§. 95. Of good to our selves gotten by going to the Throne of Grace.
TO encourage us to go to the Throne of grace, and that with boldnesse, the the Apostle addeth the end of approaching thereunto, which is in generall our own good, that we may obtain, &c. So as advantage to our selves may be expected from our access to God; we may be sure not to lose our labour. If we ask we shall receive; if seek, finde; if knock, it shall be opened unto us, Matth. 7. 7. Open thy mouth wide, saith the Lord, and I will fill it, Psal 81. 10. Thou Lord hast not forsaken them that seek thee, Psal. 9. 10.
Obj. 1. They shall call upon me, but I will not hear, they shall seek me early, but they shall not finde me, Prov. 1. 28.
Ans. That is spoken to despisers of God, who only in their extremities, to serve their own turn call on God.
Obj. 2. Though Moses and Samuel stood before God, he would not hear them, Jer. 15. 1.
Ans. Though he would not hear them for a rebellious people, yet he would hear them for themselves.
Obj. 3. God heard not Paul praying for himself, 2 Cor. 12. 8.
Ans. Though God did not at the present grant the particular thing desired, which was to remove the temptation, yet he granted grace sufficient for him, to with∣stand the temptation, which was equivalent.
Obj. 4. Christ prayed that the cup might passe from him, Matth. 26. 39. but it did not passe.
Ans.
- 1. He did not simply pray to have it clean passe away, but with submissi∣on to his Fathers will.
- 2. He was beard in that he feared, Heb. 5. 7. He was supported and enabled to passe thorow all that was laid upon him.
To conclude, Saints well know what God hath absolutely promised, answerably they frame their petitions, as Dan. 9. 2, 3, &c.
Other things they pray for with submission to the will of God, 2. Sam. 15. 26. Mark 1. 40. Matth. 26. 39.
Gods granting the warrantable desires of his servants, is a strong motive to go boldly to the Throne of grace. Many beggers are importunate suitors to men,