[In the history before us we behold one man interceding for a whole nation, and that too under circumstances where there could be scarcely any hope to prevail : yet he not only obtains a revocation of the sentence which God had passed, but a renewal and continuance of his wonted favours towards them. Shall we then neglect the duty of intercession, or in- tercede for each other merely in a formal way, as though we expected no answer to our petitions? Let us not so greatly dishonour God, and so wickedly slight our own privileges". We are expressly commanded to pray one for another, yea, and to make intercessions for all men0: let us not doubt therefore but that, by pleading earnestly with God, we may obtain blessings for our friends, for our country, and for all whose cause we plead. " The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."]
3. How happy are they who are enabled to live upon the promises !
[Were we to consider the length and difficulty of our way, the enemies we have to encounter, and our utter insufficiency for any thing that is good, we should utterly despair of ever reaching the heavenly Canaan. But God promises to us his presence in the way, and his rest at the end of our journey; and " he who has promised is able also to perform." Let our trust then be in him, " with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." Let us " cast our care on him who careth for us." Let our discouragements, yea, our very iniquities, bring us nearer to him, and cause us to rely more simply on his word. Thus shall we experience his faithfulness and truth, and be monuments of his unbounded mercy to all eternity.]
n 1 Sam. xii. 23. ° Jam. v. 16.