[Jacob thought all his trials were against him ; when, in factj they were designed for the good of himself and of all his family1. And we know not but that the events we so deeply bewail, are indispensably necessary to our salvation. We have reason to think that, if we saw the end as God does, we, instead of regarding our losses or bereavements as afflictions, should adore God for them as much as for the most pleasing of his dispensations. Let us then wait till he shall have dis- covered to us the whole of his designs; and be content to form our judgment of him when all the grounds of judging are laid before us.]
1 Gen. xlii. 30. with xlv. 5, 7. and 1. 20.
Jam. v. 1(>. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much.
PRAYER and intercession are generally consi- dered as duties : but, if viewed aright, they would rather be regarded as privileges ; seeing that they are the means of obtaining for ourselves and others those blessings which no created being can bestow. In this point of view, the passage before us, together with the preceding context, affords us the greatest possible encouragement. It is to be regretted, how- ever, that instead of making a due improvement of these gracious declarations, the Papists have made use of them chiefly, if not solely, to advance the tem- poral interests of their clergy, at the expense of the eternal welfare of the laity.
On the direction given to " pray over a sick per- son, and to anoint him with oil in order to his recovery*," they have founded an ordinance, to be observed when a man is absolutely past recovery : and that which was designed of God as emblematic only of a miraculous 'power, given at that time for the restoration (A bodily health, they have established as
Zl
ver. 14, 15. The forgiveness of sin here mentioned refers only v> the removal of any particular judgment that had been inflicted on account of sin. See John v. 11. and 1 Cor. xi. 30.