To these he added a doxology well suited to the occasion —
d avrbq, though not noticed in the translation, seems to have con- siderable force.
e Ps. lxxxi. 10. f Acts xiv. 22. 6 6\iyov Tradovraz.
2415.3 god's goodness encourages to prayer. 2S3
[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?"
O 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 of men's souls ! If they think of God in the quality of a Governor and Judge, they are not conscious of any defect, though they scarce ever raise their minds to him as their adorable Benefactor : and, if they occasionally promote the comfort of men's bodies, they seem to themselves excused for not attending to their souls. But, beloved, let us not be con- tented to live in so low a region, or to exercise so little grace : but let our love to God and man bear some affinity and pro- portion to the love that God has shewn to us.]
2. For encouragement —
[What is there that we may not expect at the hands of such a God ? We may go to him for ourselves ; we may go to him for others : we may ask of him all manner of grace : the weakest may obtain strength ; and the most wavering may obtain establishment in the divine life. Let us know the privilege of prayer. Let us, especially under our afflictions, betake ourselves to a throne of grace : and if, while we are praying to him, our trials increase u, let us not be discouraged : only let us tarry his leisure ; and our sorrows shall ere long be turned to joy, and our prayers to praise1.]
h This was the case with the Israelites, Exod. v. 5 — 19. with xii. 33.
1 Eph. hi. 20.