a_o allegory_n they_o say_v that_o in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v two_o allegory_n first_o the_o chamber_n door_n be_v the_o sense_n shut_v the_o door_n that_o be_v say_v they_o thy_o sense_n lest_o vain_a imagination_n and_o worldly_a thought_n distract_v thy_o mind_n in_o pray_v second_o the_o door_n say_v they_o be_v our_o mouth_n shut_v thy_o door_n that_o be_v thy_o lip_n say_v they_o and_o let_v thy_o prayer_n be_v like_o the_o prayer_n of_o hannah_n conceive_v in_o thy_o mind_n but_o not_o utter_v with_o thy_o mouth_n it_o be_v usual_a with_o papist_n and_o other_o monkish_a man_n that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v to_o turn_v the_o bless_a scripture_n into_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n under_o pretence_n of_o allegory_n and_o mystery_n origen_n be_v a_o great_a admirer_n 8._o euseb_n eccl._n hist_o lib._n 6._o chap._n 8._o of_o allegory_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o part_n and_o wanton_a wit_n he_o turn_v most_o of_o the_o scripture_n into_o allegory_n and_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o he_o foolish_o understand_v and_o absurd_o apply_v that_o matth._n 19_o 12._o literal_o some_o have_v make_v themselves_o chaste_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o so_o geld_v himself_o and_o indeed_o he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v pluck_v out_o one_o of_o his_o eye_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n because_o christ_n say_v it_o be_v better_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n with_o one_o eye_n than_o have_v two_o eye_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n fire_n matth._n 18._o 9_o in_o all_o age_n heretic_n have_v common_o defend_v their_o heresy_n by_o translate_n of_o scripture_n into_o allegory_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o such_o as_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n turn_v all_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o resurrection_n into_o a_o allegory_n meaning_n thereby_o only_o the_o spiritual_a resurrection_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o sin_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n who_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o say_v the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 17_o 18._o and_o be_v there_o not_o many_o among_o we_o that_o turn_v the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o a_o allegory_n and_o that_o turn_v christ_n and_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o hell_n and_o heaven_n and_o all_o into_o a_o allegory_n many_o have_v and_o many_o do_v miserable_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n by_o turn_v they_o into_o vain_a and_o groundless_a allegory_n some_o wanton_a wit_n have_v expound_v paradise_n date_n philo_n judaeus_n and_o other_o of_o a_o late_a date_n to_o be_v the_o soul_n man_n to_o be_v the_o mind_n the_o woman_n to_o be_v the_o sense_n the_o serpent_n to_o be_v delight_n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o be_v wisdom_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o tree_n to_o be_v the_o virtue_n and_o endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n o_o friend_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o bring_v in_o allegory_n where_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o clear_o and_o plain_o warrant_v they_o and_o to_o take_v those_o word_n figurative_o which_o shall_v be_v take_v proper_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o the_o text_n render_v closet_n have_v only_o three_o most_o usual_a signification_n among_o greek_a author_n first_o it_o may_v be_v take_v for_o a_o secret_a chamber_n or_o close_a and_o lock_v parlour_n second_o for_o a_o safe_a or_o cupboard_n to_o lay_v victual_n in_o three_o for_o a_o lock_a chest_n or_o cupboard_n wherein_o treasure_n usual_o be_v reserve_v the_o best_a and_o most_o judicious_a interpreter_n that_o i_o have_v cast_v my_o eye_n upon_o both_o of_o a_o former_a and_o late_a date_n do_v all_o expound_v my_o text_n of_o private_a prayer_n in_o retire_a place_n and_o with_o they_o i_o close_o and_o so_o the_o main_a doctrine_n that_o i_o shall_v gather_v from_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o closet-prayer_n or_o private-prayer_n be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n that_o doct._n doct._n christ_n himself_o have_v lay_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o lie_v under_o the_o woeful_a brand_n of_o be_v hypocrite_n i_o beseech_v you_o serious_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o five_o thing_n first_o if_o any_o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n then_o secret_a prayer_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o duty_n for_o secret_a prayer_n be_v as_o much_o prayer_n as_o any_o other_o prayer_n be_v prayer_n and_o secret_a prayer_n prepare_v and_o fit_v the_o soul_n for_o family-prayer_n and_o for_o publick-prayer_n secret-prayer_n sweet_o incline_v &_o strong_o dispose_v a_o christian_a to_o all_o other_o religious_a duty_n and_o service_n ergo._n but_o second_o if_o secret_a prayer_n be_v not_o a_o indispensible_a duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o thou_o by_o what_o authority_n do_v conscience_n so_o upbraid_v thou_o and_o so_o accuse_v thou_o and_o so_o condemn_v thou_o and_o so_o terrify_v thou_o as_o it_o often_o do_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o three_o be_v it_o ever_o the_o way_n or_o method_n of_o god_n to_o promise_v again_o and_o again_o a_o reward_n a_o open_a reward_n for_o that_o work_n or_o