"Satisfy not yourselves in fruitless complaints to men. Many do so, but they are never the nearer to Christ. I grant it is lawful in spiritual distresses to complain to men, yea, and it is a great mercy if we have any near us in times of trouble that are judicious, tender and faithful, into whose bosoms we may pour out our troubles; but to rest in this, short of Christ, is no better than a snare of the devil to destroy us. Is there not a God to go to in trouble? The best of men, in the neglect of Christ, are but physicians of no value. Be wise and cautious in your choice of Christian friends, to whom you open your complaints; some are not clear themselves in the doctrine of Christ and faith, others are of a dark and troubled spirit, as you are, and will but entangle you more. 'As for me (saith Job) is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?' Job 21:4. One hour between Christ and thy soul in secret, will do more for thy true relief than all other counsellors and comforters in the world can do."
John Flavel, The Method of Grace, p. 196
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