Chap. 3 3. An Expoftion upon the Book., of Jo B. Verf. 26. 429 we fee,inboth thefe references, how the perfon of a man mull be refpe ted and in favour before his prayers can. For as we can have no benefitby the interceffion of Chrifl, till we accept his perfon, fo Godwill not give us any benefit by our fupplications, till himfelf accepteth our perfons, which heBoth only in Chril}. Many would be Paved by Chria, they would be pardoned and fiet to heaven,theywould enjoy the benefits,and prtviledges which he bath purchafed for his people,but theyneglea Chriti himfelf; nor doe they think of doling with his perfon. Now, t fay, as un- leffe we have refpea to the perfon of Chrill, and defire union with him, we have nothing to doe with his benefits ; fo unlefs Godhath refpea to our perfons,weget no benefa_t, nó anfwer of our prayers. Thirdly, Note. Tohave the favour ofGod, orto be accepted withhisn,if the top andfummeofall defireablefavours. 'Tis the Alphaand,Omega.,the firftand fall ofall other favours, tot ndGod favourableto us ; ifGod be favourable to us, it mat- ters not much who frowns upon us, or what foul weather we meet with inthis world. And,as tobe in his favour should be the chief of all-our defires,fóto be a4ùred ofhis favour fl,ould be the chief of all our ftudies and cares (2 Cor. g. 7. ) Herein ( faith the Apoflle) we labour, that whether prefent or abfent wemay be ac- ceptedofhien. The word notes to labour ambitioufly ; as if he had Paid, we labour as much for the favour of God, as ever any ofthe Tons ofambition laboured fo: the favour of Princes,or regard with the Kings of this world. No man ever plotted or flatrer'dand crouched foninth to the Kings ofthe earth for favour, as we doe to God: for favour ; herein we labour, Wemake it our bufinefs to be accepted with him ; if God once accept a man, you may turnehim loofe,.be, will fhit"t for one. How compleately happy the condition of fuch á favourite is, will appeare yet furtber in opening the next claufe of this verfe. Andhefhalifee hisfactwith joy. - Whet once God is favourable to a poor ?inner, then he fEa l' be Pifer' or dealt with like a favourite. Great Favourites {land in the pretence 'DS Princes, and frequently fee their faces. Whom ioever
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