Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

(3.) The Saints, under the Old Testament, prayed for the Calling, and Conversion of the Gentiles, under the Gospel-dispensation, Psal. lxvii. 2, 3. That thy way may be known upon Earth, thy saving health among all Nations. Let the people praise thee, O God; Let all the people praise thee.

(4.) When, by the Preaching of the Gospel, in any place, the people were wrought upon, and brought to Believe in Christ, They were exhorted to pray, That the Word of the Lord might be carried to all other parts of the Gentile-world, 2 Thess. iii. 1. Finally, Brethren, Pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you. And such Prayers are not to be thought to be lost, or put up to God in vain. That Prediction, or Promise [Rom. xvi. 20. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet, shortly] did, doubtless excite many a Prayer; and That Promise was eminently accomplished, and those Prayers which were grounded upon it, and put up to God, in faith, took effect, when the Kingdom of Satan (administered in the Idolatries of the Gentiles) was laid waste, and the Christian Profession was advanced by Constantine the Great. Having now, so inviting an occasion offered to me, give me leave to present a Request to you, and it shall be, in the words of the Apostle, 1 Thess. v. 25. Brethren, Pray for us; for those who labour among you, in the Word, and Doctrine. And, I hope, I may, without vanity, enforce this Request, by the same Apostles Argument, or Motive, Hebr. xiii. 18. Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things, willing to live honestly. Many reflect upon us with disparagement, and we are very sensible of our own many, and great infirmities. But, Help us with your Prayers, That we may Be better, Live better, and Preach better. It is no Paradox, but a well-weighed Truth, That a godly private Christian, upon his knees, in his Closet, may assist the Minister, in his Study, and in the Pulpit. And that I may prevail in my Request, I can assure you, That whatsoever Gifts, or Graces, ye obtain of God, for your Ministers, by your Prayers, they will come as Blessings upon your selves; like the vapours that rise from the Earth, being concocted in the Middle-Region, fall down upon it again, in fruitful showers,