Is not thy heart so full
of desires after the things of another world, that many times thou
dost even forget the things of this world? Prithee, read this
scripture: Job 23: 12.
QUERY. Yea, but when I go in secret, and intend to pour out my soul
before God, I can scarce say any thing at all.
ANSWER. Ah, sweet soul, it is not thy words that God so much
regards, that he will not mind thee except thou comest before him
with some eloquent oration. His eye is on the brokenness of thy
heart; and that it is which makes the compassions of the Lord run
over: "A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
The stopping of thy words--may arise from overmuch trouble in thy
heart. David was so troubled sometimes that he could not speak. But
this may comfort all such sorrowful hearts as thine, that though
thou canst not through the anguish of thy spirit speak much, yet the
Holy Spirit stirs up in thy heart groans and sighs so much the more
vehement.
AFFECTIONATE CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER.
God has given thee his Son's righteousness to justify thee; he has
also, because thou art a son, sent forth the Spirit of his Son into
thy heart to satisfy thee, and to help thee to cry unto him, Father,
Father! Wilt thou not cry? wilt thou not desire? Thy God has "bidden
thee open thy mouth; he has bid thee open it wide," and promised,
saying, "and I will fill it;" and wilt thou not desire?
Oh, thou hast a license, a leave, a grant to desire; wherefore, "be
not afraid to desire great mercies of the God of heaven.
Pages:
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416