Hence I observe,1 that To all other means which are used for defence or offence, Prayer must be added. It must, I say, be added: neither they nor this omitted, but both joined together. Excellently was this of old set forth by the Israelites manner of going to battle.2 As the people were to go armed, and to fight, soa the Priests were to go with silver Trumpets, and to sound: this sounding with silver Trumpets implied hearty and earnest prayer. Note the benefit hereof. 2. Chron. 13. 14, &c. Thusb while Joshua and the people were fighting with the Amalekites, Moses stood lifting up his hand, and Aaron and Hur stayed his hand: This was an outward figure of their inward powerful prayer. When Moses let fall his hand, and he left to pray, Amalek prevailed. So whilec Israel fought against the Philistines, Samuel prayed: and whiled Joab fought against Aram, David prayed. The like I might instance ine Asa, fJehoshaphat, gHezekiah, and other Saints. If in fighting against flesh and blood, Saints were thus⟨p. 342⟩ careful in adding prayer to other means, how much more ought we so to do in our spiritual combats against spirits?g Christ in his agony prayed: andh Paul when he was buffeted of the messenger of Satan, prayed.
Hence I obserue,1 that To all other meanes which are vsed for defence or offence, Prayer must be added. It must, I say, be added: neither they nor this omitted, but both ioyned together. Excellently was this of old set forth by the Israelites manner of going to battell.2 As the people were to goe armed, and to fight, soa the Priests were to goe with siluer Trumpets, and to sound: this sounding with siluer Trumpets implyed hearty and earnest prayer. Note the benefit hereof. 2. Chron. 13. 14, &c. Thusb while Ioshua and the people were fighting with the Amalakites, Moses stood lifting vp his hand, and Aaron and Hur staied his hand: This was an outward figure of their inward powerfull prayer. When Moses let fall his hand, and hee left to pray, Amalek preuailed. So whilec Israel fought against the Philistims, Samuel prayed: and whiled Ioab fought against Aram, Dauid prayed. The like I might instance ine Asa, fIehosaphat, gHezekiah, and other Saints. If in fighting against flesh and blood, Saints were thus⟨p. 342⟩ carefull in adding prayer to other meanes, how much more ought wee so to doe in our spirituall combates against spirits?g Christ in his agony prayed: andh Paul when he was buffetted of the messenger of Satan, praied.
- 1Obser.
- 2Oratione operatio, & operation fulciaetur oratio. Hier. in Lam. cap. 3.Oratione operatio, & operatione fulciaetur oratio. Hier. in Lam. cap. 3.
- aNum. 10. 9.
- bExod. 17. 9. &c.
- c1. Sam. 7. 9, 10.
- dPsal. 60. 1.
- e2. Chr. 14. 11
- fand 20. 6.
- gand 32. 20.
- gMat. 26. 30.
- h2. Cor. 12. 8.
