CHAPTER III, 157 believe that he is a God hearing prayer, and will bestow upon us what we seek, so far as is necessary for his glory, and our salves. tion ; to believe that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him; Heb. xi. fi. Here also the grace of hope comes into ex- ercise; for while we trust the promises, we hope for the things promised, or the things for which we petition. We ought to maintain an humble holy expectation of those mercies for which we plead with God. We must direct our prayer to him and look up, with David ; Psal. v. 3. and with Habakkuk, stand uponn our watch-tower, and see what he will answer us Hab. ii. 1. VI. In that part of prayer which is called profession, or self-resignation, great humility is again required; a sweet sub- mission to his will, a composedness and quietness of spirit under his determinations, even though, for reasons of infinite wisdom and love, be withhold from us the particular comforts that we seek. Here let pdtience have its perfect exercise, and let the soul continue in an humble frame, waiting upon God. While we give up ourselves to God, a divine steadiness of soul should at- tend it, and the firmest courage of heart against all oppositions, while we confirm all our self-dedications to the Lord. VII. In thanksgiving, a most hearty gratitude of soul is required, a deep sense of divine favours, and a readiness to re- turn unto God according to his goodness, to the uttermost of our capacities ; a growing love to God, and sincere longing to do something for him, answerable to the variety and riches of his grace towards us. Herealso, with holy wonder, we acknowledge the condescension of God to bestow mercies upon us so unwor- thy ; and this wonder should arise and grow up into divine joy, while we bless our Maker for the mercies of this life, and our Father for an interest in his covenant and his special love. And in our thanksgivings we should be sure to take notice of all re- turns of prayer, all mercifùl appearances of God in answer to air requests ; for it isbut a poor converse that is maintained with God, if we are only careful about our speaking to him, but take no notice of any replies he condescends to make to our poor and worthless addresses. VIII. When we bless God, we should shew an earnest longing after the honour of the name of God, and our souls should breathe fervently after the accomplishment of those pro- mises wherein he hath engaged to spread his own honours, and to magnify his own name, and the name of his Son ; we should, as it were, exult and triumph in those glories, which God, 'our Godpossesses, and rejoiceto think that he shall for ever possess them. Then we conclude the whole prayer with our Amen of sincerity and faith, in one short word expressing over again our adorations, our confessions, and our petitions.; trusting and
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