+II. We have boldness of access.+ The word signifies a freedom of speaking in opposition to that restraint which we feel when in the presence of one we dread and in whose goodness we can place no confidence. It expresses the fulness of that liberty which under the Gospel all Christians enjoy of drawing near to God, and that freedom of spirit with which we should come to God. The disposition of our hearts should correspond with the liberal and gracious dispensation under which we are placed. We should come to God with a spirit of love, in opposition to servile fear. This boldness imports frequency in our approaches to God. Slaves, under fear, stand at a distance. Children, invited by the goodness of a father, come often into his presence. +III. We have access with confidence.+ This confidence is elsewhere called a better hope and the full assurance of faith. It is opposed to doubting and distrust. Confidence in prayer is a full reliance on God; but this may be accompanied with a humble diffidence of ourselves. +IV. All our hope of success in prayer must rest upon the mediation of Christ+ (ver. 12).--In His name we are to come before God; and in the virtue of His atonement and intercession we may hope for acceptance. +V. Access to God a refuge in trouble+ (ver. 13).--Fearing lest his sufferings in the cause of the Gospel should dishearten his converts, the apostle sets before them a view of their security under the protection of Divine grace. Dangers were before them; but what had they to fear who had boldness of access to God? It was one of the glories of their religion that he who preached it was not ashamed to suffer for it. +Lessons.+--1. _In the apostle Paul we have a noble example of benevolence._ 2. _New converts should be assisted and encouraged._ 3. _Our best support under trouble is boldness of access to God._ 4. _Let the grace and condescension of God encourage us to come often into His presence.--Lathrop._ Ver. 12. _Access to God in Prayer._--Prayer is to be exercised with the greatest caution and exactness, being the most solemn intercourse earth can have with heaven. The distance between God and us, so great by nature and yet greater by sin, makes it fearful to address Him; but Christ has smoothed a way, and we are commanded to come with a good heart, not only in respect of innocence, but also of confidence. +I. There is a certain boldness and confidence very well becoming our humblest addresses to God.+--It is the very language of prayer to treat God as our Father. The nature of this confidence is not so easily set forth by positive description as by the opposition it bears to its extremes. It is opposed: 1. To desperation and horror of conscience. 2. To doubtings and groundless scrupulosities. 3. To rashness and precipitation. 4. To impudence. +II. The foundation of this confidence is laid in the mediation of Christ.+