An Historical Discourse Concerning the Prevalency of Prayer

IT was a great word (and if rightly understood, a true word) which Luther spake, when he said, Est quaeaam precum Omnipotentia, there is a kind of Omnipotency in Prayer. And the reason is obvious, namely, in that the Almighty does suffer himself to be prevailed upon and overcome by prayer. Had not Jacob in this respect power with God? Yes, when he made his supplication, he had power, and prevailed over the Angel, even that Angel who is the Lord of Hosts, the Lord is his memorial. Where do we find in all the Book of God a more wonderful expression, than that of the Lord to praying Moses, Now let me alone? That ever the eternal God should become thus a petitioner to a poor mortal man! Feriendi licentiam petit a Mose qui fecit Mosen. Prayer then is like the sword of Saul, or the bow of Jonathan, which never returned empty from the battle. Prayer is stronger than iron gates. At the prayers of the Church the iron gates fly open, and the Apostles' fetters fall off. Sometimes the prayers of one man that has an eminent interest in God, are a means to preserve a whole town, yes, a whole land from destruction; well might the ancient say, Homine probo orante nihil potentius. How far did Abraham's prayers prevail for Sodom? Did not Elijah's prayers open and shut the windows of Heaven? Did they not bring down showers when the gasping earth was ready to die for thirst? When a fiery drought had like to have devoured the land of Israel, and the Prophet Amos prayed and cried to the Lord, saying, O Lord God, Cease I beseech you, [illegible] whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small; the Lord repented for this, and said this shall not be.

Wars, when justly undertaken, have been successful through the prevalency of prayer. Moses in the mount praying, is too strong for all the armies in the valley fighting. When the Philistines went up against the children of Israel, Samuel ceased not to cry to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord thundered with a great thunder that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them, that they were smitten before Israel. Jehoshaphat, when surrounded by a multitude of heathen enemies, by prayer overcame them. When Zerah the Ethiopian came against the Lord's people with a host of a thousand thousand men, Asa by prayer and faith overcame them all. Hezekiah and Isaiah by their prayers brought an Angel down from heaven, who slew a hundred and fourscore and five thousand Assyrians, in the host of Sennacherib, in one night.

And besides these, and many other scriptural examples, in ecclesiastical story instances to this purpose are frequently observed. The history of the thundering legion is famously known. Thus it was.

The Emperor Marcus Aurelius, going to war against the Quads, Vandals, Sarmats, and Germans, who were nine hundred seventy and five thousand fighting men; the Imperialists were so cooped up by their numerous enemies, in strait, dry, and hot places, that the soldiers having been destitute of water for five days together, they were all like to have perished for thirst. In this extremity, a Legion of Christian soldiers being in the Army, withdrew themselves apart from the rest, and falling prostrate on the earth, by ardent prayers prevailed with God, that he immediately sent a most plentiful rain, whereby the Army that otherwise had perished, was refreshed, and dreadful lightnings flashed in the faces of their enemies so as that they were discomfited and put to flight. The effect of which was, that the persecution which before that the Emperor designed against the Christians, was diverted; and that praying Legion did afterwards bear the name of [illegible] the lightening Legion.

Constantine the Great, being to join battle with the Heathen Tyrant, Licinius, singled out a number of godly ministers of Christ, and with them betook himself to earnest prayer and supplication, after which God gave him a notable and glorious victory over his enemies. But Licinius himself escaped at that time, and raised another Army, which was pursued by Constantine, who before he would engage with the enemy, caused a tent to be erected, wherein he did spend some time in fasting and prayer, being attended with a company of holy praying men round about him, after which marching against his enemies, he fought them, and obtained a more glorious victory than the former, and the Grand Rebel Licinius, was then taken prisoner.

Theodosius being in no small danger by reason of the potent Army of adversaries he had to do with, in his distress cried to heaven for help, and behold! the Lord sent such a terrible tempest, as the like was not known, whereby the darts of the enemy were driven back upon themselves, to their own confusion, which caused Claudian the Poet (though no great friend to the Christian name) to say concerning Theodosius, O nimium Dil[illegible]cte Deo cui militat Aether, Et conjurati veniunt ad Classica Venti.

It is storied concerning the city of Nisibis that being straitly besieged by Sapor[illegible]s King of Persia, the distressed citizens desired a devout and holy man among them (whose name was Jame[illegible]) to be earnest with the Lord in their behalf. He was so; and the effect was, God sent an Army of gnats and flies among the Persians which so vexed and tormented them, as that they were forced to raise their siege and depart.

