A39663:217
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.
2. Use of Exhortation.
2. Vse of Exhortation.
To Saints, if Christ lay eternally in this bosom of love, and yet was content to forsake and leave it for your sakes; then, (1.) Be you ready to forsake and leave, all the comforts you have on earth for Christ: famous Galleacius left all for his enjoyment. Moses left all the glory of Egypt. Peter, and the other Apostles left all, Luk. 18.28. but what have we to leave for Christ? in comparison of what he left for us. Surely Christ is the highest pattern of self-denial in the world. (2.) Let this confirm your faith in prayer, if he that hath such an interest in the heart of God, intercede with the Father for you, then never doubt of audience; and acceptance with him: surely you shall be accepted through the beloved, Eph. 1.6. Christ was never denied any thing that he asked, Joh. 11.42. the Father hears him always; though you are not worthy, Christ is; and he ever lives to make intercession for you, Heb. 7.25. (3.) Let this encourage thy heart, O Saint; in a dying hour, and not only make thee patient in death; but in a holy manner impatient, till thou be gone; for, whither is thy soul now going but to that bosom of love whence Christ came? Joh. 17.24. Father I will, that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am: and where is he? but in that bosom of glory, and love where he lay before the world was, ver. 5. O then, let every believer encourage his soul: comfort ye one another with these words. I am leaving the bosom of a creature, I am going to the bosom of God.
To Saints, if Christ lay eternally in this bosom of love, and yet was content to forsake and leave it for your sakes; then, (1.) Be you ready to forsake and leave, all the comforts you have on earth for Christ: famous Galleacius left all for his enjoyment. Moses left all the glory of Aegypt. Peter, and the other Apostles left all,