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CHAP. XXVII. Of the time of prayer. (Book 27)
NOw we are to enquire of the time of invocati∣on, when we are to call upon God. The holy Ghost telleth 1. Thess. 5. 17, 18. that we must pray 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, continually, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in all things to give thanks: and not in that place alone, but also in divers others; as Luke 18. 1. that we must pray 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, alwayes; and 21. 36. as also Ephes. 6. 18. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in all seasons.
What then, will you say, must we do nothing els* 1.1 in the whole course of our life but pray?
I say not so. This was the phan•…•…asticall opinion* 1.2 of the fanaticall hereticks the Euchetae, which thought they might do nothing else but pray, and grounded their heresies upon these places of Scri∣pture. But for the answering of them and informing* 1.3 our selves in the truth, first we are to search out the true meaning of those places of Scripture: First, therefore where it is said 1. Thess. 5. 17. that* 1.4 we must pray continually, it may be fitly expounded by that in the 18. verse, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in all things; for the sense would be the same if we should say, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in all things pray, and continually give thanks, that is, upon every just oc∣casion pray and give thanks. Now that these can∣not be understood of perpetuall continuance in pray∣er, excluding all other actions and duties, it is plain by this; Paul in divers places of his epistles doth professe of himself that he did pray and give thanks alwayes, continually, without ceasing; Rom. 1. 9.