The Fountain of Life Opened

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