A39663:53
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.
Did the love of Christ break through so many impediments to come to thee. Did it make its way through the Law, through the wrath of God, through the grave, through thine own unbelief, and great unworthiness to come to thee? O what a love was the love of Christ to thy soul! And is not thy love strong enough to break through the vanities, and trifles of this world which entangle it, to go to Christ, how poor, how low, and weak is thy love to Christ then?
Did the love of Christ break through so many impediments to come to thee. Did it make its way through the Law, through the wrath of God, through the grave, through thine own unbelief, and great unworthiness to come to thee? O what a love was the love of Christ to thy soul! And is not thy love strong enough to break through the vanities, and trifles of this world which intangle it, to go to Christ, how poor, how low, and weak is thy love to Christ then?
(6.) Lastly, Art thou one that hast through mercy at last attained assurance, or good hope through grace, of thy interest in Christ? Rejoice then in thy present mercy, and long ardently to be with thine own Christ in his glory. There be many things dispersed through this Treatise of Christ to animate such joy, and excite such longings. It was truly observed by a worthy Author, (whose words I have mentioned more freely than his name in this discourse) that it is in a manner as natural for us to leap, 1when we see the New Jerusalem, as it is to laugh when we are tickled. Joy is not under the souls command, when Christ kisseth it. And for your desires to be with Christ, what considerations can you find in this world strong enough to rein them in! O when you shall consider what he hath done, suffered, and purchased for you, where he is now, and how much he longs for your coming, your very hearts should groan out those words, Phil. 1.23. I desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ. The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for of Christ.