072 Prince Edward Island

cannot be saved without a new heart—“Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of heaven.”

The language of Jacob is strong and resolute, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me.” It means, my mind is fixed, I am resolved, I am determined not to part from thee without the blessing. Now it was Christ himself who inspired Jacob with that noble determination. It was pleasing and honor— ing to Christ and it was in accordance with the will of Christ that the blessing should be granted. The prayer was in every way creditable to Jacob, so he obtained the blessing as one who had power with God and prevailed; but at the same time it was all of grace: the Lord giving the desire, the power to wrestle and the blessing. Jacob was so hemmed in and pressed on every hand that he deeply felt his need of Divine help. This feeling of helpless- ness and need is what all men naturally require be- fore they will seek God’s favor with the earnest wrestling of a Jacob. A man perishing with hunger and thirst will earnestly seek relief, and in a Chris- tian country is sure to find it; and thanks be to God, the hungering thirsting soul is welcome to God and receives most graciously from his bountiful hand. A deep sense of need, such as Jacob felt, may be called the mother of prayer, and it has brought many needy souls to the foot of the cross. And our gra- cious Father never yet turned away one that came to him seeking for mercy, for this man receiveth sin- ners and eateth with them and he has declared “Him

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