wise and prudent could not receive the knowledge of the Gospel, is expressly said to have been because it was "hidden from them" by God, who on the other hand "revealed it to babes," to the humble and the simple. * St. Paul could not understand the Doctrine of the Cross, until God revealed Christ in his heart. The wisdom then which you want, must come to you from God. St. James with this view expressly calls it the "Wisdom, which is from above," and in the text directs you to ask it of God.

The meaning of this direction is, that in an humble sense of your own ignorance and weakness, you must call upon God in prayer for the blessings which you need. You must confess your blindness and foolishness. to Him; must open to Him all your wants, and troubles, and fears; and must pray for light and grace to instruct, direct, and strengthen you. And you must act thus, not only in a general way, but with a reference to your particular circumstances and wants. You must be earnest and importunate, and explicit in your prayers to God, opening to Him all your mind, and pouring out your whole soul before Him.

You must pray also in Faith. Faith is a qualification expressly added by the Apostle

* Matt. xi. 25.

as absolutely necessary to the efficacy of prayer. Let him who asks Wisdom of God, ask in Faith, nothing wavering." Let him not draw near to God with a doubtful and an unbelieving mind. Let him not distrust either the Power or the Truth of the Almighty. Let him firmly believe that as God is able to supply every want, so He is faithful to fulfil every promise. Has He not revealed Himself as "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think ?” Is it not written that " He is faithful who has promised?" "Hath He

said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good ?" Το pray to God without having a fixed persuasion of His Power and faithfulness, is to dishonour His name, and instead of pleasing to offend Him. The man who thus questions the Divine Perfections" is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed:" and, "let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." If you would pray with acceptance, you must pray in Faith, and waver not. You must firmly believe that God alone giveth wisdom; that from Him alone you can obtain it; and that without prayer to Him it will never be vouchsafed. In these respects, in your judgement on these points you must not waver.

But while you are directed thus to ask

God for Wisdom suited to your particular need, it is not intended that you should do nothing else. It is not intended that you should merely pray for knowledge without using such other means as may help you to obtain it. It is indeed true that God alone giveth Wisdom: but He most commonly confers this blessing, as well as every other, in the use and exercise of appointed means. When He directs you to pray to Him for Wisdom, He expects that you should, at the same time, diligently employ all such other helps as He affords you for procuring it. He expects that you should consult with those, whose experience renders them more capable of giving you instruction, of removing your doubts and difficulties, and of pointing out what is proper or necessary to be done. He expects that, for the same purpose, you should diligently attend on the ministry of His word, and carefully search the Scriptures. It is in the use of these means, that He generally conveys light and knowledge to the mind. While you pray then for Wisdom, use these means, and in the use of them, accompanied with fervent prayer, wait for the blessing, which you seek. For, consider,

III. The Encouragement which you have to follow this Direction. "He giveth to all

men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given you.

These words contain the strongest Encouragement to every humble suppliant. Such persons are apt to be full of fears, and to distrust their right to favour and acceptance. Their very humility causes them to doubt, whether their prayers will be heard, and suggests to them many grounds for despondency and alarm. But the text furnishes an answer to every scruple; meets every doubt; and holds out the strongest assurances of a favourable reception and gracious

answer.

Perhaps, my brethren, you fear that though you pray for Wisdom, you shall not obtain it. Now what is the ground on which fear is built?

your

Possibly you say, or think with yourself thus: God giveth Wisdom. He only can give it to me. I greatly long for it; and would earnestly pray for it. But how can I venture to hope that He will give it to me: to me who am so unworthy, so insignificant, so evil? He will give it to others ⚫ when they ask. But he will justly overlook me. He will surely disregard my prayers, and not bestow His gift on me.’ But in reply to this language it is written, "He giveth to all men." No exceptions are made to any, why then should you make

The address and the terms which include "If any of you lack

exceptions to yourself. God is no respecter of persons. It is not said, that He gives to one and not to another, to another and not to you, but to all. direction are made in you as well as others. Wisdom," whosoever he be, "let him ask of God, who giveth to all men." Do not suppose then (for there is no ground for such a supposition) that you are shut out. Comply with the direction, and you will find God as ready to give to you, as to others.

But perhaps you are discouraged on another ground. You say, My wants are so My ignorance is so great.

'numerous.

There are so many things, on which I • need instruction. How can I hope that God will vouchsafe to me a blessing in so

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large a measure?' It is expressly said in answer to this question: "He giveth liberally." He does not confine his bounty within any narrow limits. The only mea sure of it is our need. As He is ready to give to all men, so is He ready to give all that they require. Open thy mouth wide (He cries), and I will fill it." We are not straitened in Him, but in ourselves. We receive but little, because we ask but little. The more we ask the more we honour God, and the more we shall receive from Him.