The Fountain of Life Opened

Use.

Vse.

I might variously improve this point but the direct and main Use of it is to press us to a Christ-like patience in all our sufferings, and troubles. And seeing in nothing we are more generally defective; ⟨p. 394⟩and that defects of Christians herein, are so prejudicial to Religion, and uncomfortable to themselves: I resolve to wave all other Uses, and spend the remaining time wholly upon this branch. Even a persuasive to Christians unto all patience, in tribulations. To imitate their Lamb-like Saviour. Unto this (Christians) you are expressly called, 1 Pet. 2.21.22. Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example; that we should follow his steps. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when be suffered he threatened not; but committed himself to him that Judgeth righteously. Here's your pattern. A perfect pattern. A lovely and excellent pattern. Will you be persuaded to the imitation of Christ herein? Methinks I should persuade you to it. Yea every thing about you persuades to patience in your sufferings, as well as I. Look which way you will, upward or downward, inward or outward, backward or forward, to the right hand or to the left; You shall find all things persuading and urging the Doctrine of Patience upon you.

I might variously improve this point but the direct and main Use of it is to press us to a Christ-like patience in all our sufferings, and troubles. And seeing in nothing we are more generally defective; ⟨p. 394⟩and that defects of Christians herein, are so prejudicial to Religion, and uncomfortable to themselves: I resolve to wave all other Uses, and spend the remaining time wholly upon this branch. Even a perswasive to Christians unto all patience, in tribulations. To imitate their Lamb-like Saviour. Unto this (Christians) you are expresly call'd,