Note, 1. God sets himself at a distance from those that set him at
defiance: The wicked say to the Almighty, Depart from us, and he is,
accordingly, far from them; he does not manifest himself to them, has
no communion with them, will not hear them, will not help them, no, not
in the time of their need. They shall be for ever banished from his
presence and he will behold them afar off. Depart from me, you cursed.
2. He will draw nigh to those in a way of mercy who draw nigh to him in
a way of duty: He hears the prayer of the righteous, accepts it, is
well pleased with it, and will grant an answer of peace to it. It is
the prayer of a righteous man that avails much, Jam. v. 16. He is nigh
to them, a present help, in all that they call upon him for.