A39663:1124
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
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.
Secondly, Beware you live not in a course of secret sin. Judas did so, and that was his ruin. He made a profession indeed, and carried it smoothly; but he was a thief, Joh. 12.6. He made no conscience of committing the sin, so he could but cover and hide it from men. This helped on his ruin, and so it will thine, Reader, if thou be guilty herein. A secret way of sinning, under a covert of profession; will either break out at last to the observation of men, or else slide thee down insensibly to Hell; and leave thee only this comfort, that no body shall know thou art there.
Secondly, Beware you live not in a course of secret sin. Iudas did so, and that was his ruine. He made a profession indeed, and carried it smoothly; but he was a thief, Ioh. 12.6. He made no conscience of committing the sin, so he could but cover and hide it from men. This helped on his ruine, and so it will thine, Reader, if thou be guilty herein. A secret way of sinning, under a covert of profession; will either break out at last to the observation of men, or else slide thee down insensibly to Hell; and leave thee only this comfort, that no body shall know thou art there.
Thirdly, Beware of hypocritical pretences of Religion, to accommodate self ends. Judas was a man that had notable skill this way. He had a mind to fill his own purse, by the sale of this costly ointment which Mary bestowed upon her Saviours feet. And what a neat cover had he fitted for it, to do his business clearly. Why saith he, this might have been sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor. Here was Charity to the poor, or ⟨p. 304⟩rather poor Charity; for they were only a blind to his base self ends. O Christian, be plain hearted: take heed of craft and cunning in matters of Religion. This spoiled Judas.
Thirdly, Beware of hypocritical pretences of Religion, to accommodate self ends. Iudas was a man that had notable skill this way. He had a mind to fill his own purse, by the sale of this costly ointment which Mary bestowed upon her Saviours feet. And what a neat cover had he fitted for it, to do his business clearly. Why saith he, this might have been sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor. Here was Charity to the poor, or