A BRIEF TESTIMONY To the Great Duty of Prayer Shewing the NATURE and BENEFIT Thereof To which is added Above one Hundred Eminent and Select Instances that God did answer Prayer Collected out of the Record of the Holy Scriptures By J. T. one of the People call'd Quakers With a Postscript by J. F. Watch and Pray Matt. 26.41 Col. 4.2 And and things whatsoever ye ask in Prayes believing ye shall receive Mat. 21.22 And prove me now herewith saith the Lord of Hosts if I will not open you the Windows of Heaven and pour you out a Blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it Mal. 3.10 LONDON Printed for Tho. Northcon in George-Yard in Lombard-street 1695. A BRIEF Testimony c. WAtch and Pray was the Command of our (a) Mat. 26.41 Lord Jesus the Holy Author of the Christian Religion He gave a good reason for this Command That ye enter not into Temptation And knowing how uncapable Man is to perform any good of himself promised to pray (b) Jo. 14.16 the Father to send the Comforter that he may abide with us for ever even the Spirit of Truth whom the World cannot receive and in the 26 v. saith but the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost which my Father will send in my Name He shall teach you all things then certainly Prayer so great a Duty to God and beneficial to our selves is included Our Lord puts Watching before Prayer that we may have due regard to and wait upon his Holy Spirit to feel its leadings and assistance therein As Paul advised Timothy in both his Epistles not to neglect the (c) 1 Tim. 4.14 2 Tim. 1.6 Gift of God which was in him For waiting upon the Lord in the Gift of his Spirit is necessary for all to be found in who desire to perform this Duty aright or indeed any other work which is acceptable unto God if we go about Prayer and take not this advice we begin wrong for from (d) Mat. 15.19 within as our Lord said proceedeth all Evil. Therefore we have need to apply our selves to within to find the Remedy where the Disease is and as we wait in true silence ceasing from our own Thoughts and willings with our Minds stayed and fixed upon the Lord trusting in him we shall be made sensible of our Wants and Infirmities and the Sin which doth most easily beset us thus as the state of our Souls is opened to us shall see our own Nothingness and Inability to resist any appearance of Evil of our selves God will not despise such who are poor in their own Eyes but will direct them by his Holy Spirit how to ask not only inclining their wills to Prayer but opening their Understandings also what to ask for And inasmuch that we know not at what time the Devil our (*) 1 Pet. 5.8 Adversary who goes continually about seeking whom may he devour will assault us nor with what Temptation he will come therefore can there be any set time or from of words prescribed which we must use to God when we implore his Succour and Relief otherwise than we feel the drawings and motions of his Spirit in our Hearts which will not be wanting to incline and assist us upon every occasion yea very often not only when we are tempted but at other times also Various were the Methods both as to time and words as well as place which the Holy Men of Old sought the Lord. Daniel and David (†) Dan. 6.10 Psal 55.17 sometimes prayed three times a day David also (e) Psal 119.164 praised God seven times a day Paul besought the Lord (f) 2 Cor. 12.8 thrice upon one occasion and the Primitive Christians were commanded to pray (g) Luke 18.1 1 Thes 5.17 always If we diligently watch and are brought into a right frame of mind and moved of the Lord to Pray we need no more doubt of the assistance of the Holy Spirit to teach us what we shall pray when we approach before God than when we are called before Magistrates for the sake of Christ which was promised the Holy Ghost (h) Mark 13.11 shall teach us the same hour what to say The Primitive Christians knew not how to pray as they ought but as the (i) Rom. 8.26 Spirit helpeth their Infirmities then surely we have great need to be diligent in the application of our Minds to the same holy Principle that thereby we may be made fit to offer unto God an acceptable Sacrifice an Offering seasoned with his Grace from whence God may smell a sweet favour and accept it from us The Holy Spirit is the mystical Salt whereof the outward Salt under the Law (k) Levit. 2.13 was a Figure where it is said Neither shalt thou suffer the Salt of the Covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy Meat-Offering with all thine Offerings thou shalt offer Salt This Salt was to season and purifie every Sacrifice yea and every Sacrificer too in this Dipensation for our Lord Jesus brought it nearer when he said every one must be salted (l) Mark 9.49 with Fire and every Sacrifice shall be salted with Salt Without which our Offerings will be of no more acceptance with the Lord than was the Prayers and Oblations of the Jews of Old whom God reproved thus saying (m) Isa 1.12 When ye come to appear before me who hath required these things at your hands But if we keep the Conditions upon which the promises are the Lord will certainly keep his word Who said seek and ye shall find ask and it shall be given knock and it shall be opened unto you Not such Petitioners as the Apostle James speak of (n) Ja. 4.3 who ask'd but receiv'd not because they ask'd amiss but seek in Faith and Humility believing God is present and able to do all things Our Lord promissed all things (o) Mat. 21.22 whatsoever ye ask in Prayer believing ye shall receive The Parable of the unjust Judge (p) Luke 18.1 to 8. and importunate Widow and the Man who call'd up his (q) Luk. 11.5 Neighbour at midnight to supply him with Bread to feed his travelling Friend And of Parents giving good things to their Children (r) Luke 11.11 are great inducements to us to be found in the frequent practice of this excellent Duty And tho' the despised People of God call'd Quakers have been evilly traduced and grosly misrepresented as if they denied this great Ordinance or Duty of Prayer I have not heard of any People upon Earth who own Prayer more truly and whose Spiritual Interest it is so to do 1st They own it truly because they believe and declare it unto others as a fundamental Truth that God in his Mercy hath given unto all Men thro' Jesus Christ his dear Son (s) 1 Cor. 12.7 a measure or manifestation of his Spirit to profit withal without which as hath been already said we
