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 ...

In the assertion we have three parts.

The person assuming, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the word, (i. e.) the second person, or subsistent in the most glorious Godhead; call'd the Word, either because he is the scope, and principal matter both of the prophetical, and promisory word. (a) 1.1 Or because he expounds and reveals the mind and will of God to men, as vers. 18. The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father; he hath declared, or expounded him.

[ (2.)] The Nature assumed, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 fl••sh, (i. e.) the intire humane Nature, consisting of a true humane soul, and body. For so this word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Rom. 3.20. And the Hebrew word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which answers to it, by a usual Metonymie of a part for the whole, is used, Gen. 6.12. And the word flesh is rather used here, than man; on purpose to aggravate, the admirable con∣descention and abasement of Christ: there being more of vile∣ness, weakness, and opposition to spirit, in this word than in that, (b) 1.2 as is pertinently noted by some. Hence the whole nature is denominated by that part and called flesh.

[ (3.)] The Assumption it self 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, he was made not fuit he was, (as Socinus would render, in design to overthrow the existence of Christs glorify'd body now in heaven.) But factus est, it was made, (i. e.) he took, or assumed the true humane nature, (called flesh, for the reason before rendred) into the unity of his divine person; with all its integral parts, and essen∣tial properties; and so was made, or became a true and real man, by that assumption. The Apostle speaking of the same act. Heb. 2.16. Uses another word, He took on him, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 fitly rendred, he took on him, or he assumed. Which assuming, though inchoative it was the work of the whole Trinity, God the Father,, in the Son, by the spirit forming, on creating that nature; as if three Sisters should make a gar∣ment betwixt them, which only one of them wears: yet ter∣minative,

it was the act of the Son only. 'Twas he only that was made flesh. And when 'tis said, he was made flesh, mis∣conceive not, as if there was a mutation of the Godhead into flesh, for this was performed * 1.3 not by changing what he was, but by assuming what he was not. As Aug. well expresseth it. As when the Scripture in a like expression saith he was made sin, 2 Cor. 5.21. And made a curse, Gall. 3.13. The meaning is not, that he was turned into sin, or into a curse: no more may we think here the Godhead was turned into flesh, and lost its own being and nature; because it's said he was made flesh. This is the sum of the Assertion.

This assertion [ that the word was made flesh ] is strongly [ (2.)] confirmed. He dwelt among us, and we saw his glory. This was no Phantasm, but a most real, and indubitable thing. For 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, he pitcht his tent, or Taberna∣cled with us. And we are eye-witnesses of it. Parralel to that, Ioh. 1.1, 2, 3. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen, with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of Life, &c. Declare we unto you. Hence Note.

Notes

• (a) 1.1

  Verbum Substantiale non prolatium. Ful∣gentius lib. 1.
• (b) 1.2

  Voluit Evangelista uti potius carnis, quàm hominis nomin••; ut magis appareret, quo se divinum verbum abjecerit, cùm caro factum est. Nam & vili∣tas major in carne apparet, & oppositio major cum spiritu. Macco•••• loc. Com.
• * 1.3

  Non mutando quod erat, sed assumendo quod non erat. Aug.