The Fountain of Life Opened

¹Secondly, It was necessary with respect to Christ. Upon the account of that previous compact that was betwixt the Father and him about it. Therefore it's said by Christ himself, Luk. 22.22. Truly the Son of Man goeth as it was determined, (i. e.) as it was fore-agreed, and covenanted under the necessity of fulfilling his engagement to the Father, he came into the world; and being come, he still minds his engagement, Joh. 9.3. I must work the works of him that sent me.

1. 1Ex parte Filii.

¹Thirdly, Yea, and it was no less necessary upon our account that this work should be finished. For had not Christ finished this work, sin had quickly finished all our lives, comforts and hopes. Without the finishing this work, not a Son or Daughter of Adam could ever have seen the face of God. Therefore it's said, Joh. 3.14, 15. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so [must] the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. On all these accounts the finishing of this work was necessary.

1. 1Ex parte nostri.

Secondly, As it was necessary this work should be finished, so the finishing of it, was exceeding difficult. It cost many a cry, many