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 ...

DOCT. That the Sacramental memorial Christ left with his people,* 1.1 is a special mark of his care, and love for them.

* 1.2What! to order his picture (as it were) to be drawn, when he was dying, to be left with his Spouse? to rend his own flesh, and set abroch his own blood, to be meat and drink for our souls! O what manner of love was this! 'Tis true, his Picture in the Sa∣crament is full of scars, and wounds; but these are honourable scars, and highly grace and commend it to his Spouse, for whose dear sake he here received them.

They are marks of Love and Honour. And he would be so drawn, or rather he so drew himself, that as oft as his people look'd upon that portraicture of him; they may remember, and be deep∣ly affected with those things, he here endured for their sakes. These are the wounds my dear Husband Jesus received for me. These are are the marks of that Love, which passes the Love of creatures.* 1.3 O see the Love of a Saviour! This is that Heavenly Pelican that feeds his young with his own blood. We have read of pitiful and tender women that have eaten the flesh of their own children, Lamb. 4.10. But where is that woman recorded, that gave her own flesh and blood to be meat and drink to her chil∣dren? Surely, the Spouse may say of the Love of Christ, what David in his Lamentations said of the Love of Ionathan, thy Love to me was wonderful, passing the Love of women. But to prepare the point to be meat indeed, and drink indeed to thy soul; Reader, I shall discuss briefly these three things, and hasten to the application.

• First, What it is to remember the Lord Jesus in the Sacra∣ment.
• Secondly, What aptitude there is in that Ordinance, so to bring him to our remembrance.
• ...

• Thirdly, How the care and Love of Christ is discovered, by leaving such a memorial of himself within us.

First, What it is to remember the Lord Jesus in the Sacra∣ment? [ 1]

Remembrance properly,* 1.4 is the return of the mind to an object, about which it hath been formerly conversant. And it may so re∣turn to a thing it hath conversed with before, two waies; specula∣tively, and transciently; or affectingly, and permanently. A speculative remembrance, is only to call to mind the history of such a person, and his sufferings. That Christ was once put to death in the flesh. An affectionate remembrance is when we so call Christ and his death to our minds, as to feel the powerful impres∣sions thereof upon our hearts. Thus, Matth. 26.75. Peter re∣membred the words of the Lord, and went out, and wept bitter∣ly. His very heart was melted with that remembrance; his bowels were pained, he could not hold, but went out, and wept abundant∣ly. Thus Ioseph when he saw his brother Benjamin, whose sight refreshed the memory of former daies, and endearments, was greatly affected, Gen. 43.29, 30. And he lift up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mothers Son; and said, is this your younger brother of whom ye spake to me? and he said God be gra∣cious unto thee my Son. And Joseph made haste, for his bowels did yearn upon his brother, and he sought where to weep; and he entred into his Chamber and wept there. Such a remembrance of Christ, is that which is here intended. This is indeed a gra∣tious remembrance of Christ, the former hath nothing of grace in it. The time shall come, when Iudas that betrayed him; and the Iews, that pierced him, shall hystorically remember what was done, Rev. 1.7. Behold he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him; and they also which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth, shall wail because of him. They I say Iudas shall remem∣ber, this is he whom I perfidiously betrayed. Pilate shall remem∣ber, this is he whom I sentensed to be hanged on the tree, though I was convinced of his innocency. Then the Souldiers shall re∣member, this is that Face we spet upon, that head we crowned with thorns: Lo this is he whose side we pierced, whose hands and Feet we once nailed to the Cross. But this remembrance will be their torment, not their benefit. It is not therefore a bare hysto∣rical speculative; but a gratious, affectionate, impressive remem∣brance of Christ, that is here intended: and such a remembrance of Christ, supposes and includes.

