Bishop Ryle has said of Christ’s intercession as the ground and sureness of our faith: “The bank-note without a signature at the bottom is nothing but a worthless piece of paper. The stroke of a pen confers on it all its value. The prayer of a poor child of Adam is a feeble thing in itself, but once indorsed by the hand of the Lord Jesus, it availeth much. There was an officer in the city of Rome who was appointed to have his doors always open, in order to receive any Roman citizen who applied to him for help. Just so the ear of the Lord Jesus is ever open to the cry of all who want mercy and grace. It is His office to help them. Their prayer is His delight.” Reader, think of this. Is not this encouragement? Let us close this chapter by referring to some of our Lord’s own words concerning faith in its relation to prayer: “And when He saw a fig-tree in the way, He came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it: Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig-tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig-tree withered away! Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, if ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig-tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea, it shall be done. And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” So again our Lord says: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” And further: “If ye abide in Me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” “Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” “Have Faith in God.” “Have faith in God, for He who reigns on high Hath borne thy grief, and hears the suppliant’s sigh; Still to His arms, thine only refuge, fly, Have faith in God! “Fear not to call on Him, O soul distressed! Thy sorrow’s whisper woos thee to His breast; He who is oftenest there is oftenest blest. Have faith in God! “Lean not on Egypt’s reeds; slake not thy thirst At earthly cisterns. Seek the Kingdom first. Though man and Satan fright thee with their worst, Have faith in God! “Go, tell Him all! The sigh thy bosom heaves Is heard in heaven. Strength and peace He gives, Who gave Himself for thee. Our Jesus lives; Have faith in God!”