A09339:2216
A Golden Chain
A golden chain: or The description of theology containing the order of the causes of salvation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view whereof is to be seen in the table annexed. Hereunto is adjoined the order which M. Theodore Beza used in comforting afflicted consciences.A golden chaine: or The description of theologie containing the order of the causes of saluation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view whereof is to be seene in the table annexed. Hereunto is adioyned the order which M. Theodore Beza vsed in comforting afflicted consciences.
Cambridge: printed by John Legat, 1600Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legat, 1600
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The sixth question is; Whether faith be requisite to prayer or not. Ans. Prayer is to be made with faith, whereby a man must have certain assurance to be heard. For he that prayeth must steadfastly believe, that God in Christ will grant his petition. This affiance being wanting, it maketh prayer to be no prayer. For how can he pray for any thing effectually, who doubteth whether he shall obtain it or no.
The sixt question is; Whether faith be requisite to praier or not. Ans. Prayer is to be made with faith, whereby a man must haue certen assurance to be heard. For he that praieth must steadfastly beleeue, that God in Christ will grant his petition. This affiance being wanting, it maketh praier to be no praier. For how can he pray for any thing effectually, who doubteth whether hee shall obtaine it or no.
Wherefore it is an especial point of prayer, to be persuaded, that God to whom prayer is made, not only can, but also will grant his request. Mar. 11. 24. Whatsoever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye shall have it, and it shall be done unto you. Here we see two things required in prayer: the first, a desire of the good things which we want: the second is faith, whereby we believe that God will grant the things desired. The ground of this faith is reconciliation with God, and the assurance thereof. For unless a man be in conscience in some measure persuaded that all his sins are pardoned, and that he stands reconciled to God in Christ, he cannot believe any other promises revealed in the word, nor that any of his prayers shall be heard.
Wherefore it is an especiall point of praier, to be perswaded, that God to whome praier is made, not onely can, but also will grant his request. Mar. 11. 24. Whatsoeuer ye desire when ye praie, beleeue that yee shall haue it, and it shall bee done vnto you. Here wee see two things required in praier: the first, a desire of the good things which we want: the second is faith, whereby we beleeue that God will grant the things desired. The ground of this faith is reconciliation with God, and the assurance thereof. For vnlesse a man bee in conscience in some measure perswaded that all his sinnes are pardoned, and that he standes reconciled to God in Christ, he cannot beleeue any other promises reuealed in the word, nor that any of his praiers shall be heard.