A39663:2147
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.
First, Abuse not the Ordinances and Officers of Christ. This is a sin that no Nation is plunged deeper into the guilt of it, th•n this Nation. And no Age, more than this. Surely God hath written to us the great things of his Law, and we have accounted them small things. We have been loose, wanton, sceptical professors for the most part; that have had nice and coy stomachs that could not relish plain wholesome truths; except so and so modified to our humours. For this the Lord hath a Controversy with the Nation, and by a sore Judgement he hath begun to rebuke this sin ⟨image 308⟩already. And I doubt before he make an end, plain truths will down with us; and we shall bless God for them.
First, Abuse not the Ordinances and Officers of Christ. This is a sin that no Nation is plunged deeper into the guilt of it, th•n this Nation. And no Age, more than this. Surely God hath written to us the great things of his Law, and we have accounted them small things. We have been loose, wanton, sceptical professors for the most part; that have had nice and coy stomachs that could not relish plain wholesom truths; except so and so modified to our humors. For this the Lord hath a Controversie with the Nation, and by a sore Judgement he hath begun to rebuke this sin ⟨image 308⟩already. And I doubt before he make an end, plain truths will down with us; and we shall bless God for them.
Secondly, But in the next place see that you abuse not the Spirit, whom Christ hath sent from Heaven at his ascension; to supply his bodily absence among us, and is the great pledge of his care for, and tender love to his people. Now take heed that you don't vex him by your disobedience. Nor grieve him by your unkindnesses. Nor quench him by your sinful neglects of duty, or abuse of light. O deal kindly with the Spirit and obey his voice. Comply with his designs, and yield up your selves to his guidance and conduct. Methinks to be entreated, by the Love of the Spirit,