The Fountain of Life Opened

For my own part, I have given in my name to him long since, woe to me, if I have not given in my heart also; for should I deceive my self in so deep a point as that, how would my profession as a Christian, my calling as a Minister; yea, these very Sermons now in your hands, rise in judgement to condemn me? which God forbid.

And doubtless, Sir, your eyes have seen both the vanity of all Creatures, and the necessity and infinite worth of Christ. You cannot forget what a vanity the world appeared to you, when in the year 1668. you were summoned by the messengers of death, (as you and all that were about you then apprehended) to shoot the gulf of vast eternity: when a malignant Fever, and Pleurisy (whereof your ^*Physician hath given an account to the world) did shake the whole frame of the Tabernacle wherein your soul through mercy yet dwells; and long may it dwell there, for the service and praise of your ⟨image 4⟩great deliverer. I hope you have not, nor ever will forget; how the vain world then appeared to your eye; when you looked back (as it were over your shoulder) and saw how it shrunk away from you. Nor will you ever forget the awful apprehensions of Eternity, that then seized your spirit; or the value you then had for Christ; which things I hope still do, and ever will remain with you.

And doubtless, Sir, your eyes have seen both the vanity of all Creatures, and the necessity and infinite worth of Christ. You cannot forget what a vanity the world appeared to you, when in the year 1668. you were summoned by the messengers of death, (as you and all that were about you then apprehended) to shoot the gulf of vast eternity: when a malignant Feaver, and Pleuresie (whereof your ^*Physitian hath given an account to the world) did shake the whole frame of the Tabernacle wherein your soul through mercy yet dwells; and long may it dwell there, for the service and praise of your ⟨image 4⟩