still says, " Nevertheless I will be inquired of by the house of Israel to do it for theme." We do not say that he never devi- ates from this method of conveying his mercies ; for sometimes "he is found of them that sought him not, and known to them that inquired not after himf:" But the earnestness with which this duty of prayer is inculcated in the text, is of itself a sufficient proof that we are to expect no blessing without it. God would have us know, and feel our wants ; and by opening them before him, get our own hearts affected with them. If at any time he vouchsafe his blessings to those who have not sought him, he instantly stirs them up to prayer, which is as necessary to the welfare of a regenerate soul, as breathing is to the existence of a new-born infant.]
Nor should a discovery of his purposes relax, but rather quicken, our diligence in prayer —
[This was the effect which was produced on Daniel as soon as ever he learned that the time fixed for Israel's cap- tivity was near its termination g. Nor should it produce any other effect on us. As well might Hezekiah have declined the use of food because God had prolonged his life fifteen years, as we neglect the means of spiritual advancement, if we knew that God had predestinated us unto life. On the contrary, the certain prospect of success is our greatest encouragement to pray, and to comply with any terms which God has pre- scribed.]
If we use these means aright, we may be sure we shall attain whatsoever his unerring wisdom sees to be good for us —
[God has " never said to the seed of Jacob, seek ye me in vainh." On the contrary he will " hearken" to our cry with parental tenderness, he will discover to the inquiring soul the riches of his grace, and " enable us to comprehend with all saints the height and depth of his love which passeth knowledge." But then we must pray in earnest and, " search for him with our ivhole heart1 " It is not a mere listless peti- tion that will prevail with him ; we may ask and not have, if we thus ask amiss :" but importunate and believing prayer shall bring down every blessing which God himself is able to bestow.]
This subject will be found of peculiar use,
1. To humble the proud — [Every natural man conceives that his salvation must arise solely from his own exertions. But here we are taught to
e Ezek. xxxvi. 37. f Isai. lxv. 1. s Dan. ix. 2 — 4.
h Isai. xlv. 19. • Lev. xxvi. 40, 41. Deut. iv. 29.