service_n which_o himself_o never_o command_v sure_o no._n now_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n the_o lord_n have_v again_o and_o again_o promise_v a_o open_a reward_n matth._n 6._o 6._o 18._o and_o therefore_o without_o all_o peradventure_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o christian_n four_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o every_o child_n of_o god_n will_v be_v frequent_a in_o pray_v to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o therefore_o he_o encourage_v they_o so_o much_o the_o more_o in_o the_o work_n of_o secret_a prayer_n when_o you_o pray_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o know_v you_o can_v as_o well_o hear_v without_o ear_n and_o live_v without_o food_n and_o fight_v without_o hand_n and_o walk_v without_o foot_n as_o you_o be_v able_a to_o live_v without_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o when_o you_o go_v to_o wait_v on_o god_n or_o to_o give_v your_o heavenly_a father_n a_o visit_n enter_v into_o your_o closet_n and_o shut_v your_o door_n etc._n etc._n five_o if_o closet_n prayer_n be_v not_o a_o indispensible_a duty_n that_o christ_n have_v lay_v upon_o all_o his_o people_n why_o do_v satan_n so_o much_o oppose_v it_o why_o do_v he_o so_o industrious_o and_o so_o unwearied_o labour_v to_o discourage_v christian_n in_o it_o &_o to_o take_v off_o christian_n from_o it_o certain_o satan_n will_v never_o make_v such_o a_o fierce_a &_o constant_a war_n as_o he_o do_v upon_o private_a prayer_n be_v it_o not_o a_o necessary_a duty_n a_o real_a duty_n and_o a_o soul-enriching_a duty_n but_o more_o of_o this_o you_o will_v find_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o let_v this_o touch_n suffice_v for_o the_o present_a etc._n etc._n now_o these_o five_o thing_n do_v very_o clear_o and_o evident_o demonstrate_v that_o secret_o and_o solitary_o to_o hold_v intercourse_n with_o god_n be_v the_o undoubted_a duty_n of_o every_o christian_a but_o for_o a_o more_o full_a open_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o great_a and_o important_a point_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o twenty_o argument_n or_o consideration_n etc._n etc._n first_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v apply_v themselves_o to_o private-prayer_n moses_n be_v alone_o in_o the_o mount_n with_o god_n forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n exod._n 34._o 28._o so_o abraham_n fill_v his_o mouth_n with_o argument_n and_o reason_n the_o case_n out_o alone_o with_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o prevent_v sodom_n desolation_n and_o destruction_n and_o never_o leave_v off_o plead_v and_o pray_v till_o he_o have_v bring_v god_n down_o from_o fifty_o to_o ten_o gen._n 18._o 22-32_a and_o in_o gen._n 21._o 33._o you_o have_v abraham_n again_o at_o his_o private_a prayer_n and_o abraham_n plant_v a_o grove_n in_o beer-sheba_a and_o call_v there_o on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o everlasting_a god_n why_o do_v abraham_n plant_v a_o grove_n but_o that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o most_o private_a place_n to_o pray_v and_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o so_o isaac_n gen._n 24._o 63._o and_o isaac_n go_v out_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o field_n at_o eventide_n the_o hebrew_n word_n lasuach_n that_o be_v here_o render_v meditate_v signify_v to_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o to_o meditate_v and_o so_o it_o be_v often_o use_v it_o be_v a_o comprehensive_a word_n that_o take_v in_o both_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n so_o you_o shall_v find_v jacob_n at_o his_o private-prayer_n gen._n 32._o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o and_o jacob_n be_v leave_v alone_o and_o there_o wrestle_v a_o man_n with_o he_o until_o the_o break_n of_o the_o day_n when_o jacob_n be_v all_o alone_a and_o in_o a_o
if_o they_o do_v but_o hear_v drum_n or_o tabour_n sound_v about_o they_o be_v not_o job_n and_o jeremiah_n 20._o job_n 3._o jer._n 20._o such_o tiger_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o affliction_n do_v more_o than_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o their_o birth_n o_o what_o a_o bitter_a cup_n what_o a_o heavy_a burden_n be_v affliction_n to_o they_o job_n 10._o 1._o my_o soul_n be_v weary_a of_o my_o life_n job_n 7._o 15._o my_o soul_n choose_v strangle_v and_o death_n rather_o than_o life_n psal_n 6._o 6._o i_o be_o weary_a with_o my_o groan_n psal_n 69._o 1_o 2_o 3._o save_v i_o o_o god_n for_o the_o water_n be_v come_v in_o unto_o my_o soul_n i_o sink_v in_o deep_a mire_n where_o there_o be_v no_o stand_v i_o be_o come_v into_o deep_a water_n where_o the_o flood_n overflow_v i_o i_o be_o weary_a of_o my_o cry_n my_o throat_n be_v dry_v my_o eye_n fail_v while_o i_o wait_v for_o my_o god_n doubtless_o many_o good_a man_n have_v sit_v under_o elias_n 4._o 1_o king_n 19_o 4._o his_o juniper_n wish_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o divine_a pleasure_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n and_o be_v rid_v of_o their_o many_o burden_n and_o bondage_n look_v upon_o life_n little_o better_o than_o a_o hell_n be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o heaven_n hereafter_o but_o five_o when_o parent_n take_v up_o the_o rod_n into_o their_o hand_n they_o will_v not_o lay_v it_o down_o till_o rod._n rodolphus_n the_o emperor_n motto_n be_v omnia_fw-la eoe_fw-la voluntate_fw-la dei_fw-la all_o must_v be_v as_o god_n will_v have_v it_o and_o this_o shall_v be_v every_o christian_n motto_n