this great Duty they pray amiss having not a sense of what they pray for I say true Prayer is not only words the best of words for the Essence and Life of Prayer is that divine sense which is received thro' the preparation of the Heart by the Spirit of God and it is this sort of Prayer I recommend in this short Discourse and if People would be serious and kind to themselves as to consider how little they receive of that they ask for and how much they are daily found in a Contradiction to their own Prayers they would easily see how much they are out of the right way of true Prayer Our Lord commanded Watch and Pray therefore they that would pray aright must watch they that watch must wait And what must they wait for that God would please by his Spirit to prepare their Hearts to worship him acceptably Therefore no Man can prescribe Forms to the Holy Ghost For as the Holy Spirit begets sense of wants so many times wants beget words and such words have a Spirit and Life with them this is praying in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ to wit in his Divine Power and Authority and therefore successful and that in all Ages as the following instances do evidence and illustrate Jacob wrestled with the Angel he wept and made (p) Gen. 32.25 Hos 12.3 Supplication and by his strength he had power with God and prevailed like a Prince (q) Ja. 5.17 God shut up Heaven at Elias Prayer for the space of three years and an half that there was a great Famine he prayed again and the Heavens gave Rain and the Earth brought forth Fruits At the Prayer (r) Josh 10.12 of Joshua the Sun and Moon stood still for the space of a whole day Samuel prayed and the Lord (s) 1 Sa. 7.9 10. discomfited his Enemies with a terrible Thunder Abraham prayed and obtained Promises of a Son (t) Gen. 15. to be his Heir and of the Land of Canaan for an Inheritance with the innumerable increase of his Seed Jacob prayed and escaped the edge (u) Jen. 32. and 33. Chap. of the Sword for he was greatly afraid of his Brother Esau but God turned the Heart of Esau that he imbraced him kindly and parted so Gideon in great weakness prayed (w) Judg. 6. to the Lord and was made strong and confirmed by signs and became a deliverer of Israel out of their Bondage Isaiah the Prophet and Hezekiah the King prayed (x) 2 Kings 19. because of the Threats and Blasphemy of Rabsheka General of the King of Assyrias Army and the Lord heard them and opened the mouth of his Prophet to foretell good unto Israel and sent his Angel who slew in one night 185000 Men of the Assyrians and Israel was delivered at that time At the Prayer (y) Gen. 20.17 of Abraham God healed Abimelech the King his Queen and Family At the intreaty (z) Gen. 25.21 of Isaac after twenty years Marriage God gave him two Sons Rebecca and Hannah both besought God concerning Children and their Prayers were answered Moses Aron and Phineas were lively (a) Gen. 25.22 1 Sam. 1.27 Types of our Lord Jesus the one Mediator between God and Men and were as Saviours to the People often making intercession and attonement for them when the Anger (b) Exod 32.11 â—4 Numb 25.13 and 16 43 to 50. of the Lord was kindled against them Christian Reader much might be said upon this Subject and many more Examples brought out of the Holy Scriptures of those wonderful things wrought by Prayer and Faith particularly of the many Supplications made to our Blessed Lord Jesus when on Earth upon which he raised (c) Mat. 9.25 the Dead healed (d) Mat. 8.5 to 13 verse the Sick and forgave (e) Luk 7.47 Sins To which Examples the Apostle James might allude when he exhorted the Primitive Christians to Prayer And if any be Sick let him call for the Elders of the Church and let them pray over him and the (f) Ja. 5.14 Prayer of Faith shall save the Sick and the Lord shall raise him up and if he have committed Sins they shall be forgiven him But I shall say the less intending to annex hereunto above an Hundred Instances Collected out of the Holy Scriptures whereby in a short time one may see for incouragement those miraculous things wrought in former Ages which otherwise we cannot find in much reading being mixed in Scripture among other matters I thought to conclude here but must take notice of another great inducement we have to this Duty and it is the greatest Example of all that can be brought to wit Our Lord Jesus he who commanded us to Watch and Pray set us himself for a Pattern And tho' the Father always (g) Joh. 11.41 42. heard him yet for the sake of others He cried with a loud voice It is said in another place tho' he was (h) Heb. 5.7 a Son yet in the days of his Flesh he offered up Prayers and Supplication with strong Crying and Tears unto him that was able to save him from Death and was heard in that he feared He sought (i) Luk. 4 4â— and 5.16 solitary places praying (k) Mat. 14.23 Luk. 9.18 alone unto the Father until (l) Mark 6.48 midnight yea sometimes (m) Luk. 6.12 all night For what were these things done and the Records thereof preserved till now but for our Learning We have great need of it for we can have nothing but what we receive and tho' God be good and a full fountain of all Blessings he will be sought unto for these things Therefore let us be faithful in doing what is his will and refusing whatsoever is contrary thereunto and we need not doubt but God will hear us when we call upon him as the Scripture saith If any Man be a Worshipper (n) Joh. 9.31 of God and doth his will Him he heareth London 29 11. Month 1654 5. John Tomkins INSTANCES OF THE Answer of Prayer 1. ABraham the Father of the Faithful being Childless prayed unto the Lord for an Heir complaining that Eliezer the Steward of the House was like to be his Heir And the word of the Lord came to Abraham promising he whom he supposed should not be his Heir but he that shall come forth out of his own Bowels shall be thine Heir whose Seed he promised should be for number like the Stars in the Firmament Gen. 15.2 3 4 5. 2. Abraham Prayed for Ishmael his Son and God answered him and repeated the abovesaid Promise of giving him a Son by his Wise Sarah and said as for Ishmael I have heard thee behold I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly twelve Princes shall he beget and I will make him a great Nation Gen. 17.18 19 20 which was fulfilled see Gen. Chap. 25.13 14 15 16 18. 3.
