A39663:1496
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.
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.
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 mortifie 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 shewn 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.
Thy corruptions require all this to kill them. Thy Lusts will take all this, it may be more than this; and all little enough. And as your corruptions call for it, so do your Graces too. Wherefore think ye the Lord planted the principles of Faith, Humility, Patience, &c. in your Souls? What, were they put there for nothing? Did the Lord intend they should lie sleeping in their drowsy habits? Or were they not planted there in order to exercise? And how shall they be exercised without tribulations, can you tell? Doth not tribulation work patience, and patience experience; and experience hope!