under_o the_o rod._n they_o have_v subdue_v the_o spirit_n of_o their_o child_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o submit_v and_o to_o kiss_v the_o rod_n and_o to_o sit_v still_o and_o quiet_a before_o they_o it_o be_v so_o here_o when_o god_n take_v up_o the_o rod_n he_o will_v not_o lay_v it_o down_o till_o he_o have_v bring_v we_o to_o lie_v quiet_o at_o his_o foot_n leu._n 26._o 40_o 41_o 42._o if_o they_o shall_v confess_v their_o iniquity_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n with_o their_o trespass_n which_o they_o have_v trespass_v against_o i_o and_o that_o also_o they_o have_v walk_v contrary_a to_o i_o and_o that_o i_o also_o have_v walk_v contrary_a unto_o they_o &_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o their_o enemy_n if_o then_o their_o uncircumcised_a heart_n be_v humble_v and_o they_o then_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o iniquity_n then_o will_v i_o remember_v my_o covenant_n with_o jacob_n and_o also_o my_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n and_o also_o my_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n will_v i_o remember_v and_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o land_n when_o god_n take_v up_o the_o rod_n his_o child_n must_v either_o bow_v or_o break_v they_o must_v say_v the_o 6._o jer._n 5._o 3_o 6._o lord_n be_v righteous_a they_o must_v kiss_v the_o rod_n of_o correction_n or_o else_o destruction_n will_v come_v like_o a_o whirlwind_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v report_v of_o the_o lion_n that_o he_o spare_v those_o creature_n that_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o submit_v unto_o he_o but_o as_o for_o those_o that_o endeavour_v to_o run_v from_o he_o or_o to_o contend_v with_o he_o those_o he_o tear_n in_o piece_n it_o be_v just_a so_o with_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o that_o hos_fw-la 5._o 14_o 15._o king_n edward_n ride_v furious_o i._n act_n and_o mon._n in_o edward_n i._n after_o a_o servant_n of_o he_o that_o have_v high_o displease_v he_o with_o a_o draw_a sword_n in_o his_o hand_n as_o purpose_v to_o kill_v he_o see_v he_o submit_v and_o on_o bend_a knee_n sue_v for_o his_o life_n do_v not_o only_o put_v up_o his_o sword_n but_o also_o spare_v he_o and_o receive_v he_o into_o his_o favour_n the_o king_n of_o king_n will_v never_o put_v up_o his_o sword_n when_o once_o he_o have_v draw_v it_o till_o his_o people_n fall_v on_o their_o knee_n &_o submit_v unto_o he_o god_n never_o leave_v chastise_v of_o ephraim_n 20._o jer._n 31._o 18_o 19_o 20._o till_o he_o have_v bring_v he_o to_o his_o bow_n till_o he_o have_v make_v he_o submit_v and_o kiss_v the_o rod._n but_o sixthly_a affliction_n be_v call_v a_o rod_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o hand_n that_o lay_v they_o on_o though_o affliction_n be_v a_o rod_n it_o be_v a_o rod_n in_o a_o father_n hand_n 11._o john_n 18._o 11._o the_o sword_n be_v in_o the_o judge_n hand_n and_o the_o cudgel_n be_v in_o the_o master_n hand_n but_o the_o rod_n be_v in_o the_o father_n hand_n heb._n 12._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o when_o balaams_n ass_n 29._o num._n 22._o 29._o offend_v he_o he_o wish_v for_o a_o sword_n to_o slay_v he_o but_o so_o do_v not_o god_n when_o we_o do_v most_o high_o provoke_v he_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o a_o sword_n to_o slay_v we_o but_o only_o a_o rod_n to_o scourge_v we_o and_o chastise_v we_o as_o indulgent_a father_n do_v their_o dear_a child_n but_o seven_o and_o last_o affliction_n be_v call_v a_o rod_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o end_n to_o which_o they_o serve_v a_o rod_n be_v not_o to_o kill_v but_o to_o cure_v it_o be_v not_o for_o destruction_n but_o for_o correction_n when_o david_n give_v a_o full_a commission_n to_o his_o soldier_n against_o absolom_n it_o be_v not_o to_o slay_v he_o but_o to_o restrain_v he_o it_o be_v not_o to_o ruin_n he_o but_o to_o reduce_v he_o to_o his_o former_a obedience_n the_o application_n be_v easy_a we_o can_v as_o well_o live_v without_o our_o daily_a bread_n as_o without_o our_o daily_a rod._n now_o the_o end_n of_o take_v up_o the_o rod_n be_v these_o first_o and_o more_o general_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o child_n and_o not_o for_o his_o hurt_n it_o be_v so_o here_o god_n take_v up_o the_o rod_n but_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n gen._n 50._o 20._o but_o as_o for_o you_o you_o think_v evil_a against_o i_o but_o god_n mean_v it_o unto_o good_a to_o bring_v to_o pass_v as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n to_o save_v much_o people_n alive_a divine_a goodness_n do_v so_o overmaster_v the_o plot_a malignity_n of_o joseph_n brethren_n as_o that_o it_o make_v a_o bless_a medicine_n of_o a_o most_o deadly_a poison_n jer._n 24._o 5._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n like_o these_o good_a fig_n so_o will_v i_o acknowledge_v they_o that_o be_v carry_v away_o captive_a of_o judah_n who_o i_o have_v send_v out_o of_o this_o place_n into_o the_o land_n of_o the_o chaldean_n for_o their_o good_a when_o israel_n be_v dismiss_v out_o of_o egypt_n it_o be_v with_o 11._o exod._n 11._o gold_n and_o earring_n and_o when_o judah_n be_v dismiss_v out_o of_o babylon_n it_o be_v with_o great_a gift_n jewel_n and_o all_o necessary_a utensil_n so_o rom._n 8._o 28._o and_o 1_o ezra_n 1_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n to_o they_o who_o be_v the_o call_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n this_o text_n like_o moses_n his_o tree_n cast_v into_o the_o bitter_a