John Trapp on Matthew 7:8

Verse 8. For every one that asketh receiveth, &c.] And he is worthily miserable, that will not be happy for asking. Praier (saith Lambert the Martyr) is in Scripture much commended, and many great and unmeasurable benefits are shewed to [illegible: 1 word]: [illegible: 3 words]. [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. thereupon, that men should the more lustily give themselves thereunto. Thus Jacob wrestling with God, both by might and [non-Latin text not transcribed] [illegible: 1 word], (as the word signifieth) both by the strength of his body, and force of his faith, he grounded his praier upon Gods gracious [illegible: 1 word]; which he rolls as sugar in his [illegible: 1 word], and repeats it again [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 1 word]. and again. See the same course taken, 2 Sam. 7. 25. 1 King. 8. 25. &c. Dan. 9. 2, 3, Psal. 12. 5, 6, 7. Act. 4. 25, &c. Cast [illegible: 1 word] of hope in the darkest desertion, wait for day, and pray, as those in the shipwrack, Act. 27. pleading that precious [illegible: 1 word], Isa. 50. 10. This help if we use not, we shall either pray [illegible: 1 word], [illegible: 2 words] without fire: or, as the Pharisee, proudly, or as the Thessalonians, as men without hope: which is to deny our own praiers. He cannot possibly be poor, that can pray in faith: because God is rich to all such, Rom. 10. 12. and giveth [illegible: 1 word] to such as so ask, Jam. 1. 5. Never did the hand of faith [non-Latin text not transcribed]. knock in vain at Gods gate. The AEdiles (or Chamberlains) amongst the Romans, had ever their doors standing open, for all that had occasion of request or complaint, to have free accesse to [illegible: 1 word]. Gods mercy-doors are wide open to the praiers of his [illegible: 1 word] people. The Persian Kings held it a [illegible: 1 word] of their silly glory, to deny an easy accesse to their greatest Subjects. It was death to sollicite them uncalled. [illegible: 1 word] her self was afraid. But the King of heaven manifesteth himself to his people, Joh. 14. 21. calls to his spouse, with, Let me see thy face, let me hear thy voice, [illegible: 1 word] 1. 14. &c. and assigneth her negligence herein, as the cause of her [illegible: 1 word], The door of the Tabernacle was not of any hard or debarring matter, but a veil; which is easily [illegible: 1 word]. And whereas in the Temple none came neer to worship, but onely the high-Priest, others stood without in the outer-Court; Gods [illegible: 1 word] are now a [illegible: 1 word] of [illegible: 1 word], and are [illegible: 1 word] to worship in the [illegible: 1 word], and [illegible: 1 word] the Alter, Rev. 11. 1. Let us therefore draw neer with a true heart, in full assurance of faith; Let us comeHeb. 10. 22. boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, andHeb. 4 16. finde grace to help in time of need.