Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

That the faithfull onely pray acceptably. cerning falvation by Chrift, loth earneftly in his heart defire to be made partaker of Chrift and his merits, and unfeignedly refolveth in his will to ac- knowledge Chrift to be his Saviour, and to reft upon him alone for falvation, he doth believe to ju- ftification. And whofoever being difpleafed with himfelf for his f nnes doth unfeignedly delire and truly purpofe amendment of life, he doth repent to fanc`l:ification. And he that but thus believeth and repenteth is within the latitude of thofe faithfull and righteous men whofe prayers are acceptable unto God., and whofe perfons are accepted, yea, bleffed of him ; Matth, 5.3,4, 5 . and r 1.2 8. Pfal. 34.18. Examples, of Manalfeh, 2. Chron. 33. 13. the Publicane, Luke 18. And thefe beginnings of faith and repentance do alwayes concurre in our re- generation or converfion unto God. For in regene- rating us the holy Ghoft Both ingenerate in us the grace of faith; and contrariwife. CHAP. X. None but the faithfull can pray efecrlually and acceptably. NOw how neceffarie it is that he which prayeth acceptably fhould be a righteous or faithfull man indued with forne meafure of true faith and unfeigned repentance, it may appear both by mani- feft reafons and manifold teflimonies of holy Scri- ptures: wherein the promife of hearing the prayer is relirained to the righteous, and all hope of being heard denied to the wicked. D 3 Firil, 37