cannot do any thing acceptable to God This is the Comsorter that teacheth all things the word of Faith nigh in the Heart (t) Rom. 10.8 and in the Mouth It is also called the word (v) Acts 20.32 of Grace which is able to build us up and give us an Inheritance among them which are sanctified through Faith which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. This Word Spirit Light or Grace which came by Jesus and and thro' him is extended unto all Men is a remedy which God hath in Mercy provided for Man and it is as universal as the disease For as by the Offence of one Adam (†) Rom. 5.18 Judgment came upon all Men to Condemnation even so by the Righteousness of one Jesus Christ the free Gift came upon all Men unto justification of Life This is the Christians guide and teacher in all things especially in things immediately relating to God and as this Spirit sanctifies the Heart and brings forth a pure Offering out of it God accepts thereof he regards Truth in the inward Parts not outside appearances only but the sincerity of Heart It was his demand of Old (w) Prov. 23.26 Son give me thine Heart Not a multitude of words without this will prevail with God Our Lord reproved (x) Mat. 23.14 the Pharisees for their long Prayers when their Hearts went after their Covetousness yet thought like the (y) Mat. 6.7 Heathen to be heard for their much speaking or vain repititions but he commended the poor Publican who in the sense of his Sins made a full Confession but a short Prayer (z) Luk. 18.13 God be merciful to me a Sinner and pronounced him rather justified than the Pharisee And because we dare not offer up Prayers to God until we feel our Hearts moved thereunto by his Spirit which maketh (a) Rom. 8.26 intercession for us according to the will of God no more can we joyn with those who pray without the sense of this Spirit and fear of God and can immediately turn from their vain and idle Discourses to Prayer and from their Prayers back again to their Discourses We have been convinced not only that such Prayer availeth nothing with God but also that he is displeased with it for he hath said (b) Exod. 20.7 I will not hold them Guiltless that take my Name in vain The Publick Prayers put up to God in the name of Jesus in our Solemn Assemblies for the Worship of God as many Thousands can bear us witness are evident Proofs that we do not only own but use true Prayer 2dly It is our Spiritual Interest to be frequent in this Practice for we daily reap the benefit thereof If God take care of Sparrows (c) Luk. 12.24 to 28. cloath the Grass and array the Lilies and feed the Ravens (d) Job 38.41 when their young Ones cry unto him will not he regard us and hear our Prayers and Cries when we make Supplication to him in the Name of his Son in whom he is well pleased (e) Mar. 1.11 and for whose sake he is pleased with Man and grants us supplies suitable to our Necessities We have good reason to love Prayer even from the Experience we have felt thereof in our selves And truly as the case stands with us we should be very unhappy without this priviledge It is well known manifold and cruel have been the Sufferings of this People whom Men have persecuted reviled and spoken all manner of Evil against falsly for the sake of Christ and the Righteousness of his Kingdom as our Lord foretold long since (f) Mar. 5.10 11. would be the portion of his followers and they have not only patiently born what was permitted to come upon them from unreasonable Men but Satan also by himself hath used great and manifold endeavours if possible to drive them from their Faith and Obedience in Christ to effect which hath raised Enemies within and we have often found it to be as our Lord said a Man's Enemies (g) Mat. 10.36 are those of his own House Inward Assaults Temptations and Buffettings The Devil envied and raged at them the World hated and persecuted them what sad Condition should we be in if we had not this priviledge to fly to God and seek his Face like Children when they are apprehensive of Danger run with great boldness to their Parents and tho' sometimes they cannot express themselves to relate their fears and troubles yet their Parents have Compassion and receive them with open Arms and ready to defend them to their utmost How much more as our Lord said (h) Luc. 11.13 Joh. 10.29 Shall our Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him None is able to pull us out of his Hands he is greater than all It cannot be related what immediate Comfort and divine Aid such have received who truly sought his Face whereby they have many infallible Proofs that there is a God (l) Psal 65.2 who heareth Prayer and lifts up the Light of his Countenance upon his Children whereof their Souls are more joyful than those (m) Psal 4.7 whose Corn and Wine increaseth and they have been thereby so strengthened and filled with Heavenly Joy that they have esteemed all their Sufferings Tribulations Slanders and Reproaches as Riches being so many tokens of their Discipleship to Jesus whom they desire to follow that they may receive the Promise (n) Mat. 5.12 Great shall be your reward in Heaven Therefore let none slander nor defame us with this false Charge of denying Prayer for we do faithfully declare as above that we sincerely own and practise it and have good cause to continue therein both our own Experience and the Examples of others Holy Men and Women as they are recorded in Holy Scriptures in the several Ages of the World they prayed to God upon many Occasions and Exigents I shall give some instances of such who prayed and the Lord did signally appear and granted them their Requests Let us pray in Faith as they they did and our Petitions shall be heard for God is the same as ever he was as willing to hear and as powerful to save as in former Ages My Hand is not shorten'd that I cannot (o) Isa 59.1 and 10.2 save neither is my Ear heavy that I cannot hear saith the Lord. But before I shall mention those places of Scripture that regard the vertue and power of Prayer I would be well understood what I mean by Prayer true Prayer is a desire of the Soul whether express'd by words or not from a sense of the want of that the Soul prays for which sense no Man can give himself It is the Spirit of God alone and to those this Spirit of Prayer is given who in some measure obey the Spirit turning at its reproof from the evil and that which is reproveable in the sight of God and this is the true reason why so many miss in
him of the determined time of the Return of the Peoples Captivity also touching the Messiah our Lord Jesus his coming in the Flesh c. Dan. 9. 89. The Lord shewed unto Amos the Prophet the Judgment of Grashoppers which he would bring upon Israel and the Prophet prayed to the Lord to forgive them and the Lord heard his Prayer and repented of what he intended and said It shall not be Amos 7.13 90. And the Lord also shewed to Amos and called to contend by Fire but the Prophet prayed to the Lord and the Lord repented again and said This also shall not be Amos 7.4 6. 91. God having threatned to destroy Nineveh the People repented and cryed mightily to God and God heard their Prayers and saw their Works and had Compassion and repented of the Evil that he said he would do unto them and did it not Jonah 3.3 10. 92. Jonah being Three days and Nights in the Belly of the Fish from thence he prayed unto the Lord and God heard him and spake unto the Fish who vomited Jonah upon dry Land Jonah 1 and 2 Chapters 93. At the Centurions Prayer of Faith our Lord Jesus spake the Word and the Centurion's Servant was healed Matth. 8.5 8 13. 