A39663:1739
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
Sermon 33 › DOCT. That God in design to heighten the sufferings of Christ to th… › Inference 3.
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.
Secondly, Though God deserted Christ, yet he deserted not God. His Father forsook him, but he could not forsake his Father, but followed him with this cry, my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
And is it not even so with you? God goes off from your souls, but you cannot go off from him. No, your hearts are mourning after the Lord. Seeking him carefully with tears. Complaining of his absence as the greatest evil in this world. This is Christ like. So it was with the Spouse, Cant. 3.1, 2. Her beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone; but was she content to part with him so? No such thing. By night on my bed, I sought him whom my soul loveth, I sought him but I found him not, I will arise now, and go about the City, &c.
Thirdly, Though God forsook Christ, yet he returned to him again. It was but for a time, not for ever. In this also doth his desertion parallel yours. God may for several wise and holy reasons hide his face from you, but not so as it's hid from the damned; who shall never see it again. This cloud will pass away. This night shall have a bright morning. For (saith thy God) I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth▪ for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. As if he should say, I may contend with him for a time, to humble him; but not for ever, left instead of a sad child, I should have a dead child. Oh the tenderness even of a displeased Father!