city in a world of glory, hath he graciously promised, and given us a command to ask for, in his name. And what is this but to plead, when praying to our heavenly Father, that Jesus hath sent us; and to ask and expect the blessings for his sake alone? Expect therefore an answer to prayer. "I WILL make an altar (said the venerable patriarch Jacob) unto God, who answereth me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went." (Gen. xxxv. 3.) He expected the blessing which he asked of the Lord, and in the dispensations of Providence towards him he received the answer to his prayer. God is faithful, who hath promised. He saith, concerning every one who "hath set his love upon" him, "He shall call upon me and I will answer him, I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him." (Ps. xci. 14, 15.) His promises are evidently designed to direct us in our supplications, and to excite in us an expectation of their fulfilment. And what is prayer but the offering up of the desires of the heart for some good thing, which the Lord hath directly or indirectly promised in his holy word to bestow? The very act itself implies that a blessing may be vouchsafed, in answer to our petitions; and his promises assure us there will; though the time and manner of conferring it are reserved to himself: and he best knows what will suit us, and the best possible time of bestowing it. Therefore, he who obeys the divine precepts heartily, pleads the promises in prayer perseveringly, waits their fulfilment patiently, and is content if God be glorified, though himself be not gratified, may confidently expect seasonable and suitable answers to all the prayers he offers in sincerity at a throne of grace, in the name of Jesus. |