water_n of_o affliction_n may_v make_v they_o sweet_a and_o wholesome_a to_o drink_v of_o but_o second_o and_o more_o particular_o the_o rod_n be_v to_o make_v the_o child_n sensible_a of_o his_o folly_n and_o vanity_n pro._n 10._o 13._o in_o the_o lip_n of_o he_o that_o have_v understanding_n wisdom_n be_v find_v but_o the_o rod_n be_v for_o the_o back_n of_o he_o that_o be_v void_a of_o understanding_n so_o it_o be_v here_o god_n take_v up_o the_o rod_n but_o it_o be_v to_o make_v his_o people_n sensible_a of_o their_o folly_n and_o vanity_n it_o be_v to_o make_v they_o look_v up_o to_o he_o and_o to_o look_v into_o conscience_n and_o to_o look_v out_o to_o their_o conversation_n schola_fw-la crucis_fw-la be_v schola_fw-la lucis_fw-la god_n house_n of_o correction_n be_v his_o school_n of_o instruction_n his_o lash_n be_v our_o lesson_n his_o scourge_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n and_o his_o chastisement_n be_v our_o advertisement_n 10._o isa_n 26._o 9_o psal_n 94._o 12_o pro._n 3._o 12_o 13._o job_n 36._o 8_o 9_o 10._o hence_o both_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_n express_v chasten_v and_o teach_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n musar_n paideia_n because_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o true_a end_n of_o the_o former_a according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o proverb_n smart_n make_v wit_n and_o vexation_n give_v understanding_n affliction_n be_v a_o christian_n looking-glass_n by_o which_o he_o may_v see_v how_o to_o dress_v his_o own_o open_a oculos_fw-la quos_fw-la peccatum_fw-la claudit_fw-la paena_fw-la apperit_n greg._n
have_v need_n be_v always_o in_o a_o actual_a readiness_n to_o die_v no_o man_n shall_v die_v the_o soon_o but_o much_o the_o easy_a and_o the_o better_a for_o prepare_v to_o die_v and_o therefore_o let_v we_o always_o have_v our_o loin_n gird_v and_o our_o lamp_n burn_v as_o death_n leave_v we_o so_o judgement_n will_v find_v we_o and_o there_o fore_o we_o have_v very_o great_a cause_n to_o secure_v our_o interest_n in_o christ_n a_o change_a nature_n and_o a_o pardon_n in_o our_o bosom_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o die_v except_o we_o prepare_v to_o die_v all_o other_o preparation_n will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a in_o a_o word_n death_n be_v a_o change_n a_o great_a change_n it_o be_v the_o the_o last_o change_n till_o the_o resurrection_n it_o be_v lasting_a yea_o a_o everlasting_a change_n for_o it_o put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o eternal_a condition_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n it_o be_v a_o universal_a change_n all_o person_n must_v pass_v under_o this_o flame_a sword_n that_o statute_n law_n dust_n thou_o be_v and_o unto_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v will_v 18._o gen._n 3._o 18._o soon_o or_o late_a take_v hold_v on_o all_o mortal_n and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o prepare_v for_o death_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o these_o lesson_n that_o you_o be_v to_o learn_v by_o the_o rod._n the_o lord_n grant_v that_o your_o soul_n may_v fall_v under_o those_o fresh_a those_o choice_n those_o full_a and_o those_o constant_a influence_n and_o communication_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o may_v enable_v you_o to_o take_v out_o those_o twenty_o lesson_n that_o i_o have_v lay_v open_a before_o you_o i_o confess_v the_o epistle_n be_v large_a but_o do_v but_o consider_v your_o own_o condition_n and_o the_o present_a dispensation_n under_o which_o we_o be_v cast_v &_o then_o i_o suppose_v you_o will_v not_o call_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o tedious_a epistle_n dear_a friend_n the_o follow_a discourse_n on_o 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most_o precious_a antidote_n of_o god_n own_o prescribe_v against_o the_o plague_n that_o now_o rage_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o 1_o king_n 8._o 37_o 38_o 39_o etc._n etc._n six_o because_o every_o man_n be_v that_o real_o which_o he_o be_v secret_o never_o tell_v i_o how_o handsome_o how_o neat_o how_o brave_o this_o or_o that_o man_n act_v his_o part_n before_o other_o but_o tell_v i_o if_o thou_o can_v how_o he_o act_v his_o part_n before_o god_n in_o his_o closet_n for_o the_o man_n be_v that_o certain_o that_o he_o be_v secret_o there_o be_v many_o that_o sweat_n upon_o the_o stage_n that_o be_v key-cold_a in_o their_o closet_n seven_o though_o many_o worthy_n have_v do_v worthy_o upon_o all_o other_o part_n of_o prayer_n yet_o there_o be_v none_o either_o of_o a_o former_a or_o late_a date_n that_o have_v fall_v under_o my_o eye_n that_o have_v write_v any_o treatise_n on_o this_o subject_a i_o have_v not_o a_o little_a wonder_v that_o so_o many_o eminent_a writer_n shall_v 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as_o to_o provoke_v other_o that_o have_v better_a head_n and_o heart_n and_o hand_n than_o any_o i_o have_v to_o do_v christ_n and_o his_o people_n more_o service_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o choice_a point_n in_o a_o more_o copious_a way_n than_o what_o i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o reach_v unto_o i_o shall_v therein_o rejoice_v eight_o and_o last_o that_o favour_n that_o good_a acceptance_n and_o fair_a quarter_n that_o my_o other_o poor_a labour_n have_v find_v not_o only_o in_o this_o nation_n but_o in_o other_o country_n also_o have_v put_v i_o upon_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n once_o more_o and_o i_o hope_v that_o the_o good_a will_n