Institutions of Christian religion framed out of Gods word, and the writings of the best diuines, methodically handled by questions and answers, fit for all such as desire to know, or practise the will of God. Written in Latin by William Bucanus Professor of Diuinitie in the Vniuersitie of Lausanna. And published in English by Robert Hill, Bachelor in Diuinitie, and Fellow of Saint Iohns Colledge in Cambridge, for the benefit of our English nation, to which is added in the end the practise of papists against Protestant princes.

What is the matter of prayer, that is, what things are to be asked of God?

Not all things whatsoeuer, but things promised and comman∣ded of God, and which can conueniently be giuen of God, and according to his will declared to vs in his word: Therefore wee must not aske vnprofitable, foolish, hurtfull, vniust things, but those things which are lawfulla 1.1. And this is the assurance that we haue toward him, that he heareth vs, if we aske any thing according to his will. 1. Iohn. 5.14. Neyther let vs desire one thing which he may not grant. For, true prayer ought to rest vpon the promises of Godb 1.2.

1 But the things that are to be prayed for, are threefold.

1 Before all things, those which concerne the glorie of God, and which make for the aduancing of itc 1.3.

2 Those which belong to the saluation of our soules, as are the gifts of the Spirit, faith, remission of sinnes, patience in aduersity, perseuerance in pietie, &c.

3 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, those things which serue for the vse of this life.

Contrariwise, three sorts of things are to be praied against. 1. whatsoeuer hindreth the glorie of God. 2. whatsoeuer is con∣trarie to our saluation 3. Whatsoeuer in this life is hurtfull vnto vs. The matter of all things to be asked and to be praied against, Christ hath brieflie gathered into the number of sixe things ge∣nerallie.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Luk 1, 6.13. &, 12, 13, & Math, 20.24.22
• b 1.2

  Exod. 32 23 Deut. 9.17
• c 1.3

  Math, 5 33