A39663:1494
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.
Or are your afflictions outward, and inward together? An afflicted soul, in an afflicted body? Are you fallen like the Ship in which Paul sailed, into a place where two Seas meet? Well, so it was with Paul, Job, and many other of those worthies gone before you. Sure you may see many on earth, who have been, or are in far lower and sadder states than your selves.
Or are your afflictions outward, and inward together? An afflicted soul, in an afflicted body? Are you fallen like the Ship in which Paul sailed, into a place where two Seas meet? Well, so it was with Paul, Iob, and many other of those worthies gone before you. Sure you may see many on earth, who have been, or are in far lower and sadder states than your selves.
Or if not on earth, doubtless you will yield there are many in Hell, who would be glad to exchange conditions with you, as bad as you think yours to be. And were not all these moulded out of the same Lump with you? Surely if you can see any creature below you, especially any reasonable being; you have no reason to return so ungratefully upon your God, and accuse your maker of severity; or charge God foolishly. Look down, and you shall see grounds enough to be quiet.
Thirdly, Look inward, you discontented Spirits, and see if you can find nothing there that may quiet you. Cast your eye into your own hearts. Consider either the corruptions, or the graces that are there. Cannot you find weeds enough there, that need such winter weather as this to rot them? Hath not that proud heart need enough of all this to humble it? That carnal heart need of such things as these, to mortify it? That backsliding, wandering heart need of all this, to reduce, and recover it to its God? If need be, ye are in heaviness, 1 Pet. 1.6. Oh Christian, didst thou not see need of this before thou camest into trouble? Or hath not God shown thee the need of it since thou wast under the Rod? It's much thou shouldst not see it: but be assured, if thou dost not, thy God doth. He knows thou wouldst be ruined for ever, if he should not take this course with thee.