Thirdly, The effect of the duty, availeth much. He doth not tell you how much ; you will find that upon trial and experience. Observe : —
JaS. V. 17.] UrON THE EPISTLE OF JAMES. 465
Ohs. That prayers riglitly managed cannot want effect. This is the means which God hath consecrated for receiving the highest bless- ings. Prayer is the key by which those mighty ones of God could lock heaven, and open it at their pleasure. Among the graces, faith excelleth, and prayer among the duties ; these are most excellent, be- cause most useful to our present state. It is wonderful to consider what the scripture ascribeth to faith and prayer ; prayer sueth out blessings in the court of grace, and faith receiveth them. It were easy to expatiate in this argument ; but because this is the usual sub- ject of most practical discourses, I forbear. God himself speaketh as if his hands were tied up by prayer : Exod. xxxii. 10, ' Let me alone,' &c.^ Nay, he indenteth with Moses, and offereth him composi- tion if he would hold his peace, ' I will make of thee a great people,' &c. So that other expression, if we read it right, * Concerning my sons and daughters, command ye me,' &c. These are expressions which are to be admired with a holy reverence ; not strained, lest our thoughts degenerate into rude blasphemy. Certinly they are mighty condescensions, wherein the Lord would signify to hs the fruit and efficacy of prayer, as he is pleased to accept it in Christ. Well, then, pray with this encouragement, God hath said in an open place, that is, solemnly avowed before all the world, that none shall seek his face in vain, Isa. xlv. 19.
Ver. 17. Elias loas a man subject to like passions as toe are, and Tie prayed earnestly that it might not rain ; and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
He proveth the general proposition by a particular instance, the example of Elias. Before we come to examine the words, I shall discuss a doubt. How could he infer a general rule out of one single instance, especially from a man whose life was full of prodigy and wonder? I answer — (1.) In a case necessary, one instance is enough, proofs in such a case being e'/c Tiepiaaov, over and above measure, and for illustration rather than confirmation. (2.) Though the instance be particular, yet the precept of praying, and the promise of being heard in prayer, are both universal. (3.) His drift is to show that, if he obtained so much, our prayers shall not altogether be in vain ; there may be less of miracle in our answer, but there will be as much of grace, (4.) For the special dignity of the person, the apostle himself anticipateth that objection ; o/iotoTra^?)?, of like passions with us, is here put by way of prevention. They might plead Elias was a singular instance; who can expect his experiences? The apostle anticipateth this doubt, by acquainting them that he was subject to like infirmities wherewith other men are surprised. I come now to the words.
Elias. — An eminent prophet, and of whom singular things are related in scripture. He raised the widow's son, 1 Kings xvii, 22 ; obtained fire from heaven against the priests of ]3aal, 1 Kings xviii. 38 ; he was fed by ravens, 1 Kings xvii. ; went forty days and forty niglits in the strength of one meal, 1 Kings xix. 8 ; brought fire from heaven on the captains of two fifties and their companions, 2 Kings
^ Austin upon that place glosseth thus: 'Domine, quis tenet te ?' Let me alone Lord, who holdeth thee ? Who can lay fetters and restraints upon Omuipotency ? &c. VOL. IV. 2 G
4G6 AN EXPOSITION, WITH NOTES, [JaS. V. 17.
i. 10 ; papscd over Jordan dry-foot, 2 Kinf:js ii. 8 ; he was snatched into heaven in a fiery chariot, 2 Kings ii. 11 ; he visibly appeared in the transfiguration of Christ, Mat. xvii. 3. The Pa})ists feign that he shall come corporally into the world before the day of judgment. And here our apostle instanceth in another miracle — heaven itself seemed to be subject to his prayers, and to be shut and opened at his ])leasure.
Was a man subject to like passions as we are. — Some apply this to outward sufferings and afflictions ; some to weaknesses of body and the inconveniences of the present life; some to inward passions and perturbations of the mind; some to moral infirmities and sins: all may be intended. The same word is used Acts xiv. 15, when they would have sacriliced to Paul and Barnabas: 'We are,' say they, 'ofioio- iradeU, of like passions with yourselves.' It is put there for whatever difi'erenceth man from the divine nature ; as Peter in the like case saith, Acts x. 26, 'I am also a man,' &c. Thus the scripture showeth that Elias was hungry, 1 Kings xvii. 11; that he feared death, and therefore fled from Jezebel, 1 Kings xix. 3 ; and requested to die in a pet and discontent, 1 Kings xix. 4. All kinds of infirmities incident to man are ascribed to him.