Among the Waldenses sometimes an inconsiderable number have prevailed over multitudes of their popish adversaries. At one time five hundred of those poor praying saints overthrew two thousand and five hundred of their enemies, who scoffed at them because they would fall upon their knees and pray before they would fight.

In the land of our fathers' sepulchres, when Oswald (who succeeded his father Ethel[illegible]ride in the Northern Kingdom) was assaulted by Cedwalla and Penda, two heathen kings, that raised a great Army, designing the ruin of Oswald, and his people, he humbly and earnestly addressed himself to the Lord of Hosts, the great giver of victory, entreating him to show his power in saving and protecting his own people from the rage of heathen adversaries: after which, joining [illegible] with his enemies, albeit their Army was far greater than his, he obtained a wonderful victory, wherein Cedwalla himself was slain.

When England was invaded by the Danes under the conduct of their King Osrick, who encamped at [illegible], King E[illegible]helred betook himself to prayer, and marching against the Danish Army, put them to flight, and slew the greatest part of them.

Gustav[••] Aaolphu: the King of Sweden, no sooner landed in his enemies Territoryes, but he addressed himself to heaven for Victory, and encouraged his Counsellors and Commanders by saying, The greater the Army of Prayers is, the greater and more assured shall be our Victory. Yes, it was his manner when the Armyes were set in Battle array, to lift up his eyes to heaven, & say, Lord prosper the Battle of this Day, according as you see my [••]ear[•] does aim at your Glory, and the good of your Church. And how successfull did God make that excellent Prince to be?

But what need we go far to find examples confirming the truth of this assertion, that Prayer is of wonderfull Prevalency — since our own eyes have seen it? New-England may now say, if the Lord (even the Prayer-hearing God) had not been on our side when men rose up against us, they had swallowed us up; then the proud waters had gone over our Soul. And thus has it been more then once or twice, especially since the late insurrection and Rebellion of the Heathen Nations round about us. We cannot but acknowledge, and Posterity must know, that we were in appearance a gone and ruined People, and had been so ere this day, if the Lord had not been a God that heareth Prayer.

And there are especially two Considerations that doe evince, that New-Englands Deliverance from the rage of the Heathen is an eminent answer of Prayer, 1. In that God has graciously answered us as to the very Petitions that have bin mostly insisted on, as will appear to admiration by instancing in some Particulars.

1. Then, How often have we prayed that the Lord would divide infatuate & frustrate the Counsils of the Heathen that sought our ruine, As sometimes David when pursued by Absolom prayed saying, O Lord divide their tongues (Psalms 55:9). Again David said, O Lord I pray you turn the Counsell of Ac[•]itophel into foolishness (2 Samuel 15:31). Those requests of David were heard, and therefore Absaloms Counsellours were divided, one giving this, and another that advice; and the subtle Counsell of Achitophe[•] (which had it been hearkned to, David and those with him had perished) must not be followed. In like manner has the Lord done for us; we have heard how that after the Fort fight, Decemb. 19. 1675. some of the Indian Counsellors advised that they might pursue our Army when upon their retreat, which if they had so done, how [illegible] would the Consequence have proved. But therefore God divided their Counsells, that others were of another mind.

Moreover, we have received informations, concerning a great Consultation among the Indians, soon after their mischief done at Su[•]bury in April. 1676. Had they then continued to molest the English, our case had been sad; but they supposed they had time enough before them, and therefore resolved to be quiet a moneth or two, in order to attendance upon their own planting and fishing.

We have also heard that the old cra[•]ty Serpents among the Indians advised that they might [illegible] all encounters with the English Forces, and rather disperse themselves into small Partyes, and so fall upon the English Towns, burning their houses, destroying their cattle &c. but that the young men thought it best to cut off our souldiers, and then they supposed they might do what they pleased with our towns. Thus were their tongues divided, and Counsils turned into foolishness.

2. How often have we prayed that God would do for us as in the day of Mi[••]an, by causing the heathen to destroy one another, and that the Egyptians might be set against the Egyptians. The Lord has answered that Request also. For the Indians have been wasting and killing one another, yes not only such Indians as do pretend friendship to the English, (for example the Natick & [illegible] Indians, and the Mohawks and the Moheags under Uncas; albeit it is too evident that he was secretly conspiring with Philip in his designed mischief, a little before the War brake forth, but God turned him about, and made him a friend to the English, and an enemy to Philip) but also some of those that were once in hostility against us, did at last help to destroy their own nation, friends and kindred, that so they might do service for us. So have they that sought to destroy us, gone into the lower parts of the earth, they are fallen by the sword.

