November 18

"Open thy mouth wide." Psalms 81:10.

THOUGH we cannot find out God perfectly in his essence or his works, we are not left in total ignorance concerning him. We have all the information our duty and our consolation can require. Though he be a God that hideth himself, yet he is the God of Israel, the Saviour. He has been pleased to reveal himself as the hearer of prayer; yea, more, as exciting it, as encouraging it, as concerned for the enlargement of our desires in the performance of it. "Open thy mouth wide."

To aid us herein, let us consider his greatness and all-sufficiency. We should expect more from a prince than from a pauper. Many have benevolence without resources, and in vain we address them; they may grieve to deny us, but they cannot relieve. When the woman cried, "Help, O king!" he said, "Whence should I help thee?" But we kneel before One whose greatness is unsearchable, who is Lord of all. His giving a world would be less than our giving a crumb of bread. When Alexander had bestowed a very valuable present on a poor man, his modesty would have declined it: "It is too much," said he, "for me to receive." "But," said the conqueror, "it is not too much for me to give." God gives like himself, and he is to be addressed in character with himself. We believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. Is it comfort we want? He is the God of all comfort. Is it deliverance? Nothing is too hard for the Lord. Is it renovation? He can make all things new. He is able to do for us exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

Let us consider his goodness. Nothing tends to contract us more than a sense of our unworthiness. We ought to feel this; but we ought not to be discouraged by it, since he is the God of all grace, the Father of mercies; since he is rich in mercy, and delighteth in mercy. We are not to judge of him by a human standard. It is an injury to us, when we are applying to him, to think of the benevolence of the most generous of our fellow-creatures. They all come inconceivably short of his glory. "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." And the reference here is to his thoughts and ways of mercy, and especially pardoning mercy.

Let us remember also the medium through which we implore his favors. We have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. We have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus; having such a High-priest over the house of God, we draw near in full assurance of faith. In saving and glorifying us through the Son of his love, we do not ask God to deny his truth, or dishonor his name, or trample upon his law. Yea, he magnifies his law in doing it. He declares his righteousness. While he redeems Jacob, he glorifies himself in Israel; and glory to God in the highest is combined with peace on earth, and good-will towards men. Let us think of this, and ask, and receive, that our joy may be full. "What-oever," said he, "ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will do it."

Review also the manner in which he has answered the prayers of his people. Has he ever refused them? Has he ever given sparingly? Jacob asked for bread to eat, and raiment to put on, and a return in peace to his father's house; and lo, he becomes two bands. Solomon asked for a wise and understanding heart, and he obtained not only wisdom, but life and riches and honor. Abraham left off asking, with regard to Sodom, before God left off giving. Why did he stop at ten? Had not God complied with every preceding proposal without the least reluctance? But Abraham was ashamed; he had not courage to go on.

But is it not sufficient that he has commanded it? Having his authority, you cannot be chargeable with presumption if you ask much. Yea, you will be guilty of rebellion if you refuse. How did he punish the guests who refused the invitation to the feast, "Come, for all things are now ready."

Here is also an express assurance, a promise not only that we shall receive, but be filled: "Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it." He

Mons. Exer.

36 will supply all our need from his riches in glory. He will bless us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

Where is the Christian who lives up to his duty, or to his privilege? For God not only answers prayer really, but proportionally: he says, "Be it unto thee even as thou wilt."

Let not him therefore who prays rarely and coldly, think to succeed like the frequent and fervent petitioner. Honor God, and God will honor you. He does not despise the day of small things. But "the hand of the diligent maketh rich."