Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

of theprofit of prdyer. 29 falvation or otherwife ; the former we are to ask abfolutely, and abfolutely we are to believe that we (hall obtein them. Yea, know this for thy com- fort, that if God hath given thee grace to ask fpiri- tuall and Paving graces effeaually, thou haft alrea- die obteined : for the fincere defire of any grace is the beginning of that grace which is fo defired. But thofe bleffings which are not necefiary to falvation, whether fpirituall or temporali, we are not to ask abfolutely , but with condition if the obteining thereof may be for Gods glory and our good. So íhall we be fure to obtein our defires of the Lord, who alwayes heareth his children, if not ad volun- tatem, according to their will , yet ad utilitatem, for their profit(as wife parents deal with their children) feeming many times to denie to his children in fa- therly love that which in anger and indignation he granteth to others. Perhaps therefore,as Auguftine faith, ncgat tibi propitius quad aliis coNceditirataas, In mercie he denieth that to thee which in anger he granteth unto others. And therefore the hearing of our prayers is not to be mea Cured by fenfe but by faith. CHAP. VII. of the profit of prayer. T - He third queftion : Whether any further pro fit is to be expeäed from prayer befides ob- teining our requefts. The profit is twofold : the one of reward freely TWo benefits beftowed by God on him that calleth on his name: by prayer accrewing . the