3. How often have we prayed that the Lord would take those his Enemies into his own avenging hand, pleading that though we know not how to come at them, they had such advantages in respect of woods and swamps and dark corners of the earth, to lurk in; yet the hand of our God could reach them, and that therefore he would scatter them by his power and bring them down — and let them wander up and down for meat, and send the destroying Angel among them. This Prayer has been heard — For it is known that the Indians were distressed with famine multitudes of them perishing for want of bread; & the Lord sent sicknesses among them, that Travellers have seen many dead Indians up and down in the woods that were by famine or sickness brought to that untimely end. Yea the Indians themselves have testified, that more among them have been cut off by the sword of the Lord in those respects, then by the sword of the English.

4. How often have we prayed that the Lord would remember the cruelty, treachery, and above all the blasphemy of these heathen? This prayer has been heard in heaven. As for their cruelty, God has remembered that many of them falling into the hands of the Mohawks or other Indians, who fought in our quarrel, used their enemies, after their own kind. And it has been observed, that vengeance from the Lord did pursue them presently upon the perpetration of some horrid acts of barbarous cruelty toward such as fell into their murderous hands. And as for their treachery, God has retaliated that upon them; as for the perfidious Narragansets, Peter Indian was false and perfidious to them, upon a disgust received among them, and directed our army where to find them. Treacherous Philip, one of his own men ran away from him, and told Captain Church where that grand enemy had hid himself, the issue of which was, another Indian shot a bullet into the treacherous heart of that covenant-breaking infidel. Yes, many of those bloody and deceitful Indians who were taken by Captain Church would frequently destroy and betray their bloody and false-hearted comrades. Matoonas who was the first Indian that treacherously shed innocent English blood in Massachusetts Colony, he some years before pretended to something of religion, being a professor in general (though never baptised, nor of the inchurched Indians) that so he might the more covertly manage the hellish design of revenge that was harboured in his devilish heart; but at last Sagamore John with some of his Indians unexpectedly surprised him, and delivered him to justice. That abominable Indian Peter Jethro betrayed his own father, and other Indians of his special acquaintance, to death. Many of the Nipmuck Indians, who were wont to lay snares for others, were at last themselves taken by a stratagem, and brought to deserved execution.

And as for their blasphemy, God has remembered it, the most notorious blasphemers among them have been made examples of divine revenging justice, Quanonthet, Powhatan, Monoce, all of them cursed blasphemers; the vengeance of heaven has not suffered them to live. It is also reported that an Englishman, belonging to one of the western plantations, being mortally wounded by an Indian, the Indian upbraided him with his prayers, saying to him, You were wont to pray to Jesus Christ, now pray to him, he cannot help you, and with all added a most hideous blasphemy (not fit to be named) against our blessed Lord Jesus Christ, immediately upon which a bullet took him in the head, and dashed out his brains, sending his cursed soul in a moment among the devils, and blasphemers in hell for ever.

5. How often have we prayed that the Lord would take away spirit and courage from those that have been in hostility against us, and cause those haters of the Lord to submit themselves. In this thing also the Lord has had respect to our requests. For hundreds of Indians the last summer came and surrendered themselves to the English, for example in Plymouth Colony the Squaw-Sachim of Saconet, with above an hundred Indians submitted themselves to mercy, June 30, 1676. Not long after that two hundred Indians more surrendered themselves. And in the eastern parts of this Colony, July 6, there were six Sachims addressed themselves to the English in order to the obtaining peace, bringing in with them three hundred men besides women and children. Likewise in the same month Sagamore John submitted himself with about an hundred and eighty Indians; and hundreds of them came and submitted themselves to the English in Connecticut Colony. These things came not to pass without the finger of God, so manifest as that the enemy himself could not but take notice of it. For a stout Indian captain who was afterward executed at Boston, professed to some of our soldiers, that they could never have subdued the Indians, but (said he striking upon his breast) Englishman's God makes us afraid here.

