The Institution of Christian Religion

And this later point is easily proved by their shamelessness: because they have no other stronger argument to prove that we have need of the intercession of Saints, than when they object that we are unworthy of familiar access to God. Which we in deed grant to be most true: but thereupon we gather, that they leave nothing to Christ, which esteem his intercession nothing worth, unless there be adjoined George, Hyppolite, or such other visors

And thys later point is easily proued by their shamelessnesse: because they haue no other stronger argument to proue that we haue nede of the intercession of Saintes, than whē they obiect that we are vnworthy of familiar accesse to God. Which we in dede graunt to be most true: but therupon we gather, that they leaue nothing to Christe, whiche esteme his intercession nothing worth, vnles there be adioyned George, Hyppolite, or such other visors

But although prayer properly signifieth only wishes & petitions: yet §28there is so great affinity between petition & thanksgiving, that they may be fitly comprehended both under one name. For, the special sorts which Paul rehearseth, fall under the first part of this division. With asking and craving we pour fourth our desires before God, requiring as well those things that seem to spread abroad his glory and set forth his name, as the benefits that are profitable to our use. With giving of thanks, we do with due praise magnify his good doings toward us, acknowledging to be received of his liberality whatsoever good things do come to us. Therefore David comprehended these two parts together, saying:¹ Call upon me in the day of necessity: I will deliver thee, & thou shalt glorify me. The Scripture not in vain commandeth us to use both. For we have said in an other place that our neediness is so great, and the experience it self crieth out that we are on every side pinched and pressed with so many and so great distresses, that all have cause enough why they should both sigh to God, and in humble wise call upon him. For though they be free from adversities, yet the guiltiness of their wicked doings, and their innumerable assaults of tentations ought to prick forward the most holy to ask remedy. But in the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving there can be no interruption without heinous sin, forasmuch as God ceaseth not to heap upon diverse men diverse benefits to drive us though we be slack and slow, to thankfulness. Finally so great and so plenteous largess of his benefits doth in a manner overwhelm us: there are so many and so great miracles of his seen on every side which way soever thou turn thee, that we never want ground and matter of praise and thanksgiving. And, that these things may be somewhat plainlier declared: sith all our hopes and wealth stand in God (which we have before sufficiently proved) that neither we nor all our things can be in prosperity but by his blessing: we must continually commit our selves & all our things to him.