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 our Lord Iesus Christ is ordained by God the Father,* 1.1 to be the Iudge of quick and Dead.

This truth stands upon the firm basis of Scripture authority. You have it from his own hand, Ioh. 5.22. The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all Iudgement to the Son, viz. in the sense before given. And so the Apostle, Act. 17.31. He hath appointed a day in the which he will Iudge the world in righteous∣ness, by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance, &c. And again, Rom. 2.16. In the day when God shall Iudge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ. Three things will be opened here. First, the certainty of a Judgement to come. Secondly, the quality, and nature of it. Thirdly, that it's a speci∣al part of Christs Exaltation to be appointed Judge in this day.

1 1.2First, The certainty of a Judgement. This is a truth of firmer establishment than Heaven and Earth. It's no devised fable, no cunning artifice to keep the world in awe; but a thing as confessed∣ly true, as it is awfully solemn. For

First, As the Scriptures fore-mentioned (with these, 2 Cor. 5.10. Eccles. 12.14. Matth. 12.36. and many other the true and faithful sayings of God,) do very plainly reveal it: so the Iu∣stice and righteousness of God require it should be so. For the Judge of all the earth will do right, Gen. 18.25. Now righte∣ousness it self requires that a difference be made betwixt the righte∣ous, and the wicked, Say ye to the righteous it shall be well with him, wo to the wicked, it shall be ill with him, Isa. 3.10. But no such distinction is generally and fully made betwixt one another in this world. Yea, rather the wicked prosper, and the righteous perish, There is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man,* 1.3 that prolongeth his life in his wickedness, Eccles. 7.15. Yea, not only in, but for his righteousness as it may be fairly rendred.

Here the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than himself, Hab. 1.14. As the fishes of the Sea, where the great and strong swallow up the small and weak. And even in Courts of Judicature, where the innocent might expect relief; there they often meet with the worst oppressions. How fairly and justly therefore doth the wise man infer a Judgement to come from this consideration?* 1.4 Eccles. 3.16, 17. I saw under the Sun the place of Iudgement, that wickedness was there, and the place of righ∣teousness, that iniquity was there; I said in my heart, God shall Iudge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose, and for every work, q. d. the Judgement to come is the only relief and support left to poor innocents, to quiet and Comfort themselves withal. To the same purpose also is that, Iam. 5.6, 7. Ye have condemned, and killed the Iust; and he doth not resist you; be patient therefore brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. It is confest, that sometimes God vindicates his providence against the Atheism of the world, by particular strokes upon the wicked; but this is but rare. And as the Father well observes, if no sin were punished here, no providence would be believed; again, if every sin were openly punished here, no Judgement hereafter could be expected. Besides,

Secondly, Man is a reasonable being, and every reasonable be∣ing, is an accountable being. He is a capable subject of moral government. His actions have relation to a Law. He is swayd by rewards and punishments. He acts by counsel and therefore of his actions he must expect to give an account, as it is Rom. 14.12. So then every one of us, shall give an account of himself to God. Especially if we add, that all the gifts of body, mind, estate, time, &c. are so many Talents, concredited and betrusted to him by God, and every one hath one Talent at least; therefore a time to render an account for all these Talents will come, Matth. 25.14, 15. We are but Stewards, and Stewards must give an account, in order whereto, there must be a great audit day.

Thirdly, And what need we seek evidence of this truth, further than our own conscience? Lo, it is a truth engraven legibly upon

every mans own breast. Every one hath a kind of little Tribunal, or privy Sessions in his own conscience, which both accuses, and ex∣cuses, for good, and evil; which it could never do, were there not a future Judgement of which it is now conscious to it self. In this Court Records are now kept of all that we do, even of our secret actions, and thoughts, which never yet took air; but if no Judgement, what need of Records? Nor let any imagine, that that this may be but the fruit of education and discourse. We have heard of such things, and so are scared by them. For if so, how comes it to obtain so universally? Who could be the Author of such a common deception?

