Reflections —
1. How much do the saints in general live below their privileges !
[Who that is conversant with the religious world, would imagine that such things as are mentioned in the text were ever to be attained ? One is complaining of his weakness and insufficiency; another, of his darkness and distance from Christ : one is harassed with doubts and fears ; another be- wails his emptiness and the prevalence of sin. Alas ! alas ! how different would be their experience, if they were more constant and importunate in prayer ! What strength and com- fort, what light and holiness, might they not enjoy ! Beloved brethren, do but contemplate the state to which the Ephesians were taught to aspire, and you will blush at your low attain- ments, and be confounded before God for your partial ac- quaintance with his mercies.]
2. How rich is the benefit of prayer !
[There is nothing for which " effectual and fervent prayer will not avail d." However " wide we open our mouths, God will fill theme." We may search out all the promises in the Bible, and take them, like notes of hand, for payment : our God will never refuse what is good for us : his generosity is unwearied, his faithfulness inviolate, his treasury inexhaustible. O that there were in us such a heart, that we could go to him at all times, renewing our petitions, and taking occasion, from every fresh grant, to enlarge our desires, and be more impor- tunate in our entreaties ! Beyond the Apostle's request we cannot perhaps extend our conceptions : but short of them we would not stop. Ambition here is virtue. Let no strength but omnipotence, content us : no presence but the actual dwel- ling of Christ in our hearts, satisfy us : no view of his love but a comprehension of it in all its dimensions, limit our re- searches : nor any communication short of all the fulness of God, allay our appetite for his blessings.]
d Jam. v. 16. e Ps. lxxxi. 10.