"In the worst of times, there is still more cause to complain of an evil heart than of an evil world." Robert Fleming (1630-1694)
"The keeping and right managing of the heart in every condition, is one great business of a Christian's life. . . . [The care they have of their hearts] is the hardest work. Heart-work is hard work indeed to shuffle over religious duties with a loose and heedless spirit, will cost no great pains; but to set thyself before the Lord, and tie up thy loose and vain thoughts to a constant and serious attendance upon Him; this will cost thee something." (John Flavel, Keeping the Heart: A Puritan's View of How to Maintain Your Love for God pp. 11, 18)
(HT: Jeff Brewer)