it is by the holy violence of prayer that they must be brought down from heaven ; and by the appropriating energy of faith that they must be made available for your salvation ]
2. How injurious are the workings of unbelief — [Unbelief puts far from us the promises of God, under an idea that we have no title to them ; and deprives the soul of all the happiness which it is privileged to enjoy. In vain does God say, "All" thy children shall be taught of God: for unbelief has found out some reason for an exception in this or that particular person. In vain has God said, " Great shall be the peace" of thy children : for unbelief suggests, that trouble and fear are more suited to the case of this particular indivi- dual. I do not mean to say, that wilful and habitual sin is not a bar both to the teachings and consolations of the Spirit : for that will assuredly cut off all gracious communications from us ; as it is said, " Your iniquities have separated between you and your Godd :" but, if we truly turn to God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, no past iniquities are any bar to our acceptance with him ; nor are any present infirmities a ground for desponding fears ; seeing that there is a sufficiency in Christ for all our wants ; and our very necessities afford him a more glorious occasion for magnifying himself in our support. Dismiss then all doubts and fears respecting your right to apprehend the promises of God, or your title to expect his promised blessings. Only " be strong in faith, giving glory to Gode;" and " according to your faith it shall be done unto youf."]
d Isai. lix. 2. e Rom. iv. 20. f Matt. ix. 29.