Prayers to be made unto God in Christs name. [ 1016]
JOseph gives strict command unto his brethren,* 1.1 that if ever they looked for him to do them any good, or to see his face with comfort, they should be sure to bring the lad Benjamin their brother along with them. Thus if ever we expect any com∣fortable return of our Prayers, we must be sure to bring our elder Brother Christ Ie∣sus in our hearts by faith, and to put up all our requests in his Name, They of old called upon God, using the names of Abraham, Isaac and Iacob, three of Gods friends.* 1.2 Afterwards, they entreated God for his servant Davids sake: Others drew up Arguments to move God,* 1.3 drawn from the Creation of the World: and from his loving kindnesse.* 1.4 These were very good wayes then, and very good to engage the great God of Heaven to us;* 1.5 But unto us is shewed a more excellent way,* 1.6 by how much the appellation of an onely begotten Son exceeds that of friend and servant;* 1.7 and the benefit of Redemption excells that of creation and favour:* 1.8 Dulce nomen Christi,* 1.9 O the sweet name Iesus Christ! no man ever asked any thing of God truly in that Name, but he had his asking.