* 1.5Reader, bethink thy self a little; if thou hadst a mind (as one saith) to impose a lie upon all the world, what course wouldst thou take? How wouldst thou lay the design? or why dost thou in this case imagine, what thou knowest not how to imagine? 'Tis evident that the very consciences of the Heathens, have these offices of accusing and excusing, Rom. 2.15. And it's hard to im∣agine (as an ingenious Author speaks) that a general Cheat should bow down the backs of all mankind,* 1.6 and induce so many doubts and fears, and troubles amongst them; and give an inter∣ruption to the whole course of their corrupt living, and that there should be no account of it? And therefore it's undoubted that such a day will come. But I shall rather chuse in the

2 1.7Second place, to open the nature and manner of this Judgement, than to spend more time in proving a truth, that cannot be denyed without violence offered to a mans own light. If then the questi∣on be, what manner of Judgement will this be? I answer,

First, It will be a great and awful day, It's called the Iudgement of the great day, Jud. 6. Three things will make it so, the manner of Christs coming. The work he comes about. And the issues or events of that work. The manner of Christs coming will be awfully solemn, For the Lord himself shall de∣scend from Heaven with a shout, with the Trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain, shall be caught together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, &c. 1 Thes. 4.16.17. Here Christ breaks out of Heaven with the shouts of Angels 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, it signifies such a shout (saith one) as is to be heard among Sea∣men,* 1.8 when after a long and dangerous voyage they first discry Land; crying with loud and united voices, A shore, A shore.

As the Poet describes the Italians when they saw their native Coun∣try, lifted up their voices, and making the Heavens ring again with Italy,* 1.9 Italy; or as Armies shout when the signal of Battle is given. Above all which (as some expound it) shall the voice of the Archangel be distinctly heard. And after this shout, the trump of God shall sound. By this Tremendous blast, sinners will be affrighted out of their Graves, but to the Saints it will car∣ry no more terrour than the roaring of Cannons, when Armies of friends approach a besieged City, for the relief of them that be within. The dead being raised, they shall be gathered before the great Throne on which Christ shall sit in his glory; and there divided exactly to the right and left hand of Christ, by the Angels. Here will be the greatest Assembly that ever met. Where Adam may see his numerous off-spring, even as the sand upon the Sea∣shore which no man can number. And never was there such a perfect division made (how many divisions soever have been in the world) none was ever like it. The Saints in this great Oecu∣menical assize (as the same Author stiles it) shall meet the Lord in the air, and there the Judge shall sit upon the Throne; and all the Saints shall be placed upon bright clouds, as on Seats or Scaf∣folds round about him; the wicked remaining below upon the earth, there to receive their final doom and sentence.

These preparatives will make it awful. And much more will the work it self that Christ comes about make it so. For it is to Iudge the secrets of men, Rom. 2.16. To sever the Tares from the Wheat. To make every mans whites and blacks appear. And according as they are found in that Tryal, to be sentenced to their everlasting and immutable state. O what a solemn thing is this!

And no less will the execution of the Sentence on both parts, make it a great and solemn day. The heart of man cannot con∣ceive what impressions the voice of Christ from the Throne will make, both upon believers, and unbelievers.

Imagine Christ upon his glorious Throne, surrounded with Myriads and Legions of Angels, his Royal guard; a poor unbe∣liever trembling at the Bar. An exact scrutiny made into his heart and life. The dreadful Sentence given. And then a cry. And then his delivering them over to the Executioners of Eternal vengeance, never, never to see a glimpse of hope or mercy any more.

Imagine Christ like the General of an Army, mentioning with honour in the head of all the hosts of Heaven and Earth, all the services that the Saints have done for him in this world. Then sententially justifying them, by open proclamation. Then mount∣ing with him to the third Heavens, and entring the gates of that City of God, in that noble train of Saints and Angels intermix∣ed. And so for ever to be with the Lord. O what a great day must this be!

