The Fountain of Life Opened

¹Hence be convinced of the great efficacy that is in all Gospel-ordinances, duly administered. For Christ having received full Commission from his Father, and by virtue thereof having instituted and appointed those ordinances in the Church; all the power in heaven is engaged to make them good, to back and second them, to confirm and ratify them. Hence, in the censures of the Church, you have that great expression, Matth. 18.18. Whatsoever ye bind or loose on earth, shall be bound or loosed in heaven. And so for the Word and Sacraments, Matth. 28.18, 19, 20. All power in heaven and in earth is given to me, God therefore, &c. They are not the appointments of men, your Faith stands not in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. That very power God the Father committed to Christ, is the Fountain whence all Gospel institutions flow. And he hath promised to be with his Offices, not only the extraordinary Offices of that Age; but with his Ministers in succeeding Ages, to the end of the world. O therefore when ye come to an ordinance, come not wi•h slight thoughts▪ but with great reverence, and great expectations, remembering Christ is there to make all good.

¹Hence be convinced of the great efficacy that is in all Gospel-ordinances, duly administred. For Christ having received full Commission from his Father, and by vertue thereof having instituted and appointed those ordinances in the Church; all the power in heaven is engaged to make them good, to back and second them, to confirm and ratifie them. Hence, in the censures of the Church, you have that great expression,