First, The saving knowledge of him. We cannot be said to remember what we never knew; nor to remember savingly, what we never knew savingly. There have been many previous, sweet, and gratious transactions, dealings, and intimacies betwixt Christ and his people, from the time of their first happy acquain∣tance with him; much of that sweetness they have had in former considerations of him, and hours of communion with him, are lost, and gone. For nothing is more volatile, hazardous, and incon∣stant than our Spiritual comforts: but now, at the Table, there our old acquintance is renewed, and the remembrance of his good∣ness and Love refreshed and revived. We will remember thy Love more than wine, the upright Love thee, Cant. 1.4.

Secondly, Such a remembrance of Christ includes faith in it. Without discerning Christ at a Sacrament there is no remembrance of him; and without faith, no discerning Christ there. But when the pretious eye of faith, hath espied Christ under that vail; it presently calls up the affections, saying, come see the Lord. These are the wounds he received for me. This is he that Loved me, and gave himself for me. This is his flesh, and that his blood; sic Oc∣culos, sic ille Manus, &c. so his Arms were stretched out upon the Cross, to embrace me. So his blessed Head hung down, to kiss me. Awake my Love, rouze up my Hope, flame out my Desires; come forth O all ye powers and affections of my soul; come see the Lord.

No sooner doth Christ by his Spirit call to the Believer, but faith hears; and discerning the voice, turns about like Mary, saying, Rabboni, my Lord, my Master.

Thirdly, This remembrance of Christ includes suitable impressi∣ons made upon the affections, by such a sight and remembrance of him. And therein lies the nature of that pretious thing which we call communion with God. Various representations of Christs are made at the Table. Sometimes the soul there calls to mind the in∣finite wisdom, that so contriv'd and laid the glorious and mysteri∣ous design, and project of redemption. The effect of this is won∣der and admiration. O the manifold wisdom of God! Eph. 3.10. O the depths, the heights, the length, the breadth of this wisdom! I can as easily span the heavens, as take the just demensions of it. Sometimes a representation of the severity of God is made to the soul at that Ordinance. O how inflexible and severe is the Justice of God. What no abatements! No sparing mercy!

not to his own Son! this begets a double impression on the heart.

First, Just and deep indignation against sin. Ah cursed sin! 'Twas thou usedst my dear Lord so.* 1.5 For thy sake he un∣derwent all this. If thy vileness had not been so great, his suf∣ferings had not been so many. Cursed sin, thou wast the knife that stab'd him. Thou the sword, that pierced him. Ah what revenge it works! I remember it's storied of one of the Kings of France, that hearing his Bishop (as I remember it was Remigius) read the Historie of Christs trial and execution, and hearing how barbarously they had used Christ; he was moved with so tragical and pathetical a Historie, to great indignation against Pilate, the Jews, and the rude and bloody Souldiers, and could not contain himself; but cried out as the Bishop was reading, O that I had been there with my French-men, I would have cut all their throats, who so barbarously used my Saviour.

To allude to this: When the Believer considers and remembers that sin put Christ to all that shame and ignominy; that he was wounded for our transgressions; he is filled with hatred of sin, and cries out, O sin, I will revenge the blood of Christ upon thee! thou shalt never live a quiet hour in my heart. And,

Secondly, It produces an humble adoration of the goodness, and mercy of God; to exact satisfaction for our sins, by such bloody stripes from our surety. Lord, what if this wrath had seised on me, as it did on Christ; what had been my condition then! If these things were done in the green tree, what had been the cafe of the dry tree?

Sometimes representations (and not common ones) are made of the Love of Christ,* 1.6 who assumed a body and soul on purpose to bear the wrath of God for our sins. And when that surpassing Love breaks out in its glory upon the soul, how is the soul tran∣sported, and ravished with it! crying out, what manner of Love is this! Here's a Love large enough to go round the heavens, and the Heaven of heavens. Who ever loved after this rate, to lay down his life for enemies! O Love unutterable, and unconceivable! How glorious is my Love in his red garments! Sometimes the fruits of his death are there gloriously displaied. Even his sa∣tisfaction for sin, and the purchase his blood made of the eternal inheritance. And this begets thankfulness, and confidence in the soul. Christ is dead, and his death hath satisfied for my sin. Christ is dead therefore my soul shall never die. Who shall separate me

from the Love of God? These are the fruits, and this is the na∣ture of that remembrance of Christ, here spoken of.