Secondly, As it will be an awful and solemn Judgement, so it will be a Critical and Exact Judgement. Every man will be weighed to his ounces and drams. The name of the Judge is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the searcher of hearts. The Judge hath eyes as flames of fire, which pierce to the dividing of the heart and reins. It's said, Matth. 12.36. That men shall then give an account of every idle word that they shall speak. It is a day that will perfectly fan the world. No Hypocrite can escape. Justice holds the ballances in an even hand. Christ will go to work so exactly, that some Divines of good note, think the day of Judgement will last as long as this day of the Gospels administration hath or shall last.

Thirdly, It will be a Vniversal Iudgement, 2 Cor. 5.10. We must all appear before the Iudgement Seat of Christ. And Rom. 14.12. Every one of us shall give an account of him∣self to God. Those that were under the Law, and those that having no Law, were a Law to themselves, Rom. 2.12. Those that had many Talents, and he that had but one Talent, must ap∣pear at this Bar; those that were carried from the Cradle to the Grave, with him that stooped for Age. The rich, and poor; the Father and the Child; the Master, and the Servant; the believer, and unbeliever must stand forth in that day. I saw the Dead both small and great stand before God, and the Books were opened, Rev. 20.12.

Fourthly, It will be a Judgement full of convictive clearness. All things will be so sifted to the bran (as we say) that the Sen∣tence of Christ both on Saints and sinners shall be applauded. Righteous art thou O Lord because thou hast Iudged thus. His Judgements will be as the light that goeth forth. So that those poor sinners whom he will condemn, shall be first 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 self condemned. Their own consciences shall be forced to con∣fess, that there is not one drop of injustice in all that Sea of wrath, into which they are to be cast.

Fifthly, And lastly, It will be a supream and final Iudgement, from which lies no Appeal. For it is the Sentence of the Highest, and only Lord. For as the ultimate resolution of Faith is into the Word, and truth of God;* 1.10 so the ultimate resolution of Iu∣stice is into the Judgement of God. This Judgement is supream and imperial. For Christ is the only potentate, 1 Tim. 6.5. And therefore the Sentence once past, its execution is infallible. And so you find it in that judicial process, Matth. 25. ult. Just after the Sentence is pronounced by Christ, it is immediatly added, those shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righte∣ous into Life Eternal. This is the Judgement of the great day.

Thirdly, In the last place, I must inform you that God in or∣daining [ 3] Christ to be the Judge,* 1.11 hath very highly exalted him. This will be very much for his honour. For in this Christs Royal dignity will be illustrated beyond what ever it was since he took our nature, till that day. Now he will appear in his glory. For

• First, This act of Judging pertaining properly to the Kingly Office, Christ will be glorified as much in his Kingly Office, as he hath been in either of the other. We find but some few glimpses of his Kingly Office, breaking forth in this world; as his riding with Hosannahs into Ierusalem. His whipping the buyers and sellers out of the Temple. His Title upon the Cross, &c. But these were but faint beams: now that Office will shine in its glory, as the Sun in the midst of the Heavens. For what were the Hosannahs of little Children, in the streets of Ierusalem, to the shouts and acclamations of thousands of Angels, and ten thousands of Saints? What was his whipping the prophane out of the Temple, to his turning the wicked into Hell; and sending his Angels to ga∣ther out of his Kingdom every thing that offendeth? What was a Title written by his Judge, and fixed on the ignominous Tree, to the name that shall be now seen on his Vesture, and on his Thigh; Lord of Lords, and King of Kings?
• Secondly, This will be a display of his glory in the highest, be∣fore the whole world. For there will be present at once and toge∣ther all the Inhabitants of Heaven and Earth, and Hell. Angels must be there to attend and minister; those glistering Courtiers of Heaven must attend his person. So that Heaven will for a time, be left empty of all its Inhabitants. Men and Devils must be there to be judged. And before this great Assembly, will Christ ap∣pear

