Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

3z of the neceffitie of prayer. which they fay needeth not without faith or hope, without reverence. 4. They number their prayers upon beads oftentimes by mofi groffe battologie, repeating the fame words , perfwading themfelves that the more Pater nofters, Ave Maries, and Creeds ( for thofe alfo are prayers with them) they fhall mumble upon their beads, the more fatisfa &ory and meritorious their prayers ix. Now their prayers being thus every way abominable and odious,what horrible impudencie aed impietie is it to obtrude fuch prayers upon God, not onely as acceptable fer- vice unto him, but as fatisfadory and meritorious:' by which they can merit nothing but damnation, and for the wickedneffe whereofthey than never be able to fatisfie but with endleffe torments. Let this fuffice us, that prayer is of fo great pro- fit and admirable efficacie, that our prayers rightly conceived and made are alwayes heard and grant- ed; that betides the benefit of obteining, our pray- ers have their reward with God, and notable fruits, conferring and increafing Gods graces in us. CHAP. VIII. of a threefild necefsitie of prayer. N Ow I come to the neceffitie of prayer: which is necefs<ary by a threefold bond of neceffitie: r . ivec fitate prwcepti, neceffitie of precept; as be- ing a dutie mofi ftraitly injoyned and a principali part of that worfhip and fervice which we ow unto God. This neceffitie is not abfolute, but if we will avoid his curfe, jer.10.2 5. 2. Nccefiitate medii, ne- cefsitie