of_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o bush_n will_v rest_v upon_o this_o as_o it_o have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o free_a grace_n rest_v upon_o my_o former_a endeaver_n i_o can_v add_v other_o reason_n but_o let_v these_o suffice_v good_a reader_n when_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o closet_n pray_v hard_o for_o a_o poor_a weak_a worthless_a worm_n that_o i_o may_v be_v find_v faithful_a and_o fruitful_a to_o the_o death_n that_o so_o at_o last_o i_o may_v receive_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n so_o wish_v thou_o all_o happiness_n both_o in_o this_o low_a and_o in_o that_o upper_a world_n i_o rest_v thou_o in_o our_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n thomas_n brooks_n book_n print_v and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o john_n hancock_n at_o the_o first_o shop_n in_o popes-head-alley_n next_o to_o cornhill_n nine_o book_n late_o publish_v by_o mr._n thomas_n brooks_n late_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o st._n margaret_n new_a fish-street_n 1_o precious_a remedy_n against_o satan_n device_n or_o salve_n for_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n sore_n be_v a_o companion_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o
can_v easy_o find_v out_o private_a place_n for_o their_o dog_n to_o lie_v in_o and_o their_o swine_n to_o sleep_v in_o and_o their_o horse_n to_o stand_v in_o and_o their_o ox_n to_o feed_v in_o etc._n etc._n who_o can_v find_v out_o a_o private_a place_n to_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o but_o do_v these_o man_n but_o love_n their_o god_n or_o their_o soul_n or_o private_a prayer_n or_o eternity_n as_o well_o or_o better_a than_o their_o beast_n they_o will_v not_o be_v such_o bruise_n but_o that_o they_o will_v quick_o find_v out_o a_o hole_n a_o corner_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o but_o second_o i_o answer_v if_o a_o christian_a be_v on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o house_n with_o peter_n he_o may_v pray_v there_o or_o if_o he_o be_v walk_v in_o the_o field_n with_o isaac_n he_o may_v pray_v there_o or_o if_o he_o be_v on_o the_o mountain_n with_o christ_n he_o may_v pray_v there_o or_o if_o he_o be_v behind_o the_o door_n with_o paul_n he_o may_v pray_v there_o or_o if_o he_o be_v wait_v at_o table_n with_o nehemiah_n he_o may_v secret_o pray_v there_o or_o if_o he_o be_v in_o a_o wood_n he_o may_v pray_v there_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n do_v or_o if_o he_o be_v behind_o a_o tree_n he_o may_v pray_v there_o or_o if_o he_o be_v by_o the_o sea_n side_n he_o may_v pray_v there_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v it_o be_v a_o choice_n say_v of_o austin_n every_o saint_n be_v god_n temple_n say_v he_o and_o he_o that_o carry_v his_o temple_n about_o he_o may_v go_v to_o prayer_n when_o he_o please_v some_o saint_n have_v never_o have_v so_o much_o of_o heaven_n bring_v down_o into_o their_o heart_n as_o when_o they_o have_v be_v with_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n o_o the_o secret_a manifestation_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o secret_a kiss_n the_o secret_a embrace_n the_o secret_a influence_n the_o secret_a communion_n with_o god_n that_o many_o a_o precious_a christian_a have_v have_v in_o the_o most_o solitary_a place_n it_o may_v be_v behind_o the_o door_n or_o behind_o the_o wall_n or_o behind_o the_o hedge_n or_o behind_o the_o arbour_n or_o behind_o the_o tree_n or_o behind_o the_o rock_n or_o behind_o the_o bush_n etc._n etc._n but_o three_o and_o last_o do_v thou_o never_o in_o thy_o unregenerate_a estate_n make_v use_n of_o all_o thy_o wit_n and_o part_n and_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o convenient_a season_n and_o secret_a corner_n and_o solitary_a place_n to_o sin_n in_o and_o to_o dishonour_v thy_o god_n in_o and_o to_o undo_v thy_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n in_o yes_o i_o remember_v with_o shame_n and_o blush_a that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o i_o when_o i_o be_v dead_a in_o 3._o eph._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n o_o how_o much_o than_o do_v it_o concern_v thou_o in_o thy_o renew_a sanctify_a and_o raise_v estate_n to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o thy_o wit_n and_o part_n and_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o fit_a season_n and_o the_o most_o secret_a corner_n and_o solitary_a place_n thou_o can_v to_o honour_n thy_o god_n in_o and_o to_o seek_v the_o welfare_n of_o thy_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n in_o o_o that_o man_n be_v but_o as_o serious_a studious_a and_o industrious_a to_o find_v out_o convenient_a season_n secret_a place_n to_o please_v and_o serve_v and_o glorify_v the_o lord_n in_o as_o they_o have_v be_v serious_a studious_a and_o industrious_a to_o find_v out_o convenient_a season_n and_o secret_a place_n to_o displease_v and_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o but_o sixthly_a and_o last_o other_o may_v further_a object_n and_o say_v we_o will_v be_v often_o in_o private_a with_o god_n we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o closet_n prayer_n but_o that_o we_o can_v no_o soon_o shut_v our_o closet_n door_n but_o a_o multitude_n of_o infirmity_n weakness_n and_o vanity_n do_v face_n we_o and_o rise_v up_o against_o we_o our_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o distemper_n and_o folly_n and_o our_o body_n say_v some_o be_v under_o great_a indisposition_n and_o our_o soul_n say_v other_o