6. How often have we prayed that God would in special look after those places, which were in most eminent danger, as being above others exposed to the fury of the enemy? And we have had the petitions we desired of him in that respect. What a black appearance of death and ruin was before the poor people at Quaboag, when they were all cooped up in one unfortified house, and surrounded by a barbarous multitude of cruel Indians, who thirsted after their blood? God by a strange providence, sent Major Willard, who with a small party of soldiers, came a few hours or minutes before it was too late, by which means the remaining inhabitants of that place had their lives given them for a prey. After that, the western plantations, North Hampton, Hadley, Hatfield, etc. were in the eminentest danger, by reason of the enemy taking up their rendezvous in those parts; but God preserved and delivered them, in answer to prayer. That memorable providence ought not to be forgotten, how that in the beginning of March, 1676, our army missed their way (designing to surprise the Indians about Wachuset Hills) and were providentially led to North Hampton; also Major Treat with soldiers under his command, did then take up his quarters in that town, coming there a day sooner than was intended. The next day a great body of Indians broke in upon the town, and in probability had laid it waste, had there not been such a supply of soldiers as has been mentioned, which the good providence of God brought there, in answer to the prayers of his people. Moreover, the whole Colony of Plymouth was in most apparent danger of being overrun and overwhelmed with the enemy; especially in the spring of the year 1676, when (as we have been informed) the Indians were designing, with fifteen hundred men to fall upon all the scattered towns throughout that jurisdiction. But God gave men, yes a great Sachim, for the life of his dear people in that Colony. We have heard that Quanonchet's surprisal and death, struck an amazement into the heathen, and diverted their purposed mischief. May 8, 1676, when Bridgwater was assaulted and in danger of being laid waste, God sent thunder and rain from heaven, which caused the Indians to turn back. And when they attempted to make Taunton a desolation, July 11, how wonderfully did the Lord save that town? so ordering by his providence, as that a captive Negro escaping from the Indians, informed of their purpose to fall upon that place, whereupon the inhabitants stood upon their guard, and soldiers were timously sent in to them for their relief and defence.

How often have we prayed for our poor captives, that God would preserve them and return them? When some of ours not many years since, were in captivity under Mahomet, what prayer was made for them continually? Especially it was so in respect of Mr. Foster, and his son, the Church in Charlstown setting a day apart to seek to the Lord by fasting and prayer, that the persons mentioned might be set at liberty, and although at that time there was no likelyhood that ever it should be, the infidel King, under whose power they were, not being willing to accept of money for their redemption, yet God brought it about wonderfully, and rather than his people's prayers should not be answered, that Tyrant must die by a strange and unexpected providence. But I speak now concerning those that have been captives among the heathen in this land. And God has heard us for them. Whereas upon the 9th of May, 1676, the Magistrates, and Ministers of this Colony, and the Deputies of the General Court, sought the Lord together by fasting and prayer, and did in special manner beg that captives might be returned, as a token for good, and pledge of further answers of prayer; within a few weeks after this, near upon twenty of our captives were set at liberty. For some, prayer has been more abundantly poured forth; so for Mr. Rowlandson his wife and two children, and we have seen the Lord returning them all again. And whereas in October 1676, among others, the son of that man of God, and man of prayer, Reverend Mr. Cobbet (the faithful Pastor of the Church in Ipswich) was surprised in a vessel by the Northern Indians, and led away into captivity; doubtless God did it, that so glory might be to his holy name, and that the world might see how prayer can prevail with him. Mr. Cobbet no sooner heard what was befallen his son, but he called together about thirty of his Christian neighbours (that being as many as could on the sudden convene) and they set some time apart to pray for him that was now a captive, after this his father's heart was sweetly quieted, believing that God had heard them. Some others also that attended that service, were as confidently persuaded that God would return (and that in comfortable plight) Mr. Cobbet's son to him again, as if he were already come. Prayer also was made in public congregations in particular for that young man; and in December following, those prayers were fully answered, the Lord bringing it about in strange ways, the particulars and circumstances whereof are too large here to be insisted on.

Let me further take notice here, that whereas no longer than three weeks since (namely, July 25, 1677) the Church in Salem set a day apart to seek the Lord in special on behalf of those belonging to that town lately fallen into the hands of the Indians; while they were praying, God brought home one of the vessels that the Indians had surprised, and two persons (who were masters of vessels) that had been particularly prayed for in the morning, returned solemn thanks to God in the after part of the day, in that he had in answer of the prayers of his people, brought them out of their captivity.

How often have we prayed that God would cut off the ringleaders, and principal bloody promoters of the late troubles? That the Lord would do to them as to Sisera, as to Jabin at the brook of Kison (which perished at Endor, they became as dung for the earth) and make their nobles like Oreb and like Zeeb, yes all their princes like Zeba and Zalmunna.

Now in these cries to heaven our God has heard us even to admiration. Philip the grand enemy and beginner of the War, is gone to his own place. It was observed that a little before the destruction of that bloody foe, the Lord stirred up the hearts of some of his servants, to be instant in prayer against that enemy in particular, yes and caused them firmly to believe that it should be so. Nor could they cease crying to the Lord against him, until they had prayed the bullet into Philip's heart. And concerning what prayers have been in closets about that thing, we shall hear more at the day of judgment when the Lord Jesus will reveal it and reward it openly. Are not all the chieftains among the heathen who have been in hostility against us cut off for ever? And their memorial is perished with them. O you most High, you have rebuked the heathen, you have put out their name for ever and ever!

