EPC Australia

That is, what he had been promising, and notwithstanding the freeness and certainty of the engagement. Such is the revealed "will" of God. And his will is law, and law from which there lies no appeal. Nothing, therefore, can dispense with the obligation of prayer. But let us look at this fact.

As we have no claims upon God, and all he does for us must be from pure mercy and grace, no one can deny that he has a right to determine the way in which his favours shall be conferred. Nor can it be questioned that he is the most competent judge in this case, for his understanding is infinite; he knows himself and his relations, and he knows us and our welfare perfectly.

Yet let us not suppose that he acts arbitrarily, though he may act sovereignly. And let us remember, too, that his acting sovereignly does not consist in his acting without reasons, but in his being governed by reasons which are often far above out of our sight.

His wisdom and his goodness are to be seen here as plainly as his authority. Some vainly ask, Where is the propriety of prayer? Can prayer be necessary to inform a Being, perfect in knowledge? Or to excite a Being, always ready to do good.? Or to induce a Being, with whom there is no variableness, to change his measures? But the question is beside the mark. What is not necessary as to God, may be necessary as to us. Religion is founded not in his wants, but in ours. Does not something of this kind obtain among all ranks and conditions of our fellow-creatures? All-parental as you are, do you always dispense with your child's asking for what he wants? As a master, though willing to forgive, do you not deem it needful to require the servant that offended you to confess his fault and implore pardon?

How many are the advantages arising from God's requiring us to ask, that we may have and seek, that we may find! The exercise of prayer keeps alive a sense of our indigence and dependence. Every time I go to God in prayer, I am reminded that I am ignorant, and that he is wise; that I am weak, and that he is powerful; that I am guilty and miserable, and that he is merciful and gracious; that I am nothing, and that he is all in all.

Prayer, by bringing us into the presence of God, will impress us with his excellences; and the intercourse we have with him, will lead us to admire, and fear, and love, and resemble him. For we soon catch the spirit, and take off the manners of those with whom we are intimate; especially if they are above us, and we much esteem them. It is said, that those who are about the court have an air and an address peculiar to themselves; and that it is difficult, if not impossible, for another to assume it. A man who is much at the throne of grace, will betray it in a manner of feeling, speaking, and acting, that a religious pretender can never entirely exemplify.

Hereby, too, the blessing is more endeared, and enhanced. We never much regard what we acquire without application or effort. The effort is a kind of price, and we judge of the commodity by the cost. That which blesses us, is what relieves our wants, fulfils our desire, accomplishes our hope, crowns our sacrifices. God's blessings are not bestowed upon those who are incapable of feeling their value; they would then yield neither pleasure to the receiver, nor praise to the giver. His way, therefore, is to make us sensible of our need, to show us the importance and excellency of the favours, and to draw forth our souls after them. Then we are in his way. Then we can plead his promise. For "blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Morning Exercises For Everyday In The Year
By Rev. William Jay