An answer to a challenge madeAn ansvver to a challenge made

But of all others, S. Chrysostom is most plentiful in setting out the difference of the access which we may have to God & to the great ones in this world. ^kWhen ⟨p. 415⟩we have suit unto men (saith he in one place) we have need of cost and money, and servile adulation, and much going up and down and great ado. For it falleth out oftentimes that we cannot go straight unto the Lords themselves and present our gift unto them and speak with them; but it is necessary for us first to procure the favour of their ministers and stewards and officers, both with paying and praying and using all other means unto them, and then by their mediation to obtain our request. But with God it is not thus. For there is no need of intercessors for the petitioners: neither is he so ready to give a gracious answer being entreated by others, as by our own selves praying unto him. ^lWhen thou hast need to sue unto men, (saith he in another place) thou art forced first to deal with door-keepers, and to entreat parasites and flatterers, and to go a long way. But with God there is no such matter: without an intercessor he is entreated, without money without cost he yieldeth unto thy prayer. It sufficeth only that thou cry in thine heart, and bring tears with thee; and entering in straightway thou mayest draw him unto thee. ^mAmongst men (saith he in a third place) it behoveth him that cometh unto one, to be a man of speech, and it is required that he should flatter all those that are about the Prince, and to think upon many other things, that he may find acceptance. But here there is need of nothing, save of a watchful mind only: and there is nothing that hindereth us from being near to God. So in his sermon upon the woman of Canaan, which he made in his latter days, after his return from his first ⟨p. 416⟩banishment: ⁿGod is always near, saith he. If thou wilt entreat man; thou askest what he is a doing, and he is asleep, he is not at leisure, or the servant giveth thee no answer. But with God there is none of these things. Whithersoever thou goest and callest, he heareth: there is no want of leisure, nor a mediator, nor a servant that keepeth thee off. Say, Have mercy upon me; and presently God is with thee. For while thou art yet a speaking, saith he, I will say; Behold here I am. (