94. The Disciples of Jesus being in great Distress by reason of a Storm at Sea prayed unto him to save them or else they perish and he arose and rebuked the Winds and the Sea and there was a great Calm Mat. 8.23 to 27. 95. Peter walked upon the Sea but when he saw the Wind boistrous his Faith failed and Peter began to sink and cryed to his Lord and Jesus immediately stretched forth his Hand and caught him Mat. 14.29 30 31. 96. Tho' our blessed Lord Jesus seemed at first to resuse the Syro-phenician Woman who besought him to heal her Daughter vexed with a Devil yet when she would not be denyed being content to be counted as the vilest so she might obtain Mercy from our Lord he beholding her Faith healed her Dauther Mat. 15.22 to 28. Mark 7.26 to 29. 97. A certain Man having an only Son who was sore vexed with a Devil kneeled down and prayed unto our Lord Jesus and he rebuked the Devil and the Child was Cured that very Hour Matth. 17.14 to 18. Mark 9.17 Luke 9.38 98. Two blind Men sitting in the Way hearing that our Lord passed by cryed to him to have Mercy on them and the People rebuked them but they were the more earnest in their Suit and Jesus had Compassion on them and touched their Eyes and immediately they received Sight and followed him Matth. 20.30 34. 99. And there came a Leper to Jesus kneeling down and said Lord if thou wilt thou can'st make me whole and our Lord touched him and he was cleansed from his Leprosie Mark 1.40 41 42. 100. Jairus one of the Rulers of the Synagogue fell at the feet of Jesus beseeching him to heal his Daughter who lay at the point of Death but being detained by the Woman who was Cured of her Bloody Issue by a touch of his Garment News was brought to the Father his Child was Dead Our Lord hearing the word encouraged the Maids Father and went to his House and raised her to Life again Mark 5.22 to 41. 101. At Bethsaida they brought a Blind Man to Jesus and besought him to touch him Jesus put his hands upon him and he was restored to his sight and saw every Man clearly Mark 8.22 to 25. 102. Poor Blind Bartimeus was earnest with our Lord to have mercy on him being charged to hold his Peace Cryed the more earnestly Jesus comforted him and bad him go away and immediately he received his sight Mark 10.46 103. And the Angel said to Zachariah Father of John the Baptist Fear not for thy Prayer is heard and thy Wife Elizabeth shall bare thee a Son Luk. 1.13 104. The Thief upon the Cross at the last Hour repenting prayed unto our Lord and Jesus had mercy upon him and promised him that he should be that day with himself in Paradice Luk. 23.42 43. 105. The Church prayed to God that he would direct whether Justus or Matthias whom they had in choice was the Person whom God did chuse instead of Judas and the Lord ordered it that the Lot fell upon Matthias Act. 1.24 26. 106. The Church being under Persecution fleeth to Pray er that God would strengthen his Servants to spe ak his word boldly when they had prayed the place wherein they were assembled was shaken as a Notice that the Lord heard their Prayer and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and they spoke the word of God with boldness Act. 4.23 to 31. 107. At the Prayer of Peter and John the Disciples received the Holy Ghost Act. 15.17 108. At the Prayer of the Apostle Peter Tabitha was raised from the Dead Act. 9.40 109. Cornelius the Centurian prayed to the Lord always and an Angel appeared and told him his Prayers and Alms were come up for a Memorial before God and the Lord ordered it by his Divine Providence that Cornelius was farther inform'd concerning the Kingdom of God by the Apostle Peter Act. 10.1 2 3 4.30 to 43. 110. Peter being in Prayer saw a Vision wherein he was taught not to despise the Gentiles as a Preparation for the Gospels being Preached to Cornelius the Centurion and other Gentiles Act. 10.9 to 16. 111. Prayer being made without ceasing by the Church for Peter whom Herod kept close in Prison and intended also farther mischief against him God sent his Angel who delivered Peter out of Prison Act. 12.5 to 11. 112. Paul and Sylas being in Prison and in the Stocks Prayed and Sang Psalms and suddenly there was a great Earthquake and immediately all the Doors were opened and every ones Bonds were loosed upon which the Jaylor and all his House believed in God Act. 16.25 to 34. 113. Saul being struck down by a Light from Heaven was three days and three nights without Sight and Fasted and Prayed unto God and the Lord heard him and commanded Ananias to go to him and lay his Hands on Saul who was afterwards called Paul and Ananias did so and Saul received his sight and soon after Preached the Gospel Act. 9.8 11 17 20. 114. Paul prayed and laid his Hands on the Father of Pulius the Governour of Malta and he was healed of a Fever and Bloody Flux Act. 28.8 115. Paul was Buffeted by a Messenger of Satan and in his Temptations he besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from him and the Lord heard him and gave him this Answer My Grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness 2 Corinth 12.7 9. And the very God of Peace sanctifie you wholly and I pray God your whole Spirit and Soul and Body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Faithful is he that hath called you who also will do it 1 Thes 5.23 24. AN Earnest
Perswasive By way of POSTSCRIPT For all to Mind and Receive Gods Holy Spirit in their Hearts That thereby they may be taught True Prayer And be thoroughly Qualified for the Right Performance of all other Religious Duties Ephes 5. v. 18 20. Be not Drunk with Wine wherein is Excess but be filled with the Spirit giving Thanks always for all Things unto God even the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ By JOHN FEILD POSTSCRIPT BY the foregoing Testimony and Instances it plainly appears That Prayer is of great Use and Benefit and hath been greatly Answered and wonderfully Encouraged by the Lord. And it is natural to all those that God by his Word hath begotten unto a lively Hope in Christ his Son and hath sent forth his Spirit into their Hearts for them to cry Abba (a) Gal. 4.6 Father It s their Duty to make their Supplications unto him that hath begotten them because it 's by the Spirit of his Son in their Hearts that they see their Wants and the Sufficiency and Willingness there is in him to supply them who is a God that heareth Prayer It 's Gods Spirit that makes sensible of Wants begets Desires and raises Cries in the Soul to him and is therefore principally to be minded and waited in Whosoever slights Gods Spirit neglects to wait in it and disregards the Work and Motion of it in their own Hearts can never rightly and sensibly know their Wants nor what to ask or pray for or perform that Duty of Prayer as they ought It 's my tender Council and Advice in great Love and much good Will to all that believe this is the Gospel-day long since (b) Joel 2.28 prophesied of And that own the time is come wherein the Father hath according to Christ's Prayer whom he always hears sent the Comforter even the Spirit of Truth which is the Holy (c) John 14.26 Ghost and that Credit what the Apostle saith who declares a Manifestation of the Spirit is given to (d) 1 Cor. 12.7 every one to profit withal To such I say 1. Prize O prize the great Love of God and Christ herein 2. Be humbly thankful unto God for this unspeakable Gift 3. Answer the End for which he hath given this blessed Spirit receive it wait in it hearken to it turn at its Reproofs and give up to be led by it that ye may be the Sons of God 4. And then you thereby will not only like the Publican (e) Matth. 