We have heard of two and twenty Indian captains, slain all of them, and brought down to Hell in one day, namely, December 19, 1675. And some of the Indians have confessed that at the fall-fight, May 18, 1676, they lost no less than three and thirty of their counsellors, which put them into an absolute confusion, that they were like men amazed ever after.

Where are the six Narraganset Sachems, with all their captains and counsellors? Where are the Nipmuck Sachems, with all their captains and counsellors? Where is Philip and Squaw-Sachem of Pocasset with all their captains and counsellors? God do so to all the implacable enemies of Christ and of his people in New England!

If we consider the time when God has appeared for us, it is manifest that our salvation is an answer of prayer. It was a fatal happy blow which the Indians received at the Fort-Fight in the Narraganset Country; and a little before that, all these churches were solemnly by fasting and prayer seeking to the Lord, that the heathen might be rebuked at that time. When Quanonchet was taken and slain, it was an amazing stroke to the enemy. And but a few days before that, many churches in England kept a day of fasting and prayer for poor New England. In the latter end of June, 1676 (and ever after that) successes against the enemy were wonderful; especially in Plymouth Colony. Now on the 22nd of June, all the churches in that Colony set apart a day of solemn humiliation, and renewed their covenant. And on the 29th of that month, was a day of thanksgiving throughout this Colony, the prayers and praises of which day were signally owned by the Lord, who did then set ambushments against the enemy and they were smitten. Also in this very month, the churches in Dublin in Ireland were solemnly seeking to the Lord on our behalf. Why should not these things be written and recorded for the generation to come? Why should they not be made known to our children, that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.

Some one perhaps will say, did not God in the time of your late War seem to be angry with your Prayers? Had you not the saddest [illegible] tidings on your solemn days of Humiliation?

This is true, and the thoughts of it should for ever humble us; yet we know, sometimes the Lord seems to be displeased with the Prayers of his people only to try their faith (as with the woman of Canaan) when as indeed they are his delight. Moreover (alas!) it cannot be denied or doubted of, but that the Lord saw formality and hypocrisy in the prayers of many among us, which he was offended at; howbeit there are some living Christians, that walk closely with God; a few names that have not defiled their garments with the sins, and generally prevailing temptations of these times; to them and to their prayers has the Lord had respect. It must also be confessed, that the prayers of the Churches in Europe have had no small influence into our mercies. I can assure the Reader, that the Churches in London, in Suffolk, in Dorset, in Devon, in Somerset, in Lancashire, have by fasting and prayer, sought the Lord for New-England, in the time of our late troubles. And I doubt not but that the Lord's praying people in other counties, where I have no acquaintance or correspondence, have done the like. We are infinitely indebted to that God, who having a purpose to glorify himself by hearing prayers, put into their hearts to be earnest with the Lord on our behalf.

Who knows, but that we may be again involved in trouble by the remainders of the heathen, or otherwise. Let us then be encouraged to take in hand our old tried weapons, even preces et lacrymae, the ancient arms of the Church. If enemies arise, let us pray them down again. And that is the special improvement which should be made of what has been discoursed; since we have seen what prayer can do, the consideration of these things should stir up a holy resolution in every one, to be sincere, frequent, and constant, in this so great and powerful a duty. It is reported of Joachim the father of the Virgin Mary, that prayer was his meat and drink. And we know what was David's profession (Psalm 116:1-2): I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice, and my supplication, because he has inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call upon him as long as I shall live.

Therefore to the particulars already mentioned, I shall (for how should a man when writing upon such a subject, easily break off) add a few more. It would indeed fill a volume, should all the instances this way be produced, which stand upon record in approved authors; nor have I present leisure to revolve many books that touch upon this subject; only such particulars as do presently occur to mind I shall relate, hoping it will not be unprofitable to the reader who possibly has not had the knowledge of them, or not of all of them. To proceed then,

There have been, whom prayer has brought back from the gates of the grave, whereas to all outward appearance, they have been otherwise past recovery; not to insist upon scriptural examples here neither. It is a memorable passage which a great historian has noted concerning that learned and religious, Sr. John Cheek, who was Tutor to our English Josiah, King Edward 6th.

Sr. John being sick nigh to death, the King did carefully enquire after his welfare every day; at last the physicians told him, that there was no hopes of life. No (said the King) he will not die at this time, for I have this morning begged his life of God in my prayers, and obtained it; which accordingly came to pass; and soon after Sr. John wonderfully recovered beyond all expectation.

