Media: the middle things, in reference to the first and last things: or, The means, duties, ordinances, both secret, private and publike, for continuance and increase of a godly life, once begun, till we come to Heaven. Wherein are discovered many blessed medium's or duties, in their right method, manner and proceedings; that so a Christian (the spirit of Christ assisting) may walk on in the holy path, which leads from his new birth to everlasting life. / Drawn, for the most part, out of the most eminently pious, and learned writings of our native practical divines: with additionals of his own, by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amoundernes.

§. 2. Gods love to the Saints.

Experiences.

1642.

SEpt. 29. This night some Christians ob∣served a night of Humi∣liation and Prayer for besieged Manchester; and Octob. 1. the Siege was raised: Gods love was exceedingly mani∣fested herein to the Saints, both within and without that prayed for Town. O let the mercy never be forgotten!

Decemb. 23. Thus they prayed for Blackburn, and Decemb. 24. the siege was raised thence.

1647.

Feb. 11. This evening one was desired to pray for Mr. L. sick childe; and it was observed in the heat of Prayer, at the commending of its soul to God, the soul at that very expression left the body: Blessed be God for this Providence, and for the assistance of his spirit at so needful a time

1648.

August 7. A Letter from Mr. Tho:Shepherd, of the Indians receiving the Gospel in New Eng∣land: He calls them, The precious first fruits of America to Jesus Christ; it much affected the hearts of many.

Aug. 22. many Mi∣racles of mercies to Eng∣land, to the County Pa∣latine of Lancaster, and especially to Preston, by that glorious Victory over the Scots: The Army came to Preston in the very nick of time, by which means it both escaped Plundring and firing, the Enemy having threatned it both ways. Surely, God now an∣swered Prayers, of which the LORD gave some signs the very day be∣fore, at a publike Fast observed in Manchester.

Texts.

2 Chron. 7.14. If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chron. 6.28, 29, 30. If their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land, — then what prayer shall be made by any man, — hear thou from heaven.

Isa. 65.24. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer, and whilest they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Acts 7.59, 60. Lord Jesus receive my spi∣rit: — and when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Isa. 60.5, 8. The abun∣dance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shal come unto thee: — Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

Judg. 20. 28,42,43,45. Shall I yet again go out to battel against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? And the Lord said, Go up, for to morrow I will deliver them into thy hand: — So they turned their backs before the men of Israel— but the battel overtook them, — and chased them, and trod them down with ease over against Gibeah— and they gleaned of them in the high ways, and pur∣sued after them to Gidom, and slew 2000.

Dispositions required in this case, and to be prayed for.

Psal. 28.6. Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voyce of my supplications.

Psal. 116. 1, 2. I love the Lord, because he hath heard the voyce of my supplications, because he hath inclined his ear un∣to me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

Psal. 6.8. Away from me, ye workers of ini∣quity, God hath heard the voice of my weeping.

Ps. 66. 16, 17, 18, 19. Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul: I cryed unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue: If I regard ini∣quity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me; but verily God hath heard me, he hath attended to the voyce of my Prayer.

Isa. 54.1. Sing O bar∣ren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, & cry aloud, thou that didst not travel with childe: for more are the children of the desolate, then the children of the marryed wife, saith the Lord.

Psa. 2.11. Rejoyce with trembling.

Psal. 44.8. In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.

Exo. 15.11. Who is like unto thee, O Lord, amongst the gods? who is like unto thee, glorious in holi∣nes, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

Iudg. 5.15. For the divisions of Reuben, there were great thoughts of heart.

Notes

• See the oc∣casion of this battel, v. 13, 14, 15.