[ 2] Secondly, What aptitude, or conducency is there in this Ordi∣nance, to bring Christ so to remembrance?

Much every way. For it is a sign by him appointed to that end; and hath (as Divines well observe) a threefold use and considera∣tion: viz. as it is memorative, as it is significative, and as it is instructive.

* 1.7First, As it is memorative, and so it hath the nature and use of a pledge, or token of Love, left by a dying, to a dear surviving friend. And so the Sacrament as was said before, is like a Ring pluckt off from Christs Finger, or a Bracelet from his Arm; or rather his Picture from his Breast, delivered to us with such words as these, as oft as you look on this, rememember me. Let this help to keep me alive in your remembrance when I am gone, and out of your sight. It conduces to it also.

Secondly, As it is a significative sign, most aptly signifying both. his bitter sufferings for us, and our strict and intimate union with him. Both which have an excellent usefulness to move the heart, and its deepest affections at the remembrance of it. The breaking of the Bread, and shedding forth the Wine signifies the former; our eating, drinking, and incorporating them, is a lively significa∣tion of the other.

Thirdly, Moreover this Ordinance hath an excellent use, and advantage for this affectionate remembrance of Christ, as it is an instructive sign. And it many waies instructs us, and enlightens our mind, particularly in these truths which are very affecting things.

First, That Christ is the Bread on which our souls live: pro∣per meat and drink for Believers: the most excellent New-Testa∣ment food. It's said, Psal. 78.25. man did eat Angels food: He means the manna, that fell from Heaven. Which was so ex∣cellent, that if Angels who are the noblest creatures, did live-up∣on material food; they would choose this above all to feed on. And yet this was but a Type and weak shadow of Christ, on whom Believers feed. Christ makes a royal feast, of his own flesh and blood. Isai. 25.6. all our delicates are in him.

Secondly, It instructs us that the New-Testament is now in its full force, and no sustantial alteration can be made in it, since the the Testator is dead; and by his death hath ratified it. So that all

the excellent promises and blessings of it are now fully confirmed to the believing soul. Heb. 9.16, 17. All these, and many more choice truths are we instructed in by this sign. And all these waies it remembers us of Christ, and helps powerfully to raise, warm, and affect our hearts with that remembrance of him.

Thirdly, The last enquiry is, how Christ hath hereby left such [ 3] a special mark of his care for, and love to his people. And that will evidently appear, if you consider these five particulars.

• First, This is a special mark of the care and Love of Christ, in as much as hereby he hath made abundant provision, for the confirmation and establishment of his peoples faith to the end of the world. For this being an evident proof that the New-Testa∣ment is in its full force, (Matth. 26.28. this is the Cup of the New-Testament in my blood:) it tends as much to our satisfacti∣on, as the legal execution of a deed, by which we hold and enjoy our estate. So that when he saith take, eat, it is as much as if God should stand before you at the Table with Christ, and all the promises in his hand; and say, I deliver this to thee as my deed. What think you, doth this promote and confirm the faith of a Be∣liever? if it do not, what doth?
• Secondly, This is a special mark of Christs care and Love, in as much as by this he hath made like abundant provision for the en∣largement of his peoples joy and comfort. Believers are at this Ordinance, as Mary was at the Sepulcher, with fear, and great joy. Matth. 28.8. Come Reader, speak thy heart, if thou be one that heartily lovest Jesus Christ, and hast gone many daies, possi∣bly years, mourning and lamenting because of the inevidence and cloudiness of thine interest in him: that hast sought him sorrow∣ing, in this Ordinance, and in that; in one duty, and another; if at last Christ should take off that mask, that cruel covering (as one calls it) from his face, and be known of thee in break∣ing bread. Suppose he should by his Spirit whisper thus in thine ear, as thou sittest at his Table, dost thou indeed so prize, esteem and value me? will nothing but Christ and his Love con∣tent and satisfie thee? then, as sweet, lovely and desireable as I am, know that I am thine. Take thine own Christ into the arms of thy faith this day. Would not this breed in thy soul a joy transcendent to all the joys and pleasures in this world? what thinkest thou of it?
• ...

