The Fountain of Life Opened

And this he hath done variously, gradually, plainly, powerfully, sweetly, purely, and fully.

First, Our great Prophet hath revealed to men the will of God variously. Not holding one even and constant tenor in the manifestations of the Fathers will, but as the Apostle speaks [Greek or Hebrew] at sundry times and in divers manners, ⟨p. 102⟩Heb. 1.1. Sometimes he taught the Church immediately, and in his own person, Joh. 18.20. He declared Gods righteousness in the great congregation, Psal. 22.22. And sometimes immediately, by his Ministers and Officers, deputed to that service by him. So he dispensed the knowledge of God to the Church both before his incarnation. It was Christ that in the time, and by the Ministry of Noah went and Preached to the Spirits in prison; as it is, 1 Pet. 3.19. That is to men and women then alive, but now separated from the body, and imprisoned in Hell for their disobedience. And it was Christ that was with the Church in the wilderness, instructing and guiding them, by the Ministry of Moses, and Aaron, Acts 7.37, 38. And so he hath taught the Church since his ascension. He cannot now be personally with us, having other business to do for us in Heaven; but however, he will not be wanting to teach us by his Officers, whom for that end he hath set and appointed in the Church, Ephes. 4.11.12.

First, Our great Prophet hath revealed to men the will of God variously. Not holding one even and constant tenour in the manifestations of the Fathers will, but as the Apostle speaks at sundry times and in divers manners,