The Fountain of Life Opened

This Doctrine containing only matter of fact, and that also so plainly delivered by the pens of the several faithful Evangelists. I need spend no longer time in the proof of it, than to refer you to the several Testimonies they have given to it. But I shall rather choose to fit and prepare it for Use, by explaining these four Questions, First, Who were the Sheep that were scattered from their Shepherd, and left him alone? Secondly, What evil was there in this their scattering? Thirdly, What were the grounds and causes of it? ⟨p. 372⟩Fourthly, And lastly, what was the Issue and event of it?

This Doctrine containing only matter of fact, and that also so plainly deliver'd by the pens of the several faithful Evangelists. I need spend no longer time in the proof of it, than to refer you to the several Testimonies they have given to it. But I shall rather chuse to fit and prepare it for Use, by explaining these four Questions, First, Who were the Sheep that were scattered from their Shepherd, and left him alone? Secondly, What evil was there in this their scattering? Thirdly, What were the grounds and causes of it? ⟨p. 372⟩Fourthly, And lastly, what was the Issue and event of it?

First, Who were these Sheep, that were dispersed and scattered from their Shepherd when he was smitten. It's evident they were those precious Elect Souls that he had gathered to himself, who had long followed him, and dearly Loved him, and were dearly beloved of him. They were persons that had left all and followed him, and till that time faithfully continued with him in his Temptations, Luk. 22.28. And were all resolved so to do, though they should die with him, Matth. 26.35. These were the persons.