• Thirdly, Here is a signal mark of Christs care and Love, in as much as this is one of the highest and best helps for the mortifi∣cation of the corruptions of his people. Nothing tends more to the killing of sin, than this doth. Christs blood as it's food to faith, so it's poyson to our Lusts. O what a Pill is wrapt up in that Bread! what an excellent Potion is in that Cup, to purge the soul? One calls that Table an Altar, on which our corruptions are sacrificed, and slain before the Lord. For how can they that there see what Christ suffered for sin, live any longer therein?
• Fourthly, Moreover, his care and Love appear in providing such bellows as these, to excite and blow up his peoples Love into a lively flame. When Ioseph made himself known to his Brethren; I am Ioseph your Brother, whom ye sold, be not grie∣ved; Oh, what a showr of tears, and dear affections was there? How did they fall upon each others necks! so that the Aegypti∣ans wondred at the matter. How doth the soul (if I may so speak) passionately love Jesus Christ at such a time? O what a Christ is my Christ! the fairest among ten thousand. What hath he done, what hath he suffered for me! what great things hath my Jesus given, and what great things hath he forgiven me! a world, a thousand worlds, cannot shew such another. Here it's melted down by Love at his feet. It's pain'd with Love.
• Fifthly, To conclude, Christs care and Love are farther mani∣fested to his people in this Ordinance, as it is one of the strongest bonds of union betwixt themselves, that can bee. 1 Cor. 10.17. We being many, are one bread, and one body; for we are all par∣takers of that one bread. And though through our corruptions, it falls out, that that which was intended for a bond of union, proves a bond of contention; yet in as much as by this it ap∣pears, how dearly Christ Loved them, for as much also as here they are sealed up to the same inheritance, their dividing corruptions here slain, their Love to Christ, and consequently to each other, here improved; it is certainly one of the strongest ties in the world, to wrap up gratious hearts in a bundle of Love.

And thus I have dispatcht the doctrinal part of this point. The improvement of it is in the following Inferences.

Inference 1.

Did Christ leave this Ordinance with his Church,* 1.8 to preserve his remembrance among his people? then surely Christ foresaw, that notwithstanding what he is, hath done, suffered and promi∣sed, yet to do for his people, they will for all this be still apt to forget him.

A man would think that such a Christ should never be one whole hour together out of his peoples thoughts, and affections. that where ever they go, they should carry him up and down with them, in their thoughts, desires, and delights. That they should let their thoughts work towards Christ, as the longing thoughts of her that is with Child, do work after that she longs for. That they should lie down with Christ in their thoughts at night, and when they awake, be still with him. That their very dreams in the night should be sweet visions of Christ, and all their words sa∣vour of Christ.

But O the baseness of these hearts! Here we live and converse in a world of sensible objects, which like a company of thieves, rob us of our Christ; and lay the dead Child in his room. Woe is me, that it should be so with me, who am so obliged to Love him! though he be in the highest glory in Heaven, he doth not forget us; he hath graven us upon the palms of his hands, we are continually before him. He thinks on us, when we for∣get him. The whole honour and glory paid him in Heaven by the Angels, cannot divert his thoughts one moment from us, but every trifle that meets us in the way, is enough to divert our thoughts from him. Why do we not abhor and loath our selves for this? What is it a pain, a burden, to carry Christ in our thoughts about the world? as much a burden if thy heart be spiritual, as a Bird is burdened by carrying his own wings.

