X31 CONSOLATIONS OF PRAYER. that hearest prayer, why unto Thee will not all flesh come ? But though God's pardoning grace knows no bounds, his sanctifying grace is given by measure, is given as we .use what we have already Teceived. God seems to reserve in his own hands a pro- vision for our humility, and thus keeps prayer in full exercise. The one is pro- gressive in its operation, the other is full and free, bestowed, not for any righte- ousness in the receiver, but for that fill and perfect oblation once made for sin. But is it not a most fallacious 'trust to expect that our sins will be blotted out without that habitual repentance annex- ed to the promise ? It is vain to offer the bribe of burnt offerings, the thousands of rams, or the rivers of oil. God desires not to be paid for our pardon, nor profit- ed by our offerings. He never sells his favours. The riches of the universe, which are indeed already his, could not procure the pardon of a single sinner, but be prescribes the duty, when he promises 8
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