Melancthon was taken desperately sick at Vinaria, as he was in a journey towards Hagenaw, in order to a conference with some of the reformed divines in Germany about matters of religion. Luther hearing of it, hastened to visit him, and with tears saying, Alas! how precious and profitable an instrument of the Church, is miserably weakened, and ready to perish! And falling upon his knees, he did most earnestly wrestle with the Lord for his recovery, and prevailed, so as that Melancthon would afterwards confess, that if it had not been for Luther's prayers, he had died by that sickness.

At another time, Myconius being fallen into a deep consumption, Luther was earnest in prayer to God for his recovery; and he wrote a letter to him, wherein he thus expresses himself, I pray Christ our Lord, our salvation, our health, that I may not live to see you, and some others of our colleagues to die, and go to heaven, and to leave me here among the devils alone. Farewell and God forbid that I should hear of your death while I live, sed te superstitem faciat mihi Deus, hoc peto et volo, et fiat voluntas mea, Amen! quia hac voluntas gloriam nominis Dei, certe non meam voluptatem, nec copiam quarit. A while after Myconius recovered, and outlived Luther, ever acknowledging that he was beholding to God for putting it into the heart of Luther; so to pray for him, and instrumentally to lengthen out his life seven years beyond his own, and friends' expectation.

Yes, more, devils and powers of darkness have fallen before the power of prayer. A desperate young man in Germany, who in a hellish pang of temptation had sold himself to, and made an explicit covenant with the devil; having revealed his miserable condition to Luther, he called the Church together, and the young man being with them, they fasted and prayed, so that the devil threw the writing, which he had received of the young man, in at the window, and a forlorn soul was rescued out of the hands of that devouring Lion. How often have poor creatures under bodily possessions been delivered from that thralldom by earnest prayer? Austin by his prayers cast out devils. The history of those seven possessed in Lancashire, in whose dispossession Mr. Darrel and others were by fasting and prayer instrumental, is well known.

There was a man that lived not far from Nottingham, whose name was John Fox. This man was possessed by the Devil, who would violently throw him down, and take away the use of every member of his body, and was sometimes heard speaking when his lips moved not at all; yes (albeit the man could speak no other language besides his mother tongue) the evil spirit in him would frequently quote scriptures out of the Originals, Hebrew and Greek, and play the critic, and back his allegations with saying out of the Fathers [illegible] Poets. Among others that came to pray with this poor miserable man, Mr. Rothwel (a minister that was famous in those parts in those days) was one. As he was coming, the Devil told them in the house with the possessed man, yonder is Rothwel a coming; and upon his entering into the house, raged and blasphemed, saying also will you go to prayer, I'll make such a noise as shall distract you, and do you think that God will hear distracted prayers? Mr. Rothwel replied, God hears the prayers of the upright, and has promised to give his spirit to help infirmities in prayer; therefore in confidence of his promise, and powerful assistance of his spirit, and in the name of his son Jesus Christ, we will go to prayer. So he did. The Devil for above a quarter of an hour made a horrid noise, and roared at Mr. Rothwell's face, but at last was forced to be silent, and departed out of the man, who before the prayer was ended, did to the amazement and joy of all the auditors present say Amen to the petitions that were presented before the Lord on his behalf. After Mr. Rothwel left him, he was stricken dumb for three years together; at length by prayer also, God opened his mouth, and restored his speech to him; one using this petition, Lord open his mouth, and his lips shall show forth your praise; he answered in the congregation, Amen, and so continued to speak, and spoke graciously to his dying day.

I remember I have met with another example not unlike to this but now mentioned. In the town of Barwick upon Tweed, there was a man (Steward to the Lord of Granson) reputed godly, who was very much afflicted in his mind. Mr. Balsom (an eminent preacher, by whose ministry in that one town, sixty persons were (as was judged) savingly wrought upon) did several times visit him, and sought to apply words of comfort to him, but nothing of that nature taking place, he whispered the Steward in the ear to this purpose, I doubt there is something within which you would do well to discover; whereupon, immediately the man's tongue swelled out of his mouth that he was not able to speak, and to the astonishment of those in the room, a shrill voice was heard, as it were speaking out of his throat, saying, what do you talking to him of free grace and promises? he is mine. Mr. Balsom perceiving that it was the Devil that spoke, told him, he did not know that men were his as long as they were alive in this world. To whom the Devil replied, If God would let me loose, I would find enough in the best of you all to make you mine, and as for this man he has given himself to me. I will not (said Mr. Balsom) believe the father of lies; but I will go home and pray for this poor man, and get all the force in the town I can to join with me, and I do believe that you Satan shall lose your hold before tomorrow morning. Mr. Balsom upon his return home that night, found diverse Christians in his house, who waited to speak with him, to whom he declared that he could not but admiringly take notice of the providence of God in bringing them to his house, whom otherwise he had purposed to send for; and desired them to spend part of the night with him, in seeking to the Lord in the behalf of such a distressed possessed man: which they did, and the next morning Satan had lost his possession: and when Mr. Balsom enquired of the poor man how it was with him, he answered; through the goodness of God, I have overcome, and am now as full of comfort, as before I was full of trouble.

