This truth may be understood two ways, First, in reference to the state of grace. When Abel and Cain brought their sacrifices or offerings, God had respect to Abel and his offering, but to Cain and his offering had no respect, (Gen. 4.4, 5.) Abel was in a state of grace, Cain was not, so the Apostle states their case, (Heb. 11.4.) By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice then Cain, by which he obtained witness that he (his person) was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and what did he testify? surely that his gifts were brought in faith, and were presented from a principle of grace, which Cain had not; and therefore God did not approvingly testify of his gifts. Till we close with God by faith, God doth not close with our services by acceptance. Secondly, as this is true in reference to the state of grace, so in reference to somewhat in the present actings or dispositions of those who are gracious. 'Tis possible for a godly man to act so sinfully, and to be so ill disposed to the frame of his heart, that God may seem to deny acceptation to his prayers, and services. David said (Psal. 66.18.) If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. And God told the Jews, his Covenant people, (Isa. 1.15.) When ye make many prayers, I will not hear; your hands are full of blood. Thus while they who have a state interest in Christ, walk unworthy of it, they are under the frowns of God, and his dis-acceptation of all their duties, till they renew their repentance and humble themselves. And I conceive this was the case of the sick man in the Text (in whom doubtless, he aimed at Job) whom Elihu granted to be a godly man, yet under great distempers of spirit, which must be healed & removed before he could so call upon or pray unto God, as he would be favourable to him, or give him testimony of his favour. Thus ⟨p. 429⟩we see, in both these references, how the person of a man must be respected and in favour before his prayers can. For as we can have no benefit by the intercession of Christ, till we accept his person, so God will not give us any benefit by our supplications, till himself accepteth our persons, which he doth only in Christ. Many would be saved by Christ, they would be pardoned and get to heaven, they would enjoy the benefits and privileges which he hath purchased for his people, but they neglect Christ himself;
This truth may be understood two wayes, First, in reference to the state of grace. When Abel and Cain brought their sacrifices or offerings, God had respect to Abel and his offering, but to Cain and his offering had no respect, (Gen. 4.4, 5.) Abel was in a state of grace, Cain was not, so the Apostle states their case, (Heb. 11.4.) By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice then Cain, by which he obtained witnesse that he (his person) was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and what did he testifie? surely that his gifts were brought in faith, and were presented from a principle of grace, which Cain had not; and therefore God did not approvingly testifie of his gifts. Till we close with God by faith, God doth not close with our services by acceptance. Secondly, as this is true in reference to the state of grace, so in reference to somewhat in the present actings or dispositions of those who are gracious. 'Tis possible for a godly man to act so sinfully, and to be so ill disposed to the frame of his heart, that God may seem to deny acceptation to his prayers, and services. David said (Psal. 66.18.) If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not heare me. And God told the Jewes, his Covenant people, (Isa. 1.15.) When ye make many prayers, I will not hear; your hands are full of blood. Thus while they who have a state interest in Christ, walke unworthy of it, they are under the frownes of God, and his dis-acceptation of all their duties, till they renew their repentance and humble themselves. And I conceive this was the case of the sick man in the Text (in whom doubtlesse, he aimed at Job) whom Elihu granted to be a godly man, yet under great distempers of spirit, which must be healed & removed before he could so call upon or pray unto God, as he would be favourable to him, or give him testimonie of his favour. Thus ⟨p. 429⟩we see, in both these references, how the person of a man must be respected and in favour before his prayers can. For as we can have no benefit by the intercession of Christ, till we accept his person, so God will not give us any benefit by our supplications, till himself accepteth our persons, which he doth only in Christ. Many would be saved by Christ, they would be pardoned and get to heaven, they would enjoy the benefits and priviledges which he hath purchased for his people, but they neglect Christ himself;