be_v under_o present_a indisposition_n and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n how_o can_v we_o wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o our_o closert_n etc._n etc._n now_o to_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v give_v these_o six_o answer_n 1._o iâ—_n these_o kind_n of_o reason_v or_o arguing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o shut_v private_a prayer_n out_o of_o door_n where_o live_v that_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o husband_n or_o wife_n that_o father_n or_o child_n that_o master_n or_o servant_n that_o 12._o psa_fw-la 40._o 12._o psal_n 51._o 5._o rom._n 7._o 15_o 24._o psal_n 130._o 3._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 4._o 2_o chr._n 6._o 36._o phil._n 3._o 12._o will_v ever_o bè_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o duty_n where_o be_v there_o a_o person_n under_o heaven_n who_o heart_n be_v not_o full_a of_o infirmity_n weakness_n folly_n and_o vanity_n and_o who_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v not_o too_o often_o indispose_v to_o closet_n duty_n 1_o king_n 8._o 46._o if_o they_o sin_v against_o thou_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o sin_v not_o etc._n etc._n eccl._n mixture_n grace_n in_o this_o life_n be_v like_o gold_n in_o the_o ore_n full_a of_o mixture_n 7._o 20._o for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o just_a man_n upon_o the_o earth_n that_o do_v good_a and_o sin_v not_o prov._n 20._o 9_o who_o can_v say_v i_o have_v make_v my_o heart_n clean_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o my_o sin_n job_n 14._o 4._o who_o can_v bring_v a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a not_o one_o job_n 9_o 30_o 31._o if_o i_o wash_v myself_o with_o snow-water_n and_o make_v my_o hand_n never_o so_o clean_o yet_o shall_v thou_o plunge_v i_o in_o the_o ditch_n and_o my_o own_o clothes_n shall_v abhor_v i_o job_n 9_o 20._o if_o i_o justify_v myself_o my_o own_o mouth_n shall_v condemn_v i_o if_o i_o say_v i_o be_o perfect_a it_o shall_v also_o prove_v i_o perverse_a psal_n 143._o 2._o and_o enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n for_o in_o thy_o sight_n shall_v no_o man_n live_v be_v justify_v james_n 3._o 2._o for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o 1_o john_n 1._o 8._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o such_o that_o affirm_v that_o man_n may_v be_v full_o perfect_a in_o this_o life_n or_o without_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n they_o do_v affirm_v that_o which_o be_v express_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n last_o cite_v and_o to_o the_o universal_a experience_n of_o all_o saint_n who_o daily_o feel_v and_o lament_v over_o that_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n that_o they_o bear_v about_o with_o they_o yea_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a state_n or_o constitution_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o life_n in_o every_o saint_n the_o flesh_n lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n lu_v against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o they_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n 17._o gal._n 5._o 17._o that_o they_o will_v in_o every_o good_a 24._o eph._n 4._o 22_o 23_o 24._o man_n there_o be_v two_o man_n the_o old_a man_n and_o the_o new_a the_o one_o must_v be_v daily_o put_v on_o and_o the_o other_o daily_o put_v off_o all_o saint_n have_v a_o law_n in_o their_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o the_o comp_n rom._n 7._o 23._o 15._o comp_n good_a that_o they_o will_v do_v they_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o will_v not_o do_v that_o they_o do_v they_o have_v two_o contrary_a principle_n in_o they_o from_z whence_o proceed_v two_o manner_n of_o action_n motion_n and_o inclination_n continual_o opposite_a one_o to_o another_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a combat_n in_o they_o like_o the_o struggle_a of_o the_o twin_n in_o rebecah_n womb_n a_o absolute_a perfection_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o triumphant_a state_n of_o god_n elect_a in_o heaven_n heaven_n be_v the_o only_o privilege_a place_n where_o no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v 21_o rev._n 23._o 21_o enter_v in_o that_o be_v the_o only_a place_n where_o neither_o sin_n nor_o satan_n shall_v ever_o get_v foot_v such_o as_o dream_v of_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o this_o life_n do_v confound_v and_o jumble_v heaven_n 23._o heb._n 12._o 22_o 23._o and_o earth_n together_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a which_o be_v certain_o distinct_a both_o in_o
trade_n of_o closet-prayer_n we_o shall_v never_o make_v any_o yearning_n of_o closet-prayer_n look_v as_o they_o that_o get_v money_n by_o their_o iron_n mill_n do_v keep_v a_o continual_a fire_n in_o their_o iron_n mill_n so_o they_o that_o will_v get_v any_o soul-good_a by_o closet-duty_n they_o must_v keep_v close_a and_o constant_a to_o closet-duty_n the_o hypocrite_n be_v only_o constant_a in_o inconstancy_n he_o be_v only_o in_o his_o closet_n by_o fit_n and_o start_n now_o and_o then_o when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o good_a mood_n you_o shall_v find_v he_o step_v into_o his_o closet_n but_o he_o never_o hold_v it_o job_n 27._o 10._o will_v he_o always_o call_v upon_o god_n or_o as_o the_o hebrew_n have_v it_o will_v he_o in_o every_o time_n call_v upon_o god_n when_o they_o be_v under_o the_o smart_a rod_n or_o when_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o