necessary that they should be " established " in the faiths " strengthened " in the pnfessinn, and " settled " in the eiijoy- ment of the Gospel. For these things therefore the Apostle prayed ; knowing, by bitter experience, that they must come from God, the only Author of such inestimable blessings'*. For these things also should our prayers be offered : and the consideration nf what God is in himself, and has done for 7is, may well encourage us to offer the most enlarged petitions. If we " open our mouth ever so wide, we need not doubt but that he will fill it^"]
His prayers, however, were qualilied with a very necessary concession —
[God has not given us any reason to expect an exemption from suffering : on the contrary, he has told us plainly, that our road to heaven lies through much tribulation ^ Even *' Christ himself was made perfect through sufferings ;" and every Child of man must be conformed to him in this respect. Sufferings are sent to try, to illustrate, and to confirm our grace ; and finally, to work out for us a proportionable weight of glory. The Apostle therefore did not presume to inter- fere with the established order of things ; but only to pray, that their trials might be as light and transient, as would con- sist with the accomplishment of their proper ends^. In this respect he sets us a good example ; and teaches us to desire rather a sanctified use of our afflictions, than a premature re- moval of them.]
To these he added a doxology well suited to the occasion —
[Who can reflect on what God is in himself, or on what he has done for us, or on what he is ready to do for us, and not desire that his name may be glorified, and that every thought may be subjected to his holy will? When the Apostle says, " To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever;" who is not ready to exclaim with ardent affection^ *' Amen, and amen?"
() Brethren, let such views occupy our attention, and such prayers and praises be ever ascending from the altar of our hearts !]
This subject may be of use,
1. For reproof —
[How far are the generality of professing Christians from such exalted views of God, or such deep concern for the
welfare
* airoi, though not noliced in the translation, seems to have con- siderable force,
• Ps. Ixxxi. 10, ' Acts xiv. 22. e i^/ycv w«««vT«f.