Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

z46 of the SubjeC matter of our prayers: CfIAP. XXV. of the matter and fubjett of our prayers, and 11)641 is required thereunto; namely, that it be good and according to Gods will. N Ow followeth the matter or the fubjeet that is, the things for which we either do pray or give thanks. Concerning which this is to be noted in generali , That we have a found perfwafion grounded on the word of God that they be lawful! and g ood : Firfl, bccaufe what is not of faith is fin, Rom. 14. 23. Secondly, for what we do either pray or give thanks to God, thereof we acknow- ledge God to be the authour : but it is blafphemous to make God the authour of that which is wicked & unlawfull. Thirdly, prayers mua be made in faith, viz. that God accepteth our prayers and will grant them unto us. This faith muff be grounded on Gods promife; and God promifeth to give good things to them that ask, Matth. 7. r r. Evil things are not within the compaffe of Gods promife5 for the fore- telling of that which is evil is rather a threatning then a promife. Fourthly, the affurance that we have to be heard, is when we ask any thing accord- ing to Gods will, t .John 5.14. but to ask evil things is not according to Gods will. Fifthly, they that call upon God for evil things are like the wicked, Pfal. 50. who think that God is like unto them. Sixthly, if we ask good things we have affurance to a?enandee. be heard, Matth. 7. II. i. John 5. 14. 'Eux;is dlxaéa$ tG ávíixoa ó ©só6. For our dire4ion in this behalf our Saviour Chrill