things to us, sweeten the bitterness of our afflictions, open the windows of heaven, shut up the bars of death, vanquish the power of hell. Pray; and be both safe and happy." From a careful examination of the numerous examples which are presented to us, of the power and efficacy of believing prayer, and of the inestimable blessings which (through the Redeemer's intercession) it has obtained, we are taught that in answer to our earnest supplications, the Lord invariably bestows (though not always according to our hopes and anticipations) abundantly more than we ask or think; and that by attentively watching the operations of his hand in answer to our supplications, by observing these things, even we shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord. When we think how considerable a portion of the Word of God is exclusively on the subject of prayer, and when it is remembered that the Prayers of Enoch who walked with God, of Joseph whose "bow abode in strength," and of a numerous company of the holy and honourable of the Lord, which are not recorded, we may be allowed to adopt that grand and sublime figure which St. John employed in reference to the works of our gracious Redeemer, that there are also "the many other prayers, which if they should be written every one, I sup pose that even the World itself would not contain the books that should be written." In concluding these few remarks, it is fervently hoped that the divine blessing may crown the sending forth of "the Achievements of Prayer," that it may refresh and animate the Lord's people, that it may have a tendency not only to enkindle the flame of personal piety, not only to confirm and strengthen the feeble knees; but to expand and brighten that flame of devotion which still burns but dimly on the altar of many a heart which has been presented as a sacrifice to the Lord; and of establishing the Believer in the delightful assurance that the Lord is the hearer and answerer of believing Prayer. And above all, that it may be instrumental in awakening an earnest desire, which shall cause us to cry mightily unto the Lord for that abundant out-pouring of the Holy Spirit, which shall "fill the Earth with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the Waters cover the Sea." As the first thought of this work was suggested to the mind of the compiler several years ago, when hearing a Sermon on Prayer, surely to the Lord alone the praise should be given. Now therefore, O gracious Lord! as thou hast not permitted this thought to return to thee void, but hast accomplished with thy hand what thou hast caused to be desired by the heart, graciously look upon this portion of thy own Word,-own and bless it, and make it an abundant blessing to thy Church and People, and allow it to be presented to Thee at the footstool of thy throne of grace, as a memorial of thy loving-kindness, of thy condescension, and of thy love to one who is "not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth which thou hast shewed to him!" May its defence be the munition of rocks," and may its "covert be, the shadow of thy wings." The Prayer of Jacob for deliverance from his brother Esau The Song of Moses, in the day that the Lord delivered Is- rael out of the hand of the Egyptians ib. ib. The intercession of Moses for the people, after they had made a molten calf ib. |