18.13 see your Conditions be moved to Pray in a Sense of your Wants but be enabled to serve God acceptably through Jesus Christ and taught thereby to worship and live to him and know his Things and understand the Mysteries of his heavenly Kingdom Therefore I earnestly be-beseech all sligh not grieve nor (f) 1 Thess 5.19 quench the Motions of it neglect not this Gift nor your diligent waiting upon God in it at all Times and in all Places in all Services and Religious Duties wait in it to be fitted by it and neither pray nor sing without it for the true Praying (g) 1 Cor. 14.15 is with it and true Singing in it And there is no Access unto God nor Admittance to the Throne of his Grace to receive Help in the time of Need but through (h) Ephes 2.18 Rom. 5.2 Jesus Christ and by this Spirit And altho' the World that lies in Wickedness hates and grieves this Spirit mocks and derides at it and those that direct to it and are guided by it yet this Spirit convinceth (i) John 16.8 them of their Sin and Unbelief of their Righteousness and Judgment which is not given them nor wrought in them by this Spirit and therefore it reproves them thereof Oh therefore tender Reader love receive wait in joyn to obey and follow this Holy Spirit and then it will open your Understandings quicken your Souls to God make you alive and beget you anew to him wash and sanctifie your Hearts purge your Consciences from dead Works and bring you to serve the living (k) Heb. 9.14 God who is a Spirit in the Spirit and Truth and enable you to walk in newness (l) Rom. 7.6 of the Spirit and out of the oldness of the Letter and beget encrease and continue Love in your Hearts and Souls to God and Christ to his Church and People to his Law and Testimony and to the Holy Scriptures which the Holy Men of God wrought as they were moved by this Holy Ghost or Spirit which Spirit I am commanding and recommending unto you to be your Conductor and Leader your Guide and Instructer in your Pilgrimage through this low World and Vale of Tears that so you may pass the time of your sojourning (m) 1 Pet. 1.17 here with Fear and give your selves to Reading the Holy Scriptures and to Waiting upon God in this Spirit and Praying to him in it and Asking of him Wisdom and Meditating in his holy Law that converts (n) Psal 19.7 the Soul and regarding his Testimony that makes wise the Simple and do not content your selves only to hear of God and Christ and those Memorable Things and Noble Acts of the Righteous recorded in Holy Writ and that plenteous Redemption eternal Life and Salvation they were Witnesses and Partakers of nor with saying over Words compiled and put together by the Wisdom of Men called Prayers but through Receiving and Obeying this Holy Spirit and believing in God and Christ from whom it proceedeth may know and partake of that Life and Understanding it gives be born of it baptized (o) 1 Cor. 12.13 by it washed sanctified and justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit (p) 1 Cor. 6.11 of our God and also taught and assisted thereby to pray to him which is the sincere Desire and hearty Supplication of your well-wishing Friend Who once more earnestly entreats you not to quench this Spirit neither disregard the inward and secret Convictions Reproofs and Counsel of it in your Hearts For it is that Spirit that searcheth (r) 1 Cor. 2.10 all Things yea the deep Things of God and God by this is certainly reproving and counselling the Children of Men in this Age and Generation as in days past and shews and Reproves them for their evil Thoughts wicked Words ungodly Deeds and execrable Oaths and by this Spirit is certainly counselling People to think on him to consider their Ways to amend their Doings to speak in his Fear And to Refrain from Oaths and Cursing and all ungodly Speaking and to Crase to do Evil and Learn to do well that he might wash away their Sins and pardon their Offences for Christs sake Therefore have a care Oh! have a care I beseech you for your never-dying Souls sake for your present Peace and future Happiness-sake that you do not like them of old set at nought all (s) Prov. 1.24 to the end Gods Counsel nor slight his Reproofs for then know assuredly God will laugh at your Calamity and mock when your Fear cometh like Defolation and your Destruction like a Whirlwind when Affliction and Anguish shall come upon you Then O then if you call upon him he will not answer if you seek him early you shall not find him because you hated Knowledge and did not chuse the Fear of the Lord therefore you shall eat of the Fruit of your own ways and be filled with your own Devices But whosoever obeyeth Gods Holy Spirit and is guided by it shall be quiet (t) Prov. 1.33 from Fear of Evil become his Son and have a Place in his eternal Kingdom for evermore Therefore love and obey it saith Thy Real and Well-wishing Friend JOHN FEILD FINIS
Abraham prayed to the Lord for King Abimelech his Queen and Family and they bare Children who before were Barren Gen. 20.17 18. 4. Abraham prayed for Sodom and the Lord was intreated so far that if there were but Ten Righteous Persons therein he would spare the City for those Ten sake Gen. 18.23 to 33. 5. At the Prayer of Lot the Lord spared the City Zoar for a refuge when he fled from the destruction which came upon Sodom Gen. 19.18 to 23. 6. The Eldest Servant of Abraham prayed to God to give him success in his Errand and a Token whereby he might be certain which was the Person that was to be his Master's Wife and the Lord granted him his Request that that very Maid coming to the Well and should with willingness upon his asking her for Water say to him drink and I will give thy Cattel also was she whom God had appointed to be a Wife for Isaac Gen. 24.12 to 45. 7. Isaac being Childless for twenty years after Marriage with Rebekah prayed to the Lord for his Wife and the Lord was intreated of him and Rebekah bare Jacob and Esau Gen. 25.21 26. 8. Rebekah being with Child enquired of the Lord and God answered her two Nations are in thy Womb and two manner of People shall be separated from thee and the one People shall be stronger than the other and the Elder shall serve the Younger Gen. 25.22 23. 9. Jacob in his return from Padan-Aram News was brought him that his Brother Esau was come out against him with Four Hundred Men and Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed and prayed unto God for deliverance from the hand of his Brother and God heard Jacob and turned the Heart of Esau so that when he came near he ran to meet Jacob and embraced him and kissed him Gen. 32.6 9 and 33 and 4. 10. Jacob wrestled with the Angel and wept and made Supplication to God and like a Prince had power with God and prevailed and obtained what he prayed for a Blessing and the Lord blessed him and changed his Name from Jacob unto Israel Gen. 32.28 35 9 10. Hosea 12.4 11. The Children of Israel sighed by reason of their great Bondage under the Egyptians and they cryed to God and he heard their Prayers and Groanings and remembred his Covenant with Abraham Isaac and Jacob and said I have heard their Cry by reason of their Task-Masters and I am come down to deliver them out of the hands of the Egyptians Exod. 2.23 35 3.7 8 9. Numb 20.16 12. At the Prayer of Moses the Plague of Frogs over the Land of Egypt ceased and the Frogs died Exod. 8.12 13. 13. Moses prayed and the Plague of Flies also ceased throughout Egypt for the Lord did according to the word of Moses and removed the Swarms of Flies from Pharoah and his People there remained not one Exod. 8.29 30 31. 