Practical truths tending to promote the power of godliness

Wherefore, Consider 6. The great things that may be done by Prayer. This is the way for a man to be and to do, as Soul said of David, 1 Sam. 26. 25. Thou shalt both do great things; and shalt also still prevail. How came it to pass, that David ⟨p. 30⟩did great things; and that he did still prevail? the reason of it was is being a man that was much in Pray […] He gave himself to prayer, Psal. 109.4 This is […] the best way for a man to prosper in his undertaking, ever follow them with constant and […] Prayer. It is reported concerning Dr. Preston that […] some said he was esteemed a great Politicians he cause he usually […] reason the designs he took in hand with good success: his Reply was, That is not the reason my matters succeeding well but I work by an Engine, which the world think not of, i. e. by Prayer. When I undertake business […] follow it with earnest Prayer to God and he maketh into become successful. And indeed Prayer is a marvellous Engine. Godly men may hereby bring •outstrange changes in the World Yea, they may undermine (as David did by one Prayer the deep and hellish counsels of Achitophels. Nay, they may even do and have what they will, that is not contrary to the will of God. One said of Luther, Iste vir poquit quo •cunque v•lu•t. That man could by his Prayers obtain from God any thing that he desired. It is a wonderful expression which we find, Rev. 116. where it's said concerning the two Proph••• They can […] the Earth with all Plagues […] often as they will. And how do they smite the Earth but by sending Prayer to Heaven? And what mercy can there be thought of, ⟨p. 31⟩but the godly man, may by prayer obtain it? he may in that way procure mercies (spiritual as well as temporal) for his own soul Yea, and […] for his Family; grace and everlasting salvation for his Children. An holy man once, after […] are communion with God in secret prayer, could say to a familiar friend of his; I have this day obtained mercy of God for my self and for all mine. And as for those, that give themselves unto prayer, God useth to bless them much in their Children. They and their offspring with them are known to be the blessed of the Lord. Yet more; godly men may by prayer obtain mercy or the Land wherein they live. A whole Town and Country fareth the better for the sake of a few praying ones, that are therein, who day and night are plying the Throne of Grace.