Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

.the generals of Invocation ambled to the-Li-refs Prayer.7, .227 ving whereof we have fo many arguments as there are prayers of the godly recorded in the word Tor though all of them maybe referred to this pray- er or force part thereof, yet none of them are con- ceived in the fame words. And moreover, Mat- thew and Luke in Petting down this prayer are not curious in obferving the fame words : And there- fore fuperflitious is the opinion and prance of the Church of Rome, who think that the bare repeti- tion of thefe words in an unknown tongue, without underflanding or faith, is ex opere operato meritori- ous : as though our Savour Chrift had prefcribed thefe words to be ufed as a charm, &c. Firfl, whereas our Saviour Chrift propoundeth A/A:o Jm this form, we may be affured that it is a erfe at- That this ÿ p p form is a tern of prayer,that nothingought to be asked which perfeâ pace is not in it conteined. For in him are all the treafures terne of the wifdome and knowledge of God, Col. 2.3. He knoweth what is acceptable unto God,what is need. full for us:therefore in this prayer is conteined what - foever is either fit for God to grant or for us to ask. By this then as a pattern we are to form our prayers, and as by a rule we are to examine them. May the things which we defire be referred to thefe petiti- ons then may we boldly ask them. Can they not be referred r then do we not pray according to Gods will; and therefore can have no afrurance that we fhall be heard. Secondly, whereas Chrift teacheth his difciples Minillers to pray, herein he giveth an example to be imitated muft teach of Miniflers; g. that as they teach other things, fo tlhep i;apy eopie alío to pray. John Baptift, Luke i. z. taught his 2 difci-