• in Royal Majesty that day. He will (to allude to that Text, Isa. 24.23.) raign before his Ancients gloriously. For he will come to be glorified in his Saints, and to be admired in all them that believe, 2 Thes. 1.10. The inhabitants of the three Regions, Heaven, Earth, and Hell shall rejoyce, or tremble be∣fore him that day. And acknowledge him to be supream Lord and King.
• Thirdly, This will roll away for ever the reproach of his death. For Pilate and the High Priest that Judged him at their bars, shall now stand quivering at his bar; with Herod that set him at nought, the Souldiers and Officers that traduced and abused him. There they that reviled him on the Cross wagging their heads, will stand with trembling knees before his Throne. For every eye shall see him, and they also that pierced him, Rev. 1.7. O what a contemptible person was Christ in their eyes once? As a worm, and no man. Every vile wretch could freely tread, and trample on him; but now such will be the brightness of his glory, such the awful beams of Majesty, that the wicked shall not stand in his presence,* 1.12 or be able to rise up (as that word imports, Psal. 1.5.) before him. So that this will be a full and Universal vindication of the death of Christ, from all that contempt and ignominy that attended it. We next improve it.

Inference 1.

* 1.13Is Jesus Christ ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead, great then is the security believers have, that they shall not be condemned in that day. Who shall condemn, when Christ is Judge? If believers be condemned in Judgement, Christ must give Sentence against them. Yea, and they must condemn themselves too. I say Christ must give Sentence, for that is the proper and peculiar Office of Christ. And to be sure, no Sen∣tence of condemnation shall in that day be given by Christ against them. For

• First, He died to save them, and he will never cross and over∣throw the designs and ends of his own death. That cannot be ima∣gined, nay,
• Secondly, They have been cleared, and absolved already. And being once absolved by divine Sentence, they can never be con∣demned afterward. For one divine Sentence, cannot, cross and

• rescind another. He justified them here in this world by Faith. Declared in his Word (which shall then be the rule of Judge∣ment, Rom. 2.16.) That there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ, Rom. 8.1. And surely he will not retract his own Word, and give a Sentence quite cross to his own Statute-book, out of which he hath told us they shall be Judged. Moreover,
• Thirdly, The far greatest part of them will have past their par∣ticular Judgement long before that day, and being therein acquit∣ted by God the Judge of all; and admitted into Heaven upon the score and account of their Justification; it cannot be imagined that Christ should now condemn them with the World. Nay,
• Fourthly, He that Judgeth them is their head, husband, friend, and brother; who loved them, and gave himself for them: Oh then, with what confidence may they go, even unto his Throne? And say with Iob, though he try us as fire, we know we shall come forth as Gold. We know that we shall be justified. Espe∣cially, if we add, that they themselves shall be assessors with Christ in that day.* 1.14 And (as a Judicious Author pertinently ob∣serves) not a Sentence shall pass without their Votes.

  So as that they may by Faith not only look upon themselves as already in Heaven, sitting with Christ as a common person, in their right; but they may look upon themselves as Judges already. So that if any sin should arise to accuse, or condemn, yet it must be with their Votes. And what greater security can they have than this, that they must condemn themselves, if they be con∣demned.

  No, no, it is not the business of that day to con∣demn, but to absolve and pronounce them pardoned and justified, according to the sence of Act. 3.19. and Matth. 12.32. So that it must needs be a time of refreshing (as the Scriptures call it) to the people of God. You that now believe, shall not come into condemnation, Ioh. 5.24. You that now Judge your selves, shall not be condemned with the world, 1 Cor. 11.31, 32.

Inference 2.

If Christ be ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead,* 1.15 how miserable a case will Christless Souls be in at that day! They that are Christless now, will be speechless, helpless, and hopeless then. How will their hands hang down, and their knees knock together! O what pale faces, quivering lips, fainting

hearts, and roaring consciences will be among them in that day! O dreadful day! O astonishing sight! To see the World in a dreadful conflagration, the Elements melting, the Stars falling, the Earth trembling, the Judgement set, the Prisoners brought forth; O who shall endure in this day, but those that by union with Christ, are secured against the danger and dread of it? Let me demand of poor Christless Souls, whom this day is like to overtake unawares.

[ 1] First, Do ye think it possible to avoid appearing after that terrible citation is given to the World by the Trump of God? Alas, how can you imagine it? Is not the same power that re∣vived your dust, able to bring you before the bar? There is a necessity that you must come forth, 2 Cor. 5.10. We [Must] all appear. It is not at the sinners choice, to obey the Summons or not.