14. Again at the Prayer of Moses the Plague of Thunder Lightning c. ceased in the Land of Egypt for as soon as Moses went out of the City and spread abroad his Hands unto the Lord the Thunder and Hail ceased and Rain was not poured upon the Earth Exod. 9.28 to 33. 15 At the Prayer of Moses the Plague of Locusts ceased for the Lord turned a mighty strong West Wind which took away the Locusts and cast them into the red Sea there remained not one Locust in all the Coasts of Egypt Exod. 10.17 18 19. 16. When Israel murmur'd at Marah because of the bitterness of the Waters Moses cryed unto the Lord and the Lord shewed him a Tree which when he had cast into the Waters the Waters were made sweet Exod. 15.24 25. 17. Israel murmured against Moses at Massah for want of Water he fled to the Lord by Prayer and cried unto him God heard and commanded him to go to the Rock at Mount Horeb and smite it with his Rod and Water gushed out thereat sufficient for the whole Camp Exod. 17.2 3 4 5 6. 18. Because of the Idolatry of Israel in Worshiping a Molten Calf when Moses was in the Mount God's Wrath was kindled against them and the Lord said to Moses now therefore let me alone that my Wrath may wax hot against them and I may consume them at once and Moses besought the Lord his God for his great Names Sake to turn away from his fierce Wrath and the Lord repented of the Evil which he had thought to do unto his People Exod. 32.1 to 14. 19. Moses prayed to the Lord for his Presence and that he would please to shew him his Glory and the Lord promised him his presence and also condescended to Moses in his later request as far as poor Mortal is capable to receive and God said to him thou can'st not see my Face and live behold there is a place by me thou shalt stand upon a Rock and it shall come to pass while my Glory passeth by I will put thee in a clift of the Rock and cover thee with my Hand and I will take away my Hand and thou shalt see my back parts Exod. 33.10 to 23. 20. Israel murmured at Taberah and God was angry with them and kindled a Fire which burnt amongst them and consumed them in the uttermost parts of the Camp and Moses prayed to the Lord and the Fire was quenched Numb 11.1 2. 21. Because of the sedition and murmurings of the Israelites Moses was sorely oppressed and spread his Case before the Lord complaining that the governing those People was a Burden too heavy for him to bear and God heard his Complaint and commanded him to gather seventy Elders of the People promising he would take off the Spirit that was upon Moses and put it upon them and they said the Lord shall bear the Burden of the People with thee that thou bear it not thy self alone Numb 11.10 to 17. 22. Aaron and Miriam murmured against Moses for which God was angry with them and struck Miriam with a Leprosie as white as Snow and Moses prayed to the Lord saying heal her now O God and after seven days she was received into the Camp again whole Numb 12.11 to 13. 23. Upon the Evil Spies report of the good Land Israel was about to chuse them Captains to return back to Egypt again and then Moses Aaron Joshua and Caleb disswaded them from it for it provoked God grievously and he said to Moses I will smite them with the Pestilence and disinherit them and will make of thee a greater Nation c. And Moses prayed to the Lord for Israel saying Let the Power of my Lord be great and pardon I beseech thee the Iniquities of this People and God answered Moses I have pardoned according to thy word Numb 14.1 to 20. 24. At the sedition of Corah Dathan and Abiram the Congregation was gathered against Moses and Aaron and God bid them separate themselves from the People that he might destroy them in a moment and they
fell on their Faces and said O God the God of the Spirits of all Flesh shall on Man Sin and wilt thou be wroth with the whole Congregation And the Lord heard them and spared the Congregation but bad them separate the People from the three chief movers of the sedition and God caused the Earth to open and swallow them up alive and all that appertained to them Numb 16.1 to 32. 25. Because the Israelites loathed the Manna which God gave them from Heaven they were stung with fiery Serpents that they died and Moses prayed for the People and the Lord commanded him to set up a Brasen Serpent upon a Pole that every one that looked upon it should live Numb 21.3 to 9. 26. The Lord acquainted Moses of his Death Moses besought God for a Successor and God appointed Joshua the Son Nun in the stead of Moses Numb 27.12 to 20. 27. Israel fled before their Enemies Joshua sought the Lord by Prayer and the Lord instructed him what to do and how to find out the cause thereof Joshua 7. Chap. 28. At the Prayer of Joshua the Sun and Moon stood still that there was no Day like that before or after for the Lord hearkened to the voice of a Man Joshua 10.12 13 14. 29. Israel under a true sense of their great declension from the Law of God in their Distress cryed unto the Lord and he heard their Prayers and raised up Othniel Caleb's Nephew who delivered them out of the hand of their Enemies Judg. 3.9 10. 30. Israel again did Evil and the Lord suffer'd Eglon King of Moab to oppress them and they were tributary to him Eighteen years but they cryed to the Lord under their Distress and he heard them and raised them up Ehud the Son of Gera a Left-handed Man who delivered Israel out of the hands of their Enemies and the Land had rest Eighty years Judg. 3.15 31. After Ehud was dead Israel sinned again and provoked the Lord and he sold them into the hand of Jabin King of Canaan and Twenty years he mightily oppressed them and they cryed to the Lord in their Distress and he heard their Prayers and raised up Deborah a Judge and Baruck a General who rescued Israel out of the hands of their Enemies Judg. 4. 32. Israel sinned against God the fourth time and he suffer'd the Midianites greatly to impoverish them so that when they had sown their Corn in the ground they came and their Cattle and eat and destroyed their increase insomuch they made them Dens in the Mountains and Caves in the Earth and they cryed to the Lord because of the Midianites and he sent his Prophet to shew them their Backslidings and raised up Gideon a poor Thresher of Wheat to be a Judge over them they overcame Oreb and Zeeb the chief Princes of Midian and obtained quiet for the Country Forty years Judg. 6.7 8.28 33. Gideon having seen an Angel was afraid and prayed to the Lord and God heard and comforted him Judg. 6.22 23. 34. At the Prayer of Gideon his Fleece of Wool was wet with Dew and all the ground about it was dry Judg. 6.36 38. 35. Again at the Prayer of Gideon his Fleece of Wool was dry and upon the ground about it was wet Judg. 6.39 40. 36. Israel for their great Apostacy and Worshiping the Gods of the Nations the Anger of the Lord was hot against them and he suffered the Philistines and Ammonites to distress them sorely and they cried to the Lord who at first seemed to reject them and bid them Go to the Gods they had served but Israel renewed their Suit and confessed their Sins and forsook them and served the Lord and his Soul was moved with their Misery and God put his Spirit upon Jeptha who was both Judge and General over Israel and subdued their Enemies under them Judg. 10.11 12. Chapt. 37. At the Prayer of Manoah the Father of Sampson the Angel of God who before had appeared to Manoah's Wife appeared again unto him and instructed him and his Wife how they should order Sampson when he was born Judg. 13.8 to 14. 38. After Samson had slain 1000 Men with the Jaw-bone of an Ass he was sore a-thirst and prayed to the Lord and God heard him and caused Water to issue out of a hollow place of the Jaw Bone and Samson drank and his Spirit was revived and he called the place En-hakkore which is to say the will of him that called and cryed Judg. 15.15 to 19. 