Faith in prayer.

Of old, beggars did use to carry their bowls in their laps when they went to a door for alms; consequently, if their bowls were but little, they ofttimes came off with a loss, though the charity of the giver was large.  Art thou a beggar, a beggar at God’s door? be sure thou gettest a great bowl, for as thy bowl is, so will be thy mess.  “According to thy faith be it unto thee.”

Wrestling prayer.

A wrestling spirit of prayer is a demonstration of an Israel of God; this Jacob had, this he made use of, and by this he obtained the name of Israel.  A wrestling spirit of prayer in straits, difficulties, and distresses—­a wrestling spirit of prayer when alone, in private, in the night, when no eye seeth but God’s, then to be at it, then to lay hold of God, then to wrestle, to hold fast, and not to give over until the blessing is obtained, is a sign of one that is an Israel of God.

As this word, “Let Israel hope in the Lord,” is sometimes equivalent to a command, so it is expressed sometimes also to show a grant, leave, or license to do a thing, such are these that follow:  “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace; let us draw near with a true heart; let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering.”  Understand the word thus, and it shows you how muddy how dark those of Israel are, and how little they are acquainted with the goodness of their God who stand shrinking at his door like beggars, and dare not in a godly sort be bold with his mercy.  Wherefore standest thou thus with thy ifs and thy O-buts, O thou poor benighted Israelite?  Wherefore puttest thou thy hand in thy bosom, as being afraid to touch the hem of the garment of thy Lord?

The publican’s prayer.

“God be merciful to me a sinner.”  Herein the publican showeth wonderful wisdom.  For,

1.  By this he thrusts himself under the shelter and blessing of the promise; and I am sure it is better and safer to do so than to rely upon the best excellencies that this world can afford.  Hosea 14:  1-4.

2.  He takes the ready way to please God; for God takes more delight in showing mercy than in any thing that we can do.  Hosea 6:6; Matt. 9:13; 12:7.  Yea, and that also is the man that pleaseth him, even he that hopes in his mercy.  Psalm 147:  1.  The publican, therefore, whatever the Pharisee might think, stood all this while upon sure ground, and had by far the start of him for heaven.  Alas, his dull head could look no further than to the conceit of the pitiful beauty and splendor of his own righteousness; nor durst he leave that to trust wholly to the mercy of God.  But the publican comes out, though in his sins, yet like an awakened, enlightened, resolved man; and first abases himself, then gives God the glory of his justice, and after that the glory of his mercy, by saying, “God be merciful to me a sinner.”  And thus in the ears of the angels he did ring the changes of heaven.  And,