A39663:357
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.
JOH. VI.XXVII. For him hath God the Father Sealed.
YOU have heard Christs compact or agreement with the Father, in the Covenant of Redemption. As also what the Father did in pursuance of the ends thereof; in giving his Son out of his bosom, &c. Also what the Son hath done towards it in assuming Flesh. But though the glorious work be thus far advanced, yet all he should act in that assumed Body, had been invalid and vain, without a due call, and Commission from the Father so to do. Which is the import of the words now before you.
YOU have heard Christs compact or agreement with the Father, in the Covenant of Redemption. As also what the Father did in pursuance of the ends thereof; in giving his Son out of his bosom, &c. Also what the Son hath done towards it in assuming Flesh. But though the glorious work be thus far advanced, yet all he should act in that assumed Body, had been invallid and vain, without a due call, and Commission from the Father so to do. Which is the import of the words now before you.
This Scripture is a part of Christs excellent reply to a self-ended generation, who followed him, not for any Spiritual excellencies that they saw in him; or Soul advantages they expected by him, but for bread. Instead of making his service their meat and drink, they only served him that they might eat, and drink. Self is a thing may creep into the best hearts, and actions; but it only predominates in the Hypocrite. These ⟨p. 56⟩people had sought Christ from place to place, and having at last found him, they salute him with an impertinent complement, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? vers. 25. Christs reply is partly dissuasive, and partly directive. He dissuades them from putting the secondary and subordinate, in the place of the principal, and ultimate end. Not to prefer their Bodies to their Souls. Their fleshly accommodations, to the glory of God. Labour not for the meat that perisheth. Wherein he doth not take them off from their lawful labours, and callings: but he dissuades them, first, from minding these things too intently, and secondly, he dissuades them from that odious Sin of making Religion but a pretence for the belly.