Chapter X.
Of the order of the different kinds laid down with
regard to the character of prayer.
And
so to begin with we must
consider the actual force of the names and words, and discuss what is
the difference between prayer and supplication and intercession; then
in like manner we must investigate whether they are to be offered
separately or all together; and in the third place must examine whether
the particular order which is thus arranged by the Apostle’s
authority has anything further to teach the hearer, or whether the
distinction simply is to be taken, and it should be considered that
they were arranged by him indifferently in such a way: a thing which
seems to me utterly absurd. For one must not believe that the Holy
Spirit uttered anything casually or without reason through the Apostle.
And so we will, as the Lord grants us, consider them in the same order
in which we began.