[ 2] Secondly, If you must appear, are there no Accusers, nor Wit∣nesses that will appear against you, and confront you in the Court? What think you, was Satan so often a Tempter to you here, and will he not be an Accuser there? Yes, nothing surer; for that was the main design of all his Temptations. What think you of your own Consciences? Are they not privy to your secret wicked∣ness? Don't they now whisper sometimes in your ears, what you care not to hear of? If they whisper now, they will thunder then, Rom. 2.15, 16. Will not the Spirit accuse you, for resisting his motions, and stifling thousands of his convictions? Will not your Companions in sin accuse you? who drew, or were drawn by you to sin? Will not your Teachers be your accusers? How many times have you made them complain, Lord! they are Iron and Brass, they have made their faces harder than a Rock; they refuse to return. Will not your very Relations be your accusers? To whom you have failed in all your relational duties? Yea, and every one whom you have tempted to sin, abused, defrauded, over-reacht: all these will be your accusers. So that it is without dispute you will have accusers enough, to appear against you.

[ 3] Thirdly, Being accused before Jesus Christ, what will you plead for your selves? Will you confess, or will you deny the charge? If you confess, what need more? Out of thine own mouth will I Iudge thee, saith Christ, Luk. 19.22. If you deny, and plead not guilty: thy Judge is the searcher of hearts, and knows all things. So that it will not at all help thee to make a lye thy last refuge. This will add to the guilt, but not cover it.

Fourthly, If no defence or plea be left thee, then what canst [ 4] thou imagine should retard the Sentence? Why should not Christ go on to that dreadful work? Must not the Iudge of all the Earth do right? Gen. 18.25. Must he not render to every man accor∣ding to his deeds? 2 Cor. 5.10. Yes, no question but he will proceed to that Sentence, how terrible so ever it be to you to think on it now, or hear it then.

Fifthly, To conclude, if Sentence be once given by Christ [ 5] against thy Soul, what in all the world canst thou imagine should hinder the Execution? Will he alter the thing that is gone out of his mouth? No, Psal. 89.34. Dost thou hope he is more merci∣ful and pitiful than so? Thou mistakest, if thou expectest mercy out of that way in which he dispenses it. There will be thousands, and ten thousands that will rejoyce in, and magnifie his mercy then; but they are such as obeyed his call, repented, believed, and obtained union with his person here; but for unbelievers, it's against the settled Law of Christ, and constitution of the Gospel to shew mercy to the despisers of it. But it may be you think your tears, your cryes, your pleadings with him, may move him; these indeed might have done somewhat in time, but they come out of season now. Alas, too late. What the success of such pleas and cries will be, you may see if you will but consult two Scriptures, Iob 27.8, 9. What is the hope of the Hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his Soul? Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him? No, no, and Matth. 7.22. Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not Prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out Devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me ye that work iniquity.

And must it come to this Dismal Issue with you indeed? God forbid it should. Oh then

Inference 3.

If Christ be appointed of God to be the Judge of all,* 1.16 How are all concerned to secure their interest in him, and therein an eterni∣ty of happiness to their own souls, by the work of regeneration! Of all the business that men and women have in this world, there is none so solemn, so necessary, and important as this. O my

Brethren, this is a work, able to drink up your Spirits, whi•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 do but think of the consequences of it.

Summon in then thy self-reflecting, and considering powers; get alone Reader, and forgetting all other things, ponder with thy self this deep, dear and eternal concernment of thine. Exa∣mine the state of thine own soul. Look into the Scriptures, then into thine own heart, and then to Heaven, saying, Lord let me not be deceived in so great a concernment to me as this. O let not the trifles of time wipe off the impressions of Death, Judgement, and Eternity from thy heart. O that long word Eternity, that it might be night and day with thee. That the awe of it may be still upon thy Spirit. A Gentlewoman of this Nation having spent the whole Afternoon and a great part of the Evening at Cards, in much mirth and jollity, came home late at night, and finding her waiting Gentlewoman reading, she lookt over her shoulder upon the Book, and said, poor melancholy soul, why dost thou sit here poring so long upon thy Book? That night she could not sleep, but lay sighing and weeping; her servant asked her once and again what ailed her, at last she burst out into tears, and said, O it was one word that I cast my eye upon in thy Book, that troubles me; there I saw that word Eternity. How happy were I, if I were provided for Eternity! Sure it concerns us, seeing we look for such things, to be diligent that we may be found of him in Peace. O let not that day come by surprizal upon you. Remember, that as Death leaves, so Judgement will find you.