I have also heard a worthy divine in Dublin, speak of a man, that being under bodily possession by an evil spirit, a company of praying Christians met together, to seek the Lord on his behalf; among them there was a precious holy woman, who kneeled behind the door in the room where they were praying together, and there were strong actings of faith in her soul; at last the Devil was forced to depart; only as he was going out of the possessed party, he cried out, O the Woman, the Woman behind the door!

Some very learned and judicious writers conceive, that epileptic and lunatic persons are those demoniacks whom we read so much of in the New Testament. There is a deliration that proceeds ex vi morbi, being from or with a fever, and another kind of deliration which is sine febre, when a man having no other disease is crazed or distracted. Not they that are subjected to the former, but to this latter have been accounted possessed persons. The Jews of old had such an opinion concerning mad men (John 10:20). Consider also (Matthew 17:14–18) with (Luke 9:39). Whatever of solidity may be in that notion, is not a place here to dispute; but this is certain, that distracted persons have been restored to the use of their understanding again by fasting and prayer. That Moses of his time, Mr. Dod (concerning whom Mr. Burroughs gives this testimony, that he was the meekest man upon the face of the earth) had a godly son, whom it pleased the Most High to leave to sore distraction in his mind, whereupon Mr. Dod called some of his godly praying friends together, who set a day apart solemnly to seek the Lord about that matter, and while they were yet speaking in prayer, God heard them, so as that the distracted person was not only restored to his right mind again, but did himself conclude that day of prayer with solemn thanksgiving to God. This information I received from a reverend minister, who was present in Mr. Dod's house, when that day of fasting and prayer was there observed, upon the occasion mentioned.

It is reported concerning that excellent man, and famous minister in Edinburgh, Mr. Bruce (concerning whom the learned Didoclavius has given a most honourable testimony) that diverse persons that were distracted, and some who were epileptical, past hopes of recovery, were nevertheless restored to perfect health in answer to Mr. Bruce's prayers.

But I have not met with any instance to this purpose more affecting than that which is (by an author worthy of credit) published concerning Mr. Patrick Simpson, a learned and very holy minister, sometimes of Sterling in Scotland. The story in brief is this.

Mr. Simpson's wife (a gracious woman) falling sick, was sorely assaulted by Satan, who told her that she should be given over into his hand. The temptation and affrightment prevailed so far as to resolve in a visible distraction, that the good woman, most unlike her former way while she was herself, would break forth sometimes with dreadful and horrid expressions. This was (and could not be otherwise) a most bitter affliction to her precious husband, who told those about her, that he was assured, that Satan's malice should at last receive a shameful foil; therefore he retired himself into his garden, and shutting the door, betook himself to fasting and prayer. One Helen Garner (a godly woman) being solicitous for Mr. Simpson, as fearing that his labours, grief, fasting might be too hard for him, used some means to get over into the garden, where Mr. Simpson was alone wrestling with God; being come near the place where he was, she was terrified with an extraordinary noise which caused her to fall upon the ground. It was like the noise of a great rushing of multitudes together, and therewithal such a melodious sound as did make her know it was something more than humane; so that she fell to prayer, entreating the Lord to pardon her rashness in so coming there, considering it was respect to his servant, who had been an instrument of good to her soul, that did induce her. After going forward, she found Mr. Simpson lying upon the ground; nor would he reveal what he had met with, until promise was made not to speak of it while he was alive in this world. Upon this he said, O what am I being dust and ashes, that the holy ministering spirits should be sent by the Lord to deliver a message to me, and shewed that angels from heaven had by an audible voice given him answer concerning that which he had been praying about. [This was a thing extraordinary, and in no wise to be expected by Christians ordinarily] and returning into his house, he bid those that were in the room with his wife, be of good comfort; for he was assured that within ten hours she should be delivered from that distraction. After this he went to prayer by the bed side, and as he was in prayer mentioning Jacob's wrestling with God, his wife sat up in the bed, and casting aside the curtain said, You are this day Jacob, you have wrestled, and have prevailed, and now God has made good his word which he spake to you this morning, for I am plucked out of the hands of Satan, and he shall no more have power over me. This interruption made him silent for a while, but after in great meltings of heart he proceeded in prayer, magnifying the riches of divine grace and love, and from that hour his wife continued to discourse christianly and comfortably even to her dying hour.

