Ezra 8:21-23

The prophet Jeremiah had predicted of the manner in which the people should return, both the dispersed of Judah and Jerusalem; going and weeping. Jeremiah 50:4. Ezra therefore, in a most pious manner, proclaims a fast to seek the Lord's presence, like the pillar to Israel, to go before them. And though the way from Babylon to Jerusalem exposed the people to much danger, from the several enemies through whose territories they must pass; yet, from a well grounded confidence in the Lord, Ezra would not seek any convoy from Artaxerxes. And as Ezra confided in the Lord, the Lord honoured Ezra's faith. Oh! Reader! what hath a well grounded faith in God's mercy in Jesus Christ accomplished in all ages? For I hope I need not remind the Reader that the confidence of Ezra in a God in covenant, implied the covenant made with Abraham. And what was that but, that in Abraham's seed all the families of the earth should be blessed. Galatians 3:16.