(2dly.) That we ask for them for the end of
the promise, not to spend on our lusts. When we ask pardon for sin, with
secret
Ps.
lxxviii. 35–37. reserves in our hearts to continue in
sin, we ask the choicest mercy of the covenant, to spend it on our lusts.
The end of the promise the apostle tells us, 2 Cor. vii.
1, “Having these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all
pollution of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
When we ask what is in the promise, as it is in the promise, to this end
of the promise, our supplications are according to the will of God. And
this is the first conjugal affection that Christ exerciseth towards
believers, — he delights in them; which that he doth is evident,
as upon other considerations innumerable, so from the instance given.