And as for those spiritual (which are worse than bodily possessions) that Satan holds in the souls of men, how often has prayer been a means to out him, and cause him (full sore against his will) to quit his strong hold for ever. Prayer has (that is, instrumentally) converted many a soul; Peter Martyr was wont to pray much for the conversion of Bernard Gilpin, and the Lord answered his prayers, and that Gilpin proved an eminent instrument of God's glory, and of good to his Church.

I have read of one who having a brother that spent his time in hawking, drinking and other profane vanities, upon a Saturday, when his ungodly brother was gone upon a hawking match; he set that very day apart by fasting and prayer to beg of God, that his brother might be converted. And the Lord answered his prayers wonderfully; for within a week after his brother was strangely changed, and did himself (instead of spending his time in hawking and drinking) observe many days of secret humiliation between the Lord and his own soul, on the account of the sins he had been guilty of, in the days of vanity, and made a very godly end at last.

That precious and famous minister of Christ, Mr. Welch, being in a journey, his entertainment came to more than he expected, so that the next morning he had not wherewith to pay for his horse meat; the hostler swore and railed exceedingly for his money. Mr. Welch shut his chamber door and went to prayer, and the hostler standing at the door overheard him, and was converted by that prayer; ever after that time highly respecting Mr. Welch, and refusing to accept of any thing for his entertainment, either then or at any other times afterwards, when occasion was offered.

I knew one, the son of a holy, and eminently faithful minister, who in some of the days of his youth had been wild and vain, but was (through the grace of Christ) converted in his young years, and after his father's death, perusing his private papers, he perceived, that not many days before he was in the pangs of the new birth, his father had been by secret fasting and prayer seeking to the Lord that converting sanctifying grace might be bestowed upon that son of his.

That notable Israelite, Mr. Hugh Kennedy, Provost of Air in Scotland, one day being long alone in prayer, while some of his intimate friends stayed a great while to speak with him, upon their enquiry into the reason why he made them wait so long; he told them it was no wonder, for (said he) I have this day obtained mercy for me, and all mine. And so indeed it came to pass; for not so much as one of his children, but evident signs of conversion and true godliness were observed in them. This was that Kennedy, who when he was a dying could say, If the walls of this house could speak, they could tell how many sweet days I have had in secret fellowship with God, and how familiar he has been with my soul. This is he, concerning whom Mr. Welch once said, Happy is that city, yes, happy is that nation that has an Hugh Kennedy in it; I may self have certainly found the answers of his prayers to the Lord on my behalf. There is one passage recorded concerning him which is exceeding strange. It is this.

One of his sons being absent at sea, on a certain night he rose early, before break of day, and came to his familiar friend John Steward, and desired him to rise, and go with him into a room to pray, for (said he) my son with the rest of our Christian friends now at sea, are at the very nick of perishing. After he had spent some time in pouring out his soul before the Lord, he rose up cheerfully, saying, now are they safe. John Steward being amazed thereat, writ this down, with the day and hour, and at the return of the ship made enquiry, and found that in that very hour of that night, they then were in a most dangerous place, so that all hope that they should be saved was taken away, only they were by an extraordinary unexpected providence then delivered.

To draw to a conclusion, let the world beware, of doing any wrong to a praying people. Such blasting strokes from God were upon those that set themselves against the reformed churches and professors (who were called Piccardines) in Bohemia of old that it became a proverbial speech, If any man be weary of his life, let him become an enemy to the Piccardines. So I say, If any man be weary of his life, let him become an enemy to a praying people, such as (through grace) many in New-England have been, and are to this day. And wo to that man, whoever he be, upon whom the prayers of New-England shall fall, it were better for that man that a mill-stone were hanged about his neck, and he thrown there with into the midst of the sea. It is said concerning the Witnesses (Revelation 11:5), if any man hurt them, fire proceeds out of their mouth, and devours their enemies, and if any man will hurt them, he must on this manner be killed. Is not the spirit of prayer that fire? That Scottish Queen once professed, that she was more afraid of Mr. Knox his prayers, than of an army of ten thousand men.

And it is noted concerning Leolin Prince of Wales, that being persuaded by some to take up arms against a Prince that was famous for religion; he replied that he was afraid of that man's prayers more than of armies.

Therefore I shall finish this discourse with the solemn expression of one (whom I have peculiar reason to love) that was well known in this place seven and twenty years ago. I had rather (says he) be environed with armies of armed men, and compassed round with drawn swords and instruments of death, than that the least praying saint should bend the edge of his prayers against me; for there is no standing before the prayers of saints, especially if they unite their forces, and join together in the same requests. Rise up, O Lord and let your enemies be scattered, and let them that hate you, flee before you.

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