torment_a rack_n or_o when_o they_o be_v under_o 5._o isa_n 26._o 16._o psal_n 78._o 34._o zech._n 7._o 5._o grievous_a want_n or_o when_o they_o be_v strike_v with_o panic_n fear_n etc._n etc._n then_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o run_v to_o their_o closet_n as_o joab_n run_v to_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o altar_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o death_n but_o they_o never_o persevere_v they_o never_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o end_n they_o lose_v both_o their_o closet-prayer_n and_o their_o soul_n together_o it_o be_v a_o most_o profane_a and_o 376._o heil_n mic._n p._n 376._o blasphemous_a speech_n of_o that_o atheistical_a wretch_n that_o tell_v god_n that_o he_o be_v no_o common_a beggar_n and_o that_o he_o never_o trouble_v he_o before_o with_o prayer_n and_o if_o he_o will_v but_o hear_v he_o that_o time_n he_o will_v never_o trouble_v he_o again_o closet-prayer_n be_v a_o hard_a work_n and_o a_o man_n must_v tug_v hard_a at_o it_o and_o stick_v close_a to_o it_o as_o jacob_n do_v if_o ever_o 32._o geâ—_n 32._o he_o intend_v to_o make_v any_o internal_a or_o eternal_a advantage_n by_o it_o daniel_n choose_v rather_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n 6._o dan._n 6._o of_o his_o life_n than_o to_o give_v over_o pray_v in_o his_o chamber_n it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o end_n in_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o 17._o gal._n 3._o 3_o luke_n 9_o 62._o mat._n 24._o 13._o rev._n 2._o 17._o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o but_o he_o that_o persevere_fw-la to_o the_o end_n in_o prayer_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o crown_v it_o be_v he_o that_o persevere_fw-la in_o well_o do_v that_o shall_v eat_v of_o the_o hide_a manna_n and_o that_o shall_v have_v the_o white_a stone_n and_o in_o the_o stone_n a_o new_a name_n write_v which_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o those_o precious_a pray_v mourn_a soul_n in_o that_o ezek._n 9_o 4_o 6._o that_o be_v mark_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o jerusalem_n be_v distinguish_v say_v some_o of_o the_o learned_a by_o the_o character_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tau_n which_o be_v the_o 4._o j._n menoch_n com._n in_o ezek._n cap._n 9_o 4._o last_o of_o all_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n to_o teach_v they_o that_o they_o must_v hold_v out_o and_o hold_v on_o to_o the_o end_n in_o well_o do_v it_o be_v constancy_n in_o closet-duty_n that_o crown_v the_o christian_n and_o commend_v the_o duty_n but_o will_v god_n have_v his_o people_n to_o cast_v off_o their_o calling_n and_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o care_n of_o their_o relation_n and_o shut_v themselves_o up_o in_o their_o closet_n and_o there_o spend_v their_o whole_a time_n in_o secret_a prayer_n o_o no_o every_o duty_n must_v have_v its_o time_n and_o place_n 1._o eccl._n 3._o 1._o and_o as_o one_o friend_n must_v not_o shut_v out_o another_o so_o one_o duty_n must_v not_o shut_v out_o another_o the_o duty_n of_o my_o particular_a call_n as_o i_o be_o a_o man_n must_v not_o shut_v out_o the_o duty_n of_o my_o general_a call_n as_o i_o be_o a_o christian_n nor_o the_o duty_n of_o my_o general_a calling_n as_o i_o be_o a_o christian_n must_v not_o shut_v out_o the_o duty_n of_o my_o particular_a call_n as_o i_o be_o a_o man_n but_o that_o you_o may_v be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o this_o case_n you_o must_v remember_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o pray_v always_o first_o when_o his_o heart_n be_v always_o in_o a_o pray_a frame_n look_v as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o give_v always_o who_o heart_n be_v always_o in_o a_o give_a frame_n and_o to_o suffer_v always_o who_o heart_n be_v always_o in_o a_o suffer_a frame_n for_o thy_o sake_n be_v 3._o psal_n 44._o 22._o 2_o pet._n 2._o 14._o jer._n 9_o 3._o we_o kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o to_o sin_n always_o who_o heart_n be_v always_o in_o a_o sin_v frame_n so_o a_o man_n may_v be_v as_o true_o say_v to_o pray_v always_o who_o heart_n be_v always_o in_o a_o pray_a frame_n second_o a_o man_n pray_v always_o when_o he_o take_v hold_v on_o every_o fit_a season_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o his_o soul_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o closet_n to_o pray_v always_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o pray_v in_o every_o opportunity_n but_o of_o this_o before_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o of_o proteus_n that_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o give_v certain_a oracle_n but_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o make_v he_o speak_v and_o deliver_v they_o but_o he_o will_v turn_v himself_o into_o several_a shape_n and_o form_n yet_o if_o they_o will_v hold_v out_o &_o press_v he_o hard_o without_o fear_n into_o whatsoever_o form_n or_o shape_n he_o appear_v they_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v satisfactory_a oracle_n so_o if_o we_o continue_v constant_a in_o our_o closet-wrestling_n with_o god_n if_o we_o hold_v on_o in_o private_a prayer_n though_o god_n shall_v appear_v to_o we_o in_o the_o form_n or_o shape_n of_o a_o judge_n a_o enemy_n a_o stranger_n we_o shall_v certain_o speed_v at_o last_o o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n be_v it_o unto_o 28._o mat._n 5._o 28._o thou_o even_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o her_o daughter_n be_v make_v whole_a from_o that_o