A39663:1032
The Fountain of Life Opened
The fountain of life opened, or, A display of Christ in his essential and mediatorial glory wherein the impetration of our redemption by Jesus Christ is orderly unfolded as it was begun, carried on, and finished by his covenant-transaction, mysterious incarnation, solemn call and dedication ... / by John Flavell ...The fountain of life opened, or, A display of Christ in his essential and mediatorial glory wherein the impetration of our redemption by Jesus Christ is orderly unfolded as it was begun, carryed on, and finished by his covenant-transaction, mysterious incarnation, solemn call and dedication ... / by John Flavell ...
London: printed for Rob. White, 1673
Sermon 21 › DOCT. That the Sacramental memorial Christ left with his people, is… › Inference 2.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Inference 2.
1Hence also we infer, that Sacrament seasons are heart melting seasons: because therein the most affecting and heart-melting, recognitions and representations of Christ are made. As the Gospel offers him to the ear, in the most sweet affecting sounds of grace; so the Sacrament to the eye, in the most taking visions that are on this side Heaven.
- 1Infer. 2.
There, hearts that will not yield a tear under other Ordinances, can pour out floods. Zech. 12.10. They shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and mourn. Yet I dare not affirm, that every one whose heart is broken by the believing sight of Christ there, can evidence that it is so by a dropping eye. No, we may say of tears, as it's said of Love, Cant. 8.7. If some Christians would give all the treasures of their house for them, they cannot be purchased. Yet they are truly humbled for sin, and seriously affected with the grace of Christ. For the support of such, I would distinguish, and have them to do so also, betwixt what is essential to spiritual sorrow, and what is contingent. Deep displeasure with thy self for sin, hearty resolutions and desires of the complete mortification of it; this is essential to all spiritual sorrow; but tears are accidental, and in some constitutions rarely found. If thou have the former, trouble not thy self for want of the later: though 'tis a mercy when they kindly and undisembledly flow from a heart truly broken.