PROPOSITION XX. 181 in-him for those blessings, which he is exalted to bestow asour Saviour. In short, there is-no benefit which he is exalted to bestow upon upon us, but we may directly address him by faith and prayer for it. The following scriptures will make this evident :. John xiv. 1. " Ye believe in God, believe also wme," in which place, as well as many others, perhaps the word ,r,we is better rendered "trust." Acts xxii. 16. " Be baptized, and wash away thy sins, cal- ling on the naine of the Lord." Stephen just expiring prayed to Christ ; Acts vii. 59. Lord Jesús receive my Spirit" 2 Cor xii. S. When St. Paul was buffeted bySatan, he prayed to Christ for relief. ' For this thing I besought. the Lord thrice, that it might depart fromme." Phil. ii. 19. ' I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timo- theus." 1 Thess. iii. 11. " Our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way unto you." 2 Thess. ii. 16, 17. " Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, comfort your hesrts, and establish you in every good word and. work. . The apostle Paul frequently concludes his letters, both to persons and to churches, praying for " grace and peace to de- scend upon them from our Lord Jesus Christ." The apostle John also does the same ; 2 John verse 3. and Rev. i. 4, 5. Though whether these are so explicit, and distinct addresses to Christ, has been matter of doubt and dispute. And as lie is expressly said to be " exalted as a Prince, and a Saviour to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins ;" Acts iv. 31. So we may properly pray to him, and trust in him to bestow on us repentance and forgiveness. IIL Self-dedication and subjection of the soul to Christ, as a Lord and governor, is also a part of that honour and wor- ship which is due to him ; besides fear and love; &c. 2 Cor. v.15; " He died for all, that they who live should not henceforth live to themselves, but to hint who died for them, and rose again." 2 Cor. viii. 5. " They first gave their own selves to the Lord." John xiii. 13. " Ye call me master andLordand so I am. John xiv. 15. " If ye love me; keep mycommandments." Here letit beobserved also, that in several of these scriptures . we are taught to pray to, or topraise, or to trust inour Lord Jesus Christ, not only tór those blessings which he immediately bestows on us, but for those also which are bestowed more immediately by the Holy Spirit, sucht as illumination, sanctification and coin-
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