the authority of God was established over the hearts of men : and all the perfections of the Father were magnified and adored. Similar effects are produced by every communication of his grace to the souls of men ; who are thereby " turned from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God." Only trace the change that is wrought in the heart and life of any individual, when the Spirit of God works effectually in his soul, and it will instantly appear how greatly the honour of God is advanced by the answers which our Saviour gives to the prayers of men ]
2. The circumstance of the prayers being answered by him tends also to the glory of God the Father —
[The poiver of God would appear equally if the prayers were answered by the Father: but not so his other perfections: they are more eminently displayed by that office being vested in the Lord Jesus. By that the justice and holiness of the Father are exalted ; inasmuch as men are thereby taught, that God cannot accept a sinner, if coming in his own name, nor reject him, if coming in the name of Jesus : the holiness of God prohibiting all access to him, except through a Mediator; and the justice of God withholding from none the blessings which have been purchased for them by the Saviour's blood. By that also the love and mercy of God are magnified ; in that, when there was no possibility of salvation to our fallen race if left to themselves, God gave his only-begotten Son to obtain salvation for them, and to impart it to them. By that too are the truth and faithfulness of God displayed; because, the pro- mises being given us only in Christ Jesus0, the accomplishment of them by Christ is an evidence that " with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." If it should be thought by any that the delegation of this power to Christ derogates from the honour of the Father, let him know, that God the Father accounts himself then alone honoured, when equal honour is given to his co-equal, co-eternal Sonp.]
Hence then we may see,
1. Whence it is that so few persons receive answers to prayer —
[Many offer prayers, both in public and private ; but they do not pray with that humility, or that faith, which are neces- sary to procure an answer from God. They do not feel that deep consciousness of their own vileness that makes a Mediator necessary: though they may notionally acknowledge Christ as their Saviour, they do not really feel the impossibility of
0 2 Cor. i. 20. Gal. iii. 17. p Phil. i. 11. John v. 22, 23.