A80611:475
Christ the fountain of lifeChrist the fountaine of life
Christ the fountain of life: or, Sundry choice sermons on part of the fifth chapter of the first Epistle of St. John. Preached by that learned judicious divine, and faithful minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. John Cotton B.D. now preacher at Boston in New-England. Published according to Order.Christ the fountaine of life: or, Sundry choyce sermons on part of the fift chapter of the first Epistle of St. John. Preached by that learned judicious divine, and faithfull minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. John Cotton B.D. now preacher at Boston in New-England. Published according to Order.
London: printed by Robert Ibbitson, 1651
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
For so saith the words of the Text, If we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. We praying according to Gods will, shall find acceptance according to our will. Notable is that speech of encouragement and acceptance of our Saviour to the woman of Syrophenitia, Matth. 15.28. O woman great is thy faith, be it unto thee even as thou wilt. She had prayed, as Christ would, according to Gods will, and she received answer according to her desire. As if a man that did believe, and had a spirit of Prayer, and had learning to pray according to Gods will, he might be able to carve for himself in the treasures of Gods goodness, as if God would let him into the chamber of his presence, of his grace and favour, and bid him take what he will, take for himself and his friends, and for his brethren as he will.
For so saith the words of the Text, If we aske any thing according to his will, he heareth us. We praying according to Gods will, shall finde acceptance according to our will. Notable is that speech of encouragement and acceptance of our Saviour to the woman of Syrophenitia, Matth. 15.28. O woman great is thy faith, be it unto thee even as thou wilt. She had prayed, as Christ would, according to Gods will, and shee received answer according to her desire. As if a man that did beleeve, and had a spirit of Prayer, and had learning to pray according to Gods will, he might be able to carve for himselfe in the treasures of Gods goodnesse, as if God would let him into the chamber of his presence, of his grace and favour, and bid him take what he will, take for himselfe and his friends, and for his brethren as he will.
For opening of this point observe thus much; First, let us see what it is to pray according to Gods will; and then secondly, what is the ground of the point.