that I beg for is this, that you would step aside oftener to talk with God and your own heart; that you would not suffer every trifle to divert you; that you would keep a more true and faithful account of your thoughts and affections; that you would seriously demand of your own heart at least every evening, 'O my heart, where hast thou been today, and what has engaged thy thoughts?'”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews