The Father gives to those who ask
That no doubt might remain, our Lord labors this point in a more particular manner. He appeals to every man's own heart. What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven, the Father of angels and men, the Father of the spirits of all flesh, give good things to those who ask him? Matthew 7:9-11.
Or, as he expresses himself on another occasion, including all good things in one, How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him? Luke 11:13.
It should be particularly observed here that the persons directed to ask had not then received the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless our Lord directs them to use this means, and promises that it shall be effectual, that upon their asking they shall receive the Holy Spirit, from him whose mercy is over all his works.
1771 text
2. That no doubt might remain, our Lord labours this point in a more peculiar manner. He appeals to every man’s own heart. What man is there of you, who if his son ask bread, will give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven, the Father of angels and men, the Father of the spirits of all flesh, give good things to them that ask him? ver. 9, 10, 11. Or, as he expresses himself on another occasion, including all good things in one, How much more shall your heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke xi. 13. It should be particularly observed here, that the persons directed to ask, had not then received the holy Spirit. Nevertheless our Lord directs them to use this means, and promises that it should be effectual; that upon asking they should receive the holy Spirit, from him whose mercy is over all his works.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 16 in the 1771 Works. Malachi 3:7.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.