A39663:1576
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.
This speaks your Religion excellent, that can mould your hearts into that heavenly frame to which they are so averse, yea contrarily disposed by nature. It is the glory of Pagan morality that it can abscondere vitia, hide and cover mens lusts, and passions. But the glory of Christianity lies in this, that it can abscind•re vitia, not hide, but destroy, and really mortify the Lusts of nature. Would Christians but live up to the excellent principles of their Religion, Christianity shall be no more out-vied by heathenish morality. The greatest Christian shall be no more challenged to imitate Socrates, 1if he can. We shall utterly Spoil that proud boast, that the faith of Christians is out-done by the infidelity of Heathens. O Christians, yield not the day to Heathens. Let all the world see the true greatness, heavenliness, and excellency of your represented pattern; and by true mortification of your corrupt natures, enforce an acknowledgement from the world, that a greater than Socrates is here.2 He that is really a meek, humble, patient, heavenly Christian wins this glory to his Religion, that it can do more than all other principles, and rules in the world. In nothing were the most accomplished Heathens more defective than in this forgiving of injuries. It was a thing they could not understand, or if they did, could never bring their hearts to it; witness that rule of their great Tully. It is the first office of Justice (saith he) to hurt no man except first provoked by an injury. 3The addition of that exception, spoiled his excellent rule.
This speaks your Religion excellent, that can mould your hearts into that heavenly frame to which they are so averse, yea contrarily disposed by nature. It is the glory of Pagan morality that it can abscondere vitia, hide and cover mens lusts, and passions. But the glory of Christianity lies in this, that it can abscind•re vitia, not hide, but destroy, and really mortifie the Lusts of nature. Would Christians but live up to the excellent principles of their Religion, Christianity shall be no more out-vied by heathenish morality. The greatest Christian shall be no more challenged to imitate Socrates,