A80611:501
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.
Thirdly,1 We pray then in the spirit when we also persevere in prayer, for that is also requisite in all the Petitions we put up; our Saviour put forth a Parable for this very end, that men should pray constantly, and never be weary, Luk. 18.1. Pray upon all occasions for every thing that you stand in need of, and never give over till you be heard and answered, and the Parable teacheth thus much from the unjust Judge; Shall a sinful mortal man be moved with importunity, and shall not God arise, and be moved for those poor souls that cry unto him night and day? yes doubtless, though you may think God is not sensible of your prayers, but he rests himself quietly in heaven, and remains in fullness of glory, who is blessed for ever in himself, and will not trouble himself with such poor requests as yours is; but let me tell you, this woman did not so much trouble the Judge here, nor could be more troublesome to him, then a poor Christian is to God, that wrestles with him in prayer: God cannot be quiet in heaven for such a soul, but in the end he must rise and satisfy its desire; so you have the like, Luk. 11.8. to 13. If you continue knocking he will rise, and so will your heavenly Father do for you much more, so as that though God might seem to be asleep, and rest himself satisfied in that blessed estate he enjoys in another world, and no more regard things below then men asleep, ⟨p. 220⟩yet if you continue knocking and begging, you will disturb his peace, till he arise and show mercy to you, and this he speaks after the manner of men, to show you, that he doth as unfeignedly, and as deeply take to heart the desires of your souls, as any of you can do one of another; and therefore be constant and persevering in prayer, and never give over; when we have a good petition in hand never give over, when we pray for pardon of sin, or for peace of conscience, or for strength of grace for our selves or for others, when we pray for the healing of our souls, or our bodies, for the Church or Common-wealth, whatsoever we have in hand, if the Spirit of God do but move us this way, it is for us never to give over until God show mercy to us in some one kind or other, that we may see our requests was not neglected,