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CHAP. IIII. Three questions cleared. (Book 4)
NOw for the further clearing of this point con∣cerning* 1.1 the profit and efficacy of prayer there are three questions to be decided:
- 1. Whether prayer be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 impetratorium or of any efficacy to obtein our desires.
- 2. And if it be, Whether by prayer we do alwayes obtein our desires.
- 3. Whether there be any other profit or fruit to be expected by our prayers besides the obteining of our desires.
The decision of the first question is needfull, not onely because some hereticks have held prayer to be superfluous, but chiefly because our adversaries father this heresie upon us.
Those that take away the use of prayer ground their fansie on the knowledge and providence of God. For first, If God our heavenly Father do know* 1.2 our wants, and be of himself ready to supply them, shall not we seem to doubt either of his knowledge or of his goodnesse if we pray unto him. Answ.* 1.3 Our Saviour indeed doth teach us that God our hea∣venly Father doth know our wants, and is willing to supply them, Matth. 6. 32. but yet in the same chapter he teacheth us to pray, and promiseth that by prayer we shall obtein, Matth. 7. 7, 8. and there∣fore in obedience to the commandment, and in faith in the promise, we are to call upon God, whatsoever flesh and bloud can object to the contrary. Gods