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 3.

Would not Pilate recede from what he had written on Christs behalf.* 1.1 How shameful a thing is it for Christians to retract what they have said or done on Christs behalf! When Pilate had asserted him to be King of the Jews, he maintains his assertion, and all the importunity of Christs enemies shall not move him an hairs bredth from it. What I have written, I have written, q. d. I have said it, and I will not revoke it. Did Pilate say what I have written, I have written. And shall not we say what we have believed, we have believed. And what we have professed, we have professed. What we have engaged to Christ we have engaged. We will stand to what we have done for him; we will never recant our former ownings of, and appearances for Christ.

As Gods Election, so your profession must be irrevocable. O let him that is holy be holy still. That counsel given by a Reve∣rend Divine in this case is both safe and good.

Be sure saith he you stand on good ground, and then resolve to stand your ground against all the world. Follow God, and fear not men. Art thou godly, repent not whatsoever thy Religion cost thee. Let sinners repent, but let not Saints repent. Let Saints repent of their faults, but not of their Faith. Of their iniquities, but not of their righteousness. Repent not of your righteousness, lest you afterward repent of your repentance. — Repent not of your Zeal, or your forwardness, or activity in the holy ways of

the Lord. — Wish not your selves a step farther back, or a cubit lower in your stature, in the grace of God. Wish not any thing undone, concerning which God will say well done.

In Gallens time it was a proverbial expression, when any one would shew the impossibility of a thing. You may as soon ••urn a Christian from Christ as do it.

A true heart-choice of Christ is without reserves, and what is without reserves, will be without repentance. There is a stiffness and stoutness of spirit, which is our sin. But this is our glory, in the matters of God said Luther, I assume this title, cedo nulli, I yield to none: if ye be hot and cold, off and on. Profess, and retract your profession. He that condemned Christ with his lips, will condemn you by his example. Resolute Pilate shall be your Judge.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Infer. 3.