that the priests could no longer continue their mini- strations there''.
But that to which I would more particularly call your attention at this time is, the prayer which Solo- mon offered, and which brought down so signal a blessing upon them all. It affords a noble specimen of man's intercourse with his Maker ; and shews us,
I. What we may hope for in God's house of prayer ;
and,
II. How we may secure every blessing which our
souls can desire.
I. Let me state what we may confidently hope for in God's house of prayer —
Whatever there may be in this history that should be limited to that particular occasion, I think we may at least gather this instruction from it, that, whenever we draw nigh to God in the public services of his Church, we may expect these two things; namely. His gracious lyresence to receive our inaijers, and His merciful acceptance to forgive our sins.
That there is great caution to be used in deducing general conclusions from particular premises, I readily acknowledge. But such conclusions are drawn by the inspired writers: for, from a particular promise made to Joshua, it is inferred, that all true believers, of whatever age or nation, may assure themselves of effectual aid from God; and, in the confident expec- tation of it, may hurl defiance at all the enemies of their salvation. The same general inference, I think, may well be drawn from God's gracious answer to this prayer of Solomon. Doubtless, a suppliant, in his secret chamber, shall find favour with God: for " God never says to any. Seek ye my face in vain." But, in public, when presenting his petitions in concert witli others, the suppliant has a double assurance that he shall be heard: for God has especially promised, that " where two or three are gathered together in his name, he will be in the midst of them;" and that
c 2 Chron. vii. 1, 2,