39. Hannah prayed to the Lord for a Son and he granted her the Petition which she asked of him 1 Sam. 1.9 to 27. 40. Eli the high Priest prayed the Lord to give unto Hannah more Children instead of Samuel which she had dedicated to the Lord and the Lord answered his Request and gave her three Sons and two Daughters more 1 Sam. 2.20 21. 41. At the Prayer of Samuel the Prophet and Judge in Israel the Lord Thunder'd with a mighty Thunder upon the Philistines their Adversaries and so discomfited them that they were smitten before Israel 1 Sam. 7.9 10 11. 42. Israel having required a King to rule over them contrary to the mind of God It grieved Samuel and he prayed to the Lord and the Lord heard him and directed him what to do 1 Sam. 8.5 7 8 9. 43. At the Prayer of Samuel the Lord sent Thunder and Rain which caused the People greatly to fear the Lord 1 Sam. 12.18 44. David having heard that Saul was coming to Keilah to destroy it for his sake and that the Men of Keilah would deliver him up into the hand of Saul David prayed to the Lord and besought him to tell him whether they would do as he had heard and the Lord answered him they will by which means David and his Men left the City and escaped the hands of Saul 1 Sam. 23.10 to 13. 45. David seeing 70000 Thousand fall by the Pestilence prayed to the Lord and the Lord directed David by the Prophet Gad to rear an Altar and offer Burnt-Offerings thereon and he did so and the Lord was intreated and the Plague was stayed 2 Sam. 24.17 to 25. 46. There was a Famine in the days of David three years and he sought the Face of the Lord concerning it and God answered and shewed him wherefore it was and afterwards the Lord was intreated for the Land 2 Sam. 21.1 14. 47. Solomon above all things prayed for Wisdom and his Prayer pleased the Lord and he granted him not only Wisdom insomuch that he was the Wisest Man that ever was but God added to his Wisdom Riches and Honour so that there was no King like him 1 King 3.7 to 12. 48. Solomon having finished that Famous Temple gathered Israel together at the Consecration thereof and kneeled down on a Brazen Scaffold made to that purpose and made a large and solemn Prayer to God when he had finished his Prayer Fire came down from Heaven and consumed the
Burnt-Offering and Sacrifices and the Glory of the Lord filled the Temple so that the Priests could not enter in and God also appeared to Solomon by night and said I have heard thy Prayer and gave him many Promises upon Condition that he and his People should observe his Statutes and Judgments 1 King 8. 2 Chro. 6. Chap. 7.1 12. to the end 49. At the Prayer of the Man of God the Arm of Jeroboam King of Israel which was dryed up for holding it out against the Prophet was restored again and became as it was before 1 King 13.6 50. Elijah prayed earnestly that it might not Rain upon the Earth and it rained not for the space of three years and six months 1 King 17.1 James 5.17 18. 51. Elijah prayed again and the Heavens gave Rain and the Earth brought forth her Fruit after three years and six months Drought 1 King 18.42 Jam. 5.18 52. At the Prayer of Elijah the Son of the Widow of Zarephath was raised from the Dead 1 King 17.20 21. 53. The Reubenites Gadites and half Tribe of Mannasah went out to War against the Agarites and they cryed to the Lord in Battle and he was intreated of them because they put their trust in him and God gave their Enemies into their hands an exceeding prey viz. 50000 Camels 250000 Sheep 2000 Asses and of Men 100000 1 Chron. 5.20 21. 54. At the Prayer of Elijah the Fire of the Lord fell and consumed the Burnt-Sacrifice and the Wood c. to convince the Idolaters that the Lord was God 1 King 18.36 to 39. 55. Elijah being persecuted by Jezabel fled into the Wilderness and there prayed to the Lord as he was asleep an Angel awaked him and bid him arise and eat for there was a Cake ready baked on the Coals and a Cruise of Water at his head and he eat and drank and lay down again and the Angel awaked him the second time to eat and he did eat and in the strength of that Meat travelled forty days and nights to Horeb the Mount of God 1 King 19.4 to 8. 56. At the Prayer of Elisha the Shunamite's Child was raised from the Dead 2 King 4. and 33 34. 57. At the Prayer of Elijah the Lord opened the Eyes of Elisha's Servant and he beheld how his Master was defended and surrounded with Horses and Chariots of Fire at the same time when the Host of the Syrians had encompassed the City to take the Prophet 2 King 6.13 to 17. 58. At the Prayer of Elisha the Host of the Syrians was smote with blindness for they were sent to apprehend him 2 King 6.18 59. They the Host of the Syrians being blind the Prophet Elisha led them to Samaria even into the hands of their Enemies and he prayed the Lord to open their Eyes and they saw and behold they were in the midst of Samaria but he would not suffer the King of Israel to hurt them but caused him to prepare Provisions for them and they went safe home to their Master the King of Syria and came no more into the Land of Israel 2 King 6.17 to 23. 60. Vzziah sought the Lord and God made him to prosper and helped him against his Enemies and made the Philistines Arabiaas and Ammonites Tributaries to him but he grew proud with the Success that was given him and invaded the Priests Office and assumed to offer Incense in the Temple for which he was a Leper to the day of his Death and was deposed the Kingdom and his Son Jotham reigned in his stead 2 Chron. 26. and 2 King 1.5 61. The Idolatry of Israel was so great the Lord suffered the Kings of Syria to oppress them sorely and Jehoahaz besought the Lord and the Lord hearkened to him and gave Israel a Saviour so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians 2 King 13.2 to 5. 62. Now for a long time Israel had been without the true God and without a reaching Priest and without Law In those times there was no Peace to him that went out nor to him that came in but great Vexations were upon all the Inhabitants of the Countries and Nation was destroyed of Nation and City of City for God did vex them with all Adversity and they repented and put away the abominable Idols out of Land and sought the Lord with their whole Desire and he was found of them and gave them Rest round about 2 Chron. 15. 63. Sennacherib King of Assyria sent a blasphemous threatning Letter to good Hezekiah King of Judah and Hezekiah went up into the House of the Lord and spread the Letter before the Lord and prayed unto the God of Israel and the Lord sent the Prophet Isaiah to comfort him letting him know he had heard his Prayer and would defend Jerusalem and save it for his own sake and his Servant Davids sake And it came to pass that Night the Angel of the Lord slew 185000 of the Assyrian Host So Sennacherib departed home to Nineveh and his Sons killed him as he was worshipping his Idol Nisroch 2 King 19. 2 Chron. 32.20 21. 64. Huldah the Prophetess foretelling the Destruction of Jerusalem But said she in the Name of the Lord tell the man that sent you to me Josiah King of Judah because thy Heart was tender and thou hast humbled thy self before the Lord when thou heardst what I speak against this Place and the Inhabitants thereof that they should become a Desolation and a Curse and hast rent thy Clothes and wept before me I also have heard thee saith the Lord therefore thou shalt go to thy Grave in Peace and thy Eves shall not see all the Evil which I will bring upon this Place 2 King 22.15 to 20. 