Will such thoughts intrude unseasonably, and thrust greater things than Christ out of our minds? For shame Christian, for shame, let no•• thy heart play the wanton, and gad from Christ after every vanity. In Heaven nothing else takes up the thoughts of Saints to eternity; and yet there is no tireing, no saciety. O learn to live nearer that heavenly life. Never leave praying, and striving, till thou canst say as it is, Psal. 63.5. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise

thee, with joyful lips; whilst I remember thee on my bed, and me∣ditate on thee in the night watches.

Inference 2.

* 1.9Hence also we infer, that Sacrament seasons are heart melting seasons: because therein the most affecting and heart-melting, re∣cognitions and representations of Christ are made. As the Gospel offers him to the ear, in the most sweet affecting sounds of grace; so the Sacrament to the eye, in the most taking visions that are on this side Heaven.

There, hearts that will not yield a tear under other Ordinances, can pour out floods. Zech. 12.10. They shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and mourn. Yet I dare not affirm, that every one whose heart is broken by the believing sight of Christ there, can evidence that it is so by a dropping eye. No, we may say of tears, as it's said of Love, Cant. 8.7. If some Christians would give all the treasures of their house for them, they cannot be pur∣chased. Yet they are truly humbled for sin, and seriously affect∣ed with the grace of Christ. For the support of such, I would distinguish, and have them to do so also, betwixt what is essential to spiritual sorrow, and what is contingent. Deep displeasure with thy self for sin, hearty resolutions and desires of the com∣pleat mortification of it; this is essential to all spiritual sorrow; but tears are accidental, and in some constitutions rarely found. If thou have the former, trouble not thy self for want of the la∣ter: though 'tis a mercy when they kindly and undis••embledly flow from a heart truly broken.

And surely, to see who it is that thy sins have pierced. How great how glorious, how wonderful a person that was, that was so humbled, abased, and brought to the dust, for such a wretched thing as thou art, cannot but tenderly affect, the considerating soul. If it was for a lamentation in the Captivity, that Princes were hanged up by the hands, and the faces of the Elders were not reverenced. Lam. 5.12. And if at the death of Abner, Da∣vid could lament, and say, a Prince, and a great man is fallen in Israel this day. 2 Sam. 3.38. If he could so patheti∣cally lament the death of Saul, and Ionathan, saying, Daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who cloathed you in scarlet. The beau∣ty of Israel is slain upon the high places. Ah how much more

should it affect us, to see the beauty of Heaven fallen; the Prince of life hang dead upon a Tree! O let the place where you assemble to so see this sight of your crucified Jesus, be a Bokim, a place of lamentation.

Inference 3.

Moreover,* 1.10 hence it's evident, that the believing and affectio∣nate remembrance of Christ, is of singular advantage at all times to the people of God. For it's the immediate end of one of the greatest Ordinances, that ever Christ appointed to the Church.

To have frequent recognitions of Christ will appear to be sin∣gularly efficatious and useful to Believers, if you consider,

• First, If at any time thy heart be dead, and hard, this is the like¦liest means in the world to dissolve, melt and quicken it. Look hither hard heart, hard indeed if this hammer will not break it. Behold the blood of Jesus.
• Secondly, Art thou easily overcome by Temptions to sin? This is the most powerful pull back in the world from sin. Rom. 6.2. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? We are crucified with Christ, what have we to do with sin? Such a thought as this, when thy heart is yielding to Temptations. How can I do this, and crucifie the Son of God afresh! Ha••h he not suffered enough already on earth; shall I yet make him groan as it were for me in Heaven? look as David poured the water brought from the Well of Bethlehem on the ground, though he was athirst: for said he, it is the blood of the men: (i. e.) they eminently hazarded their lives to fetch it; much more should a Christian pour out upon the ground, yea, despise and trample under foot the greatest profit or pleasure of sin; saying, nay, I will have nothing to do with it. I will on no terms touch it, for it is the blood of Christ. It cost blood, infinitely pretious blood, to expiate it. If there were a knife in your house that had been thrust to the heart of your Father, you would not take plea∣sure to see that knife; much less to use it.
• Thirdly, Are you afraid your sins are not pardoned, but still stand upon account before the Lord; what more relieving, what more satisfying, than to see the Cup of the New-Testament in the blood of Christ, which is shed for many for the remission of sins? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect, it's Christ that died?
• ...

