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 6.

* 1.1Did Pilate vindicate Christ in drawing up such a Title to be af∣fixed to his cross, then hence it follows; that God will sooner or later, clear up the innocency and integrity of his people, who commit their cause to him. Christs name was clouded with many reproaches. Wounded through and through by the blasphemous tongues of his malitious enemies. He committed himself to him that judgeth righteously, 1 Pet. 2.23. and see how soon God vin∣dicates him. That's sweet and seasonable counsel for us, when our names are clouded with unjust censures, Psal. 37.5, 6. Com∣mit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy Iudgement as the noon day. Ioseph was ac∣cused of incontinency, David of treason; Daniel of disobedi∣ence; Elijah of troubling Israel; Ieremy of revolting; Amos of preaching against the King; The Apostles of sedition, re∣bellion and alteration of Laws; Christ himself of gluttony, sorce∣ry,

blasphemy, sedition: But how did all these honourable names wade out of their reproaches, as the Sun out of a cloud! God clear'd up their honour for them even in this world. Slanders, saith one, are but as soap, which though it soils and daubs for the pre∣sent, yet it helps to make the garment more clean and shining. When hair is shaven, it comes the thicker, and with a new in∣crease. So when the Razor of censure hath (saith one) made your heads bare,* 1.2 and brought on the baldness of reproach, be not discouraged, God hath a time to bring forth your righteousness as the light, by an apparent conviction to dazel and discourage your adversaries.

The world was well changed, when Constantine kissed the hollow of Paphnutius eye, which was ere while put out for Christ. Scorn and reproach is but a little cloud, that is soon blown over. But suppose you should not be vindicated in this world; but die under a cloud upon your names. Be sure God will clear it up, and that to purpose in that great day. Then shall the righteous (even in this respect) shine forth as the Sun, in the Kingdom of their Father. Then every detracting mouth shall be stopped. And no more cruel arrows of reproach shot at the white of your reputation.

Be patient therefore, my Brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. The Lord comes with ten thousands of his Saints, to execute Iudge∣ment upon all; and to convince all that are ungodly, of all their ungodly deeds, which they have ungodlily committed. And of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him, Jude. 15. Then they shall retract their censures, and alter their opi∣nions of the Saints. If Christ will be our Compurgator, we need not fear who are our Accusers. If your names for his sake be cast out as evil, and spurned in the dirt; Christ will deliver it you again in that day whiter than the snow in Salmon.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Infer. 6.
• * 1.2

  Mant. in Iam. p. 227.