65. Hezekiah receiving the Message of Death from the Prophet Isaiah turned his Face to the Wall and prayed to the Lord and the Lord sent the same Prophet back to tell him he had heard his Prayer and seen his Tears and would add to his Days Fifteen Years and the King went abroad in Three days after 2 King 20. 66. Jehosaphat King of Judah being in great Distress because of the Army of the Moabites Ammonites and Edomites who came to Invade the Land he went to the Temple and prayed to God with all Judah their Wives and little Ones and the Lord sent his Prophet Jehaziel to comfort them and let them know they should not need to fight against them for the Lord caused Moab and Ammon to fight against Mount Seir and when they had destroyed them every one helped to destroy one another 2 Chron. 20. 67. Hezekiah prayed for the People in as much as they had eaten of the Passover and we not cleansed according to the Law and the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah and healed the People 2 Chron. 30.18 19 20. 68. Manasseh that idolatrous and wicked King who filled Jerusalem with Blood for his great and many Impieties God suffered the King of Assyria to carry him
Captive to Babylon bound in Fetters of Iron and in his Affliction he besought the Lord his God and humbled himself and prayed unto him and he was entreated of him and heard his Supplication and brought him into his Kingdom again in Jerusalem 2 Chron. 33.12 and he put down Idolatry 2 King 21.16 70. Jeroboam when he had revolted with the Ten Tribes there was War between him and Judah 800000 of Jeroboams Army against 400000 of Judah and Israel had caught Judah in an Ambuscade When Judah found their Enemies both before and behind them they cryed to the Lord and God heard them and turned the Success of the War upon Judah and smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Judah and Abijah their King and they slew of Israel 500000 chosen Men 2 Chron. 13. 70. Ezra in his Return with some of the Jews from Babylon to Jerusalem proclaimed a Fast and besought the Lord to preserve them and their little Ones in their Journey for he was ashamed to ask the King for a Guard because he had told him the Hand of the Lord was upon all them for good that seek him So the Lord was entreated and his Hand was upon them and delivered them from all their Enemies that lay in Wait by the Way Ezra 8.21 22 23 31 32. 71. Nehemiah being at Susan and hearing of the Affliction and Reproach of his Brethren the Jews the Remnant that were left of the Captivity at Jerusalem and that the Walls of the City were broken down and the Gates burnt he mourned fasted and prayed before the God of Heaven for Israel and that God would turn the Heart of the King towards them and the Lord heard his Prayer and enclined the Heart of Artaxerxes Emperor of Assyria to grant him Letters of Commission to build Jerusalem and repair the Walls thereof and unto the Governors of the Provinces to assist Nehemiah in this good Work Nehem. 2. 72. Wicked Haman by Lies obtained of King Ahasuerus a Decree for the Destruction of the Jews when Mordecai the Jew knew it he rent his Clothes and put on Sackcloth he and Esther the Queen and all the Jews cryed with a bitter Cry to the Lord and God answered their Prayers and turned the Heart of the King that he Reversed the Decree against the Jews and Haman was hanged upon the same Gallows he had erected for Mordecai so that the Jews had Light and Gladness Joy and Honour and a good Day and many of the People of the Land became Jews Esther 3 4 5 6 7 8 and 9 Chapters 73. Job in his many grievous bitter and sore Exercicises often prayed to the Lord and kept his Integrity and the Lord at last turned the Captivity of Job and gave him twice as much as he had before Job 7.17 to 20.10 and 14 and 42.10 74. The Anger of God being kindled against Job's Friends because they had not spoken of Job the things which were right Job prayed for them and offered Burnt-sacrifice and the Lord accepted Job for them Job 42.7 8 9. 75. David when he fled from Absalons his Son who raised a Rebellion in his Kingdom cryed to the Lord and God heard him out of his holy Hill and smote all his Enemies and restored him again unto his Kingdoms Psal 3. 2 Sam. 18.8 76. David in his Distresses called upon the Lord and he heard his Voice out of his Temple and his Cry entred into his Ears And God gave him the Necks of his Enemies and delivered him from the striving of the People so that his Enemies were subdued under him 2 Sam. 22. Psal 18. 77. David hid himself in a Mountain in the Wilderness of Ziph because Saul sought his Life every Day and the Ziphims informed Saul thereof and David prayed to God and the Lord suffered not Saul to take him for while he was pursuing David Messengers came and told Saul the Philistins invaded his Countrey So David was delivered at that time Psal 54. and 1 Sam. 23.14 26 28. 78. David being hid in the Cave at Engedi Saul and 3000 Chosen Men pursued him and David prayed to the Lord as may be seen in the 57th Psalm and God heard him in delivering Saul into the Power of David who might have killed him but would not suffer them that would which had such Effect upon Saul that he confessed his Fault and acknowledged David to be more righteous than he and went home 1 Sam. 24.1 3 5 22. 79. Saul sent Souldiers to beset the House where David was to kill him and David prayed to the Lord to defend and deliver him and he escaped by the means of his Wife Michal 1 Sam. 19.12 Psal 59. 80. David sought the Lord by Prayer and God heard him and delivered him out of all his Troubles and Fears Psal 34.4.66.17 19. 81. The Church prayeth to be directed where Christ feeds his Flock he directs her and gives her gracious Promises Canticles 1.6 to 11. 82. The Lord sends forth Jeremiah whom he had ordained a Prophet to the Nations he in the Sense of his own Weakness prayed to God saying O Lord God I cannot speak for I am a Child And the Lord answered him Say not I am a Child for thou shalt go to all I send thee be not afraid of their Faces I am with thee to deliver thee Jer. 1.5 6 7 8. 83. Jeremiah because of the Hatred of the People complaineth to the Lord and God answereth him Verily it shall be well with thy Remnant verily I will cause the Enemy to entreat thee well in the time of Evil and Affliction Jerem. 15.10 84. Jeremiah prayed again to God and he answered him If thou take forth the Precious from the Vile thou shalt be as my mouth and I will deliver thee out of the Hand of the Wicked and redeem thee out of the Hand of the Terrible Jer. 15.18 to 21. 85. Jeremiah on behalf of Judah and Jerusalem when in Captivity called upon the Name of the Lord and God heard their Voice and hid not his Ear at the breathing of their Cry but drew near in the Day they called upon him and said Fear not Lam. 3.55 56 57. 86. Ezekiel besought the Lord that he would not make a full end of Israel and the Lord shewed him that he would save a Remnant and gather them from among the People and Countries where they were scattered and gave them one Heart and put a new Spirit within them Ezek 11.13 to 20. 87. At the Prayer of Daniel Hananiah Mishael and Azariah unto the God of Heaven the Lord revealed Nebuchadnezzar's Dream to Daniel which neither Nebuchadnezzar could remember nor all the Wise Men of Chaldea tell him and God gave Daniel also the Interpretation of the Dream Dan. 2.17 18. 88. Daniel prayed to the most High God for the Return of the Captivity of the People Israel as soon as he began to pray God sent the Angel Gabriel before he had ended his Prayer to comfort him and inform