Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

notwithf andixg Gods decree. it fhould be obteined by the preordained means whereby it is to be obteined. Now prayer is the means which God hath ordained whereby we are to obtein good things , &c. Non propter hoc ora- ri,. ¿iquiw. :' us ( faith Thomas) ut Divinam difpofitionem im- 83Z,ZUCft. mutemus, lid ut id impetrernus quod Deus díf ofi it per orationes fanliorum e implendum: rat, fcilacet, homi- nes poftulando mereantur accipere quod its Deus omni- potens ante fecula difpofuit donare : that is , We do not therefore pray that we may change the Divine difpofition, but that we may obtein that which God hath difpofed to be accompliffied by the pray- ers of the Saints ; to wit , that men by praying may deferve to receive that which God omni- potent hath before all times ordained to give them. 2. God in his word hath injoyned us the ufe of this means, and gracioufly promifed a blefling ; and therefore farre be it from us, under a prerenfe of conforming our felves to the fecret will of God which we know not, to rebel' againft his will re- vealed which we know, 3. God in his word by his gracious promifes hath revealed his will con- cerning thofe that do pray as they ought, that they (hall obtein. If therefore God hath enabled thee to pray effeaually,thou mayeft be affured that thou ¡halt obtein thy defire, or that which is better: For much availeth the prayer of a righteous man : and the Yams' I a. Lord is rich to all that call upon him. 4. Though the rt °'ne [O.':. will and purpofe of God for the granting or deny- ing thy defire were revealed unto thee, yet were it thy dutie notwithftanding to call upon God. Firfi-, for denying by threatnings : for though God non C novi 7