work, which if prosecuted with fervour and perse- verance, shall issue in present peace, and everlasting triumphs.
2. To those who are daily waiting upon their God, we would also address a few words —
That you find much cause for humiliation in your secret walk with God, is highly probable : for though nothing would be easier than prayer, if you were altogether spiritual, the remaining carnality of your hearts renders it inexpressibly difficult. Nor can we doubt but that Satan labours to the uttermost to increase your discouragements, both by distracting your minds in prayer, and by insinuating, that your labour will be in vain. And too often are you in- clined perhaps to credit his suggestions, and to say, like the unbelieving Jews, " What profit should we have, if we pray unto him8?" he will not hear: "he has shut up his loving-kindness in displeasure." But rest assured that he will not suffer you to seek his face in vain. His answers may be delayed ; but they shall come in the best time. You have only to wait ; and the vision, though it may tarry for a season, will not ultimately disappoint you1. Sooner or later, " God will assuredly avenge his own elect"." There is no situation so desperate but prayer will relieve us from itx : no object is so far beyond the reach of human influence, but prayer will attain ity. The efficacy of prayer is as unlimited as Omni- potence itself, because it will bring Omnipotence to our aid2.
But some are ready to say, " I have prayed, and earnestly too ; and yet have obtained no answer to my prayer." It may be so ; because you have " asked amiss a ;" or because the time for answering it is not yet arrived. But it often happens, that persons think their prayers are cast out, when they have indeed received an answer to them, yea, the best
s Job xxi. 15. * Hab. ii. 3. u Luke xviii. 7.
x Jonah ii. 2 — 7. y Jam. v. 17, 18. z John xiv. 13, 14.
a Jam. iv. 3.