• Fourthly, Are you staggered at the sufferings, and hard things you must endure for Christ in this world? doth the flesh shrink back from these things, and cry, spare thy self. What is there in the world more likely to steel and fortifie thy spirit with reso∣lution and courage, than such a sight as this? Did Christ face the wrath of men, and the wrath of God too? Did he stand as a pillar of brass, with unbroken patience, and stedfast resolution, under such troubles as never met in the like height upon any mear crea∣ture, till death beat the last breath out of his nostrils? And shall I shrink for a trifle? Ah, he did not serve me so! I will arm my self with the like mind. 1 Pet. 2.2.
• Fifthly, Is thy faith staggered at the promises? canst thou not rest upon a promise? Here's that will help thee against hope to believe in hope; giving glory to God. For this is Gods seal added to his Covenant, which ratifies, and binds fast all that God hath spoken.
• Sixthly, Dost thou idle away pretious time vainly, and live unusefully to Christ in thy generation; what more apt both to convince and cure thee, than such a remembrance of Christ as this? O when thou considerest thou art not thine own; thy time, thy tallents are not thine own, but Christs. When thou shalt see thou art bought with a price (a great price indeed) and so art strictly obliged to glorifie God, with thy soul and body which are his: 2 Cor. 5.14. This will powerfully awake, a dull, slug∣gish, and lazy spirit. In a word, what grace is there this remem∣brance of Christ cannot quicken? What sin cannot it mortifie? What duty cannot it animate? O it is of singular use in all cases to the people of God.

Inference 4.

Lastly,* 1.11 Hence we infer; Though all other things do, yet Christ neither doth, nor can grow stale. Here's an Ordinance to preserve his remembrance fresh, to the end of the world. The blood of Christ doth never dry up. The beauty of this Rose of Sharon is never lost or withred. He is the same yesterday, to day, and for ever. As his body in the grave saw no corruption, so neither can his Love, or any of his excellencies. When the Saints shall have fed their eyes upon him in Heaven thousands and millions of years, he shall be as fresh, beautiful, and orient as at the be∣ginning.

Other beauties have their prime, and their fading time; but Christs abides eternally. Our delight in creatures is often most at first acquaintance; when we come nearer to them, and see more of them, the edge of our delight is rebated. But the longer you know Christ, and the nearer you come to him, still the more do you see of his glory. Every farther prospect of Christ, entertains the mind with a fresh delight. He is as it were a new Christ every day; and yet the same Christ still.

Blessed be God for Iesus Christ.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Doct.
• * 1.2

  Dominus noster dum vivers, ejus Sacrificii similitudinem celebrandum in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mortis me∣moriam com∣mendavit. Aug.
• * 1.3

  Haet sunt insignia la••di••.
• * 1.4

  Orbae memoria, est vis redinte∣gratrix, sive recollectrix ea∣rum imaginum, quae antea qui∣dem memoriae adhaeserunt; posteo verò eva∣n••runt: appel∣latur uno nomi∣ne reminiscen∣tia. Kecker∣man: Syet. Phys. lib. 4. cap. 6. page (mihi) 534.
• * 1.5

  Magna amari∣tudo peccati, quae tantum amaritudinem peperit Aug.
• * 1.6

  Dam conspicis Dominum, té i••ter mortales versari censes? ac non potius è vestigio in Coe∣los transferri? Chrysost. Hom. lib. 3.
• * 1.7

  Quoties haec coena celebra∣tur, to••ies C••ristus mori∣tar; cruce pen∣dentem Domi∣num videamus. Aug. in. Ps 21.
• * 1.8

  Infer. 1.
• * 1.9

  Infer. 2.
• * 1.10

  Infer. 3.
• * 1.11

  Infer. 4.