A39663:511
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.
Inference 2.
1If Christ be the great Prophet of the Church, and such a Prophet, then it follows, That the weakest Christians need not be discouraged at the dullness, and incapacity they find in themselves. For Christ is not only a patient and condescending Teacher, but he can also (as he often hath done) reveal that to babes which is hid from the wise and learned, Matth. 11.25. The testimonies of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple, Psal. 19.7. Yea, and such as you are, the Lord delights to choose; that his grace may be the more conspicuous in your weakness, 1 Cor. 1.26, 27. You will have nothing of your own to glory in. You will not say as a proud wretch once said, Ego, & Deus meus. I, and my God did this. Jesus Christ affects not social glory. He will not divide the praise with any. Well then, be not discouraged. Others may know more in other things than you, but you are not incapable of knowing so much as shall save your souls, if Christ will be your Teacher. In other knowledge they excel you, but if ye knew Jesus Christ, and the truths as it is in him, one drop of your knowledge, is worth a whole Sea of their gifts. One truth sucked by Faith and Prayer from the breast of Christ, is better than ten thousand dry notions beaten out by wracking the understanding. It's better in kind, the one being but natural, the other Supernatural, from the saving Illuminations, and inward teachings of the Spirit. And so is one of those better things that accompany Salvation. It's better in respect of effects. Other knowledge leaves the heart as dry,2 barren, and unaffected as if it had it's seat in another mans head: but that little you have been taught of Christ, sheds down its gracious influences upon your affections, and slides sweetly to your melting hearts. So that as one preferred the most despicable work of a plain rustic Christian, before all the Triumphs of Alexander and Caesar; much more ought ye to prefer, one saving manifestation of the Spirit, to all the powerless Illuminations of natural men.