Inference 4.

* 1.17Is Jesus Christ appointed Judge of quick and dead, then look to it, all you that hope to be found of him in peace, that you avoid those sins, and live in the daily practice of those duties, which the consideration of that day powerfully perswades you to avoid or practise. For it not only presses us to holiness in actu primo, in the being of it, but in actu secundo, in the daily exercise and pra∣ctice of it. Do you indeed expect such a day? O then,

• First, See you be meek and patient under all injuries and abuses for Christs sake. Avenge not your selves, but leave it to the Lord, who will do it. Don't anticipate the work of God. Be patient my Brethren, to the coming of the Lord, Jam, 5.7, 8, 9.
• Secondly, Be Communicative publick hearted Christians, study∣ing

• and devising liberal things for Christs distressed members. And you shall have both an honourable remembrance of it, and a full reward of it in that day, Matth. 25.34, 35.
• Thirdly, Be watchful and sober, keep the Golden bridle of moderation upon all your affections. And see that ye be not over charged with the cares and love of this present life, Luk. 21.34, 35. Will you, that your Lord come, and find you in such a posture. O let your moderation be known to all, the Lord is at hand, Phil. 4.5.
• Fourthly, Improve all your Masters Talents, diligently and [ 4] faithfully. Take heed of the Napkin, Matth. 25.14, 18. Then must you make up your account for them all.
• Fifthly, But above all, be sincere in your profession. Let your [ 5] hearts be found in Gods Statutes, that you may never be ashamed; for this day will be the day of manifestation of all hidden things. And nothing is so secret, but that day will reveal it, Luk. 12.1, 2, 3. Beware of Hypocrisie, for there is nothing covered which shall not be revealed, neither hid, that shall not be made known.

Thus I have finished through Divine aids, the whole Doctrine of the Impetration of Redemption by Jesus Christ; we shall winde up the whole in a General Exhortation, and I have done.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Doct.
• 1 1.2

  The Certain∣ty of a Judge∣ment.
• * 1.3

  Per sive propter justitiam suam, in saepe valet pro. Poli Sy∣nop. in loc.
• * 1.4

  In tanta inju∣ria confugi ad Dei Iudicium in quo pronun∣ciabit qui sunt justi, qui sontes. Drusius.

  Hoc malo re∣medium opposui. Merc.

  Contra illum i••justitiam con∣solabar me hac cogitatione quod Deus om∣nes Iudicaret. Geirus.

  Si nullum peca∣tum manifestâ plecteretur poena; nullum esse divinam providentiam cred••retur. Rursum si omne peccatum appertè p••niret, nullum fore Iu∣dicium crederetur. Aug.
• * 1.5

  Mr. Howes blessedness of the right. p. 343.
• * 1.6

  Sr. Charles Wo••sely Unrea∣sonableness of Atheism p. 76.
• 2 1.7

  The quali••y of the Judge∣ment.
• * 1.8

  ••ase his Pis∣gah.
• * 1.9

  Italiam, Itali∣am laeto clamo∣re sal••ant Virgil. Aenid.
• * 1.10

  Ad Dei ver∣bum fit ultima resolutio fidei, ad Dei tribunal ultima resolutio judicii.
• * 1.11

  That this Judgement makes for Christs Hon∣our.
• * 1.12

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.13

  Infer. 1.
• * 1.14

  Geodwirs Triumph. p. 146.
• * 1.15

  Infer. 2.
• * 1.16

  Infer. 3.
• * 1.17

  Infer. 4.