A80611:598
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.
Answ. First, it would be considered whether a man be a brother or no; Abraham did not pray for one that was already gracious, that did belong to the election of grace, and the text doth not reach to such a brother; but I understand it of such as are either called, or belong to the election.
Secondly, Suppose you do not know whether he belong to the election of grace or no, it may be you pray for them whom you have not used other means to heal them, I doubt not but David prayed for Absalom, and Adonijah, but not using other means, his prayers are rejected, these are not prayers of faith, when other good means are not used.
Secondly, Suppose you doe not know whether he belong to the election of grace or no, it may be you pray for them whom you have not used other means to heal them, I doubt not but David prayed for Absalom, and Adonijah, but not using other meanes, his prayers are rejected, these are not prayers of faith, when other good means are not used.
Thirdly, Its possible that a man may pray without faith, and without fervency, Jam. 5.15. and such requests ⟨p. 256⟩should be faithful and fervent, and God requires you should come before him, and submit your selves to him, and acknowledge your own unworthiness to ask such a blessing, and yet in the name of Christ you press God with it, and you must walk close with God in a course of Christianity, else your prayers are to no purpose; and to wait on God through Christ for a gracious acceptance, and God will recompense your prayers, and labour of love in due time.
Thirdly, Its possible that a man may pray without faith, and without fervency,