Sermons, Delivered in the Parish Church of Richmond (Volume 2)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1827. Excerpt: ... 407 SERMON XXV. THE ENCOURAGEMENT TO PRAYER. Heb. iv. 16. - LET US COME THEREFORE BOLDLY TO THE THRONE OF GRACE; THAT WE MAY OBTAIN MERCY, AND FIND GRACE TO HELP IN TIME OF NEED. A True Christian knows well the nature and the value of prayer. Prayer is his intercourse with God; the source of his strength, and joy, and peace. Prayer is, in truth, the measure of his felicity. When dull, and cold, and heartless in this exercise of his spiritual faculties, he culls but scanty fruit from the varied comforts of life, while he finds every temptation to evil augmented in its power and influence over his mind. When, on the other hand, his prayer is warm, fervent, and unremitting, all is quiet and joyful in his heart. The smile of God sheds its light over every object which he contemplates, and thus disarms the world of its power to disturb his peace. Watch and pray, said our Saviour, lest ye enter into temptation. Pray without ceasing, said the apostle Paul; Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The same apostle refers to the subject of prayer in his espistle to the Hebrews; and introduces it in a very remarkable manner. Seeing, he observes, that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in every time of need The words o...