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 ...

Inference 4.

Since then there is a common light, and special saving light which none but Christ can give,* 1.1 it's therefore the concernment of eve∣ry one of you, to try what your light is. We know (saith the Apostle) 1 Cor. 8.1. that we all have knowledge. O but what, and whence is it? Is it the light of life, springing from Jesus Christ; that bright and morning star? Or only such as the Devils and damned have? These lights differ.

First, in their very kinds, and natures. The one is Heavenly, supernatural, and spiritual: the other earthly, and natural; the effect of a better constitution or education, Iam. 3.15, 17.

Secondly, They differ most apparently in their effects and operations. The light that comes in a special way from Christ, is humbling, abasing, and soul emptying light. By it a man sees the vileness of his own nature, and practice, which begets self loathing in him: but natural light on the contrary, puffs up, and exalts; makes the heart swell with self conceitedness. 1 Cor. 8.1.

The Light of Christ is practical and operative, still urging the soul, yea, lovingly constraining it to obedience. No sooner did it shine into Pauls heart, but presently he asks, Lord what wilt thou have me to do? Act. 9.6. It brought forth fruit, in the Col∣lossians, from the first day it came to them, Col. 1.6. but the other spends it self in impractical notions, and is detained in unrighteousness. •• Rom. 1.18. The light of Christ is powerfully transformative of its subjects changing the man in whom it is, into the same image, from glory to glory. 2 Cor. 3. ult. but common light leaves the heart as dead, carnal and sensual, as if no light at all were in it.

In a word, All saving light endears Jesus Christ to the soul, and as it could not value him before it saw him, so when once he appears to the soul in his own light, he is appreciated and en∣deared unspeakably: then, none but Christ. All is but dung that he may win Christ. None in Heaven but him, nor on earth de∣sirable in comparison of him. But no such effect flows from natural common knowledge.

Thirdly, They differ in their Issues. Natural common know∣ledge vanisheth, as the Apostle speaks, 1 Cor. 13.8. It's but a May flower, and dies in its month. Doth not their excellency that is in them go away? Job 4.21. But this that springs from Christ, is perfected, not destroyed by death. It springs up in∣to everlasting life. The soul in which it is subjected, carrys it away with it into glory. Ioh. 17.2. this light is life eternal. Now turn in, and compare your selves with these rules. Let not false light deceive you.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Infer. 4.