the righteous, and sought to shed innocent bloud,
they were beaten, and perished by the sword: even so
let all the enemies of the King and Parliament be as
that young man Absalom, and that old Fox Ahitho∣phel,
and those infatuated Israelites, that followed
them; but let those that are found faithfull to God,
and their Countrey, be as the Sun when he goeth forth
in his might.
Now it is observable, that that which God did to
Ahithophel, and so consequently to Absalom, was the
effect of Davids prayer and request to God.
David said, O Lord, I pray thee, turne the counsell of
Ahithophel into foolishnesse; and according to his de∣sire
he defeated his counsell. The point hence is this,
That prayer with the use of the means, is prevalent against
those that rise up against the righteous. David us'd the
meanes, and neglected it not; He sent out a tripar∣tite
Army, under three Captains, and that speedily;
that was Alexanders way, and by that meanes he was
victorious, and won much by making no delay, but
pursuing his conquests; but withall, David pray'd,
and thereby prevailed mightily, as we see, and ob∣tain'd
of God a great matter. Three circumstances
illustrate the work of God mention'd in the Text.
First, That he defeated Ahithophel, famous Ahitho∣phel,
that was so renowned for his policy.
Secondly, That he defeated the good counsell of
Ahithophel, his wise counsell.
Thirdly, That he did it by his Word, onely com∣manded,
and it was done.
Moses crying to the Lord, the Israelites saw the sal∣vation
of God; and lifting up his hands, and praying,