A39680:241
Sacramental meditations upon divers select places of scripture
Sacramental meditations upon divers select places of scripture wherein believers are assisted in preparing their hearts, and exciting their affections and graces, when they draw nigh to God in that most awful and solemn ordinance of the Lords Supper / by Jo. Flavel ...
London: printed for Jacob Sampson, 1679
THE FOURTH MEDITATION UPON › Doct. › Query 3 › Distinction 2: 2. Distinction.
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.
First: Immediately upon the souls first closing with Christ at Conversion, especially when Conversion is wrought at riper age, and is ushered in by a greater degree of the spirit of bondage, and deep inward terrors. Thus the Prodigal (the emblem of a Convert so brought home to God) was entertained with the fatted Calf and Music, but all find not this presently, as some do.
First: Immediately upon the souls first closing with Christ at Conversion, especially when Conversion is wrought at riper age, and is usher'd in by a greater degree of the spirit of bondage, and deep inward terrors. Thus the Prodigal (the emblem of a Convert so brought home to God) was entertained with the fatted Calf and Musick, but all find not this presently, as some do.
Secondly: Times of eminent Communion with God are Sealing times: There are extraordinary out-lets of Peace, Joy, and Comfort, at some seasons in duty, which makes the state ⟨p. 70⟩of the soul very clear; and banishes all scruples and fears from the heart.
Thirdly: Others are Sealed upon some eminent hazard they have been exposed to for Christ, or some extraordinary sufferings they have undergone for Christ; wherein they have carried it with eminent meekness, patience, and self-denial, 2 Cor. 1. 4, 5. Thus the Martyrs were many times Sealed in the depth of their sufferings.