Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

14 Whether prayer be efficacious CHAP P. IIII. Three queftions cleared. I. Whether Ow for the further clearing of this point con- prayer be N cerning the profit and efficacy of prayer there efficacious y P Y to obtein are three queftions to be decided : our defires. I. Whether prayer be opta impetratorium or of any efficacy to obtein our defires. 2. And if it be, Whether by prayer we do alwayes obtein our delires. 3. Whether there be any other profit or fruit to be expe ted by our prayers betides the obteining of our defires. The decifion of the firft queftion is needful!, not onely becaufe fome hereticks have held prayer to be fuperfluous, but chiefly becaufe our adverfaries father this herefie upon us. Thofe that take away the ufe of prayer ground their fanfie on the knowledge and providence of Objeöl. i. God.For firft,If God our heavenly Father do know our wants, and be of himfelf ready to fupply them, thall not we Teem to doubt either ofhis knowledge 4nf v. or of his goodneffe if we pray unto him. .infix, Our Saviour indeed doth teach us that God our hea- venly Father doth know our wants, and is willing to fupply them, Matth, 6. 32. but yet in the fame chapter he teacheth us to pray, and promifeth that by prayer we fhall obtein, Matth. 7. 7,8. and there- fore in obedience to the commandment, and in faith in the promife,we are to call upon God,whatfoever flefh and bloud can objed to the contrary. Gods knowledge