A39663:541
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.
Secondly,2 Christ opening the understanding implies the insufficiency of all external means, how excellent so ever they are in themselves; to operate savingly upon men till Christ by his power open the soul, and so makes them effectual. What excellent Preachers were Isaiah and Jeremiah to the Jews? the former spake of Christ more like an Evangelist of the new, than a Prophet of the old Testament. The later was a most convictive and pathetical Preacher; yet the one complains Isai. 53.1. Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed! the other laments the successlessness of his Ministry, Jer. 6.28. The bellows are burnt, the lead is consumed of the fire, the founder melteth in vain. Under the new Testament what people ever enjoyed such choice helps & means, as those that lived under the Ministry of Christ, and the Apostles? yet how many remained still in darkness? Matt. 11.27. We have piped to you, but ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, but ye have not lamented. Neither the delightful airs of mercy, nor the doleful ditties of Judgment could affect, or move their hearts.
Secondly,2 Christ opening the understanding implys the insufficiency of all external means, how excellent so ever they are in themselves; to operate savingly upon men till Christ by his power open the soul, and so makes them effectual. What excellent Preachers were Isaiah and Ieremiah to the Jews? the former spake of Christ more like an Evangelist of the new, than a Prophet of the old Testament. The later was a most convictive and pathetical Preacher; yet the one complains Isai. 53.1. Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed! the other laments the successlesness of his Ministry, Ier. 6.28. The bellows are burnt, the lead is consumed of the fire, the founder melteth in vain. Under the new Testament what people ever enjoyed such choice helps & means, as those that lived under the Ministry of Christ, and the Apostles? yet how many remained still in darkness?