very_a hour_n the_o philosopher_n be_v ask_v in_o his_o old_a age_n why_o he_o do_v not_o give_v over_o regredi_fw-la non_fw-la progredi_fw-la est_fw-la regredi_fw-la his_o practice_n &_o take_v his_o ease_n answer_v when_o a_o man_n be_v to_o run_v a_o race_n of_o forty_o furlong_n will_v you_o have_v he_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o nine_o and_o thirty_o and_o so_o lose_v the_o prize_n the_o crown_n for_o which_o he_o run_v o_o sir_n if_o you_o hold_v not_o out_o to_o the_o end_n in_o closet-prayer_n you_o will_v certain_o lose_v the_o heavenly_a prize_n the_o crown_n of_o life_n the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n the_o crown_n of_o glory_n to_o continue_v in_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o this_o way_n of_o duty_n be_v as_o necessary_a and_o requisite_a as_o to_o begin_v to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n in_o this_o way_n of_o duty_n for_o though_o the_o beginning_n be_v more_o than_o half_a yet_o the_o end_n be_v more_o than_o all_o the_o god_n of_o all_o perfection_n look_n that_o our_o ultimum_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la shall_v opus_fw-la finis_fw-la coronot_fw-mi opus_fw-la be_v his_o optimum_fw-la gloriae_fw-la that_o our_o last_o work_n shall_v be_v our_o best_a work_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v persevere_v in_o closet-prayer_n to_o the_o end_n rev._n 2._o 10._o my_o eight_o advice_n and_o counsel_n be_v this_o in_o all_o your_o closet-prayer_n thirst_n and_o long_o after_o communion_n ult_n cant._n 3._o 1_o 2_o 3._o psal_n 73._o ult_n with_o god_n in_o all_o your_o private_a retirement_n take_v up_o in_o nothing_o below_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o nothing_o below_o a_o sweet_a and_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n psal_n 27._o 4._o one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o will_v i_o seek_v after_o that_o i_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o temple_n will_v not_o satisfy_v david_n soul_n psal_n 42._o 1_o 2._o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brook_v so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n the_o hart_n as_o aristotle_n and_o other_o observe_v be_v of_o all_o creature_n most_o hot_a and_o dry_a of_o itself_o but_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v chase_v and_o hunt_v than_o it_o be_v extreme_a thirsty_a the_o female_a be_v here_o mean_v
outside_n of_o the_o house_n than_o help_n run_v in_o then_o help_v on_o all_o hand_n be_v ready_a he_o that_o sin_n in_o secret_a debar_v himself_o of_o all_o public_a remedy_n and_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o damn_v his_o soul_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o to_o go_v to_o hell_n in_o the_o dark_a but_o second_o secret_a sin_n will_v make_v way_n for_o public_a sin_n he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o sin_v in_o the_o secret_a chamber_n will_v ever_o long_o with_o absolom_n be_v ready_a to_o spread_v a_o tent_n upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o 22_o 2_o king_n 16._o 21_o 22_o house_n and_o to_o go_v in_o to_o his_o concubine_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o israel_n such_o as_o have_v make_v no_o conscience_n of_o steal_v a_o few_o pin_n or_o penny_n or_o a_o few_o shilling_n in_o private_a have_v in_o time_n come_v to_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o take_v a_o purse_n on_o the_o road_n at_o highnoon_n the_o cockatrice_n must_v be_v crush_v in_o the_o egg_n else_o it_o will_v soon_o become_v a_o serpent_n the_o very_a thought_n of_o sin_n if_o not_o think_v on_o will_v break_v forth_o into_o action_n action_n into_o custom_n custom_n into_o habit_n and_o then_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v irrecoverable_o lose_v to_o all_o eternity_n if_o satan_n can_v but_o wound_v our_o heel_n as_o the_o poet_n feign_v of_o achilles_n he_o will_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n but_o he_o will_v send_v death_n from_o the_o heel_n to_o the_o heart_n if_o this_o subtle_a serpent_n can_v but_o wriggle_v in_o his_o tail_n by_o a_o ill_a thought_n he_o will_v soon_o get_v in_o his_o head_n by_o a_o worse_a action_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n call_v hatred_n murder_n and_o a_o wanton_a eye_n adultery_n secret_a hatred_n often_o issue_v in_o upon_o murder_n and_o secret_a wanton_a glance_n of_o the_o eye_n do_v often_o issue_v in_o visible_a adultery_n if_o ammon_n be_v sick_a with_o the_o sinful_a conception_n of_o incestuous_a lust_n how_o will_v his_o soul_n be_v in_o pain_n and_o travail_v till_o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o and_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o in_o secret_n have_v take_v now_o and_o then_o but_o one_o cup_n more_o than_o enough_o who_o now_o may_v be_v see_v at_o highnoon_n reel_v against_o every_o post_n look_v as_o secret_a disease_n in_o the_o body_n if_o not_o cure_v will_v in_o time_n open_o break_v forth_o so_o secret_a sin_n in_o the_o soul_n if_o not_o pardon_v and_o purge_v will_v in_o time_n be_v open_o reveal_v covetousness_n be_v judas_n his_o secret_a sin_n and_o no_o soon_o do_v a_o occasion_n or_o a_o temptation_n present_v itself_o but_o he_o be_v very_o ready_a and_o forward_o to_o betray_v and_o sell_v his_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n before_o all_o the_o world_n lust_n have_v conceive_v bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o 15._o james_n 1._o 15._o that_o thus_o first_o sin_n have_v its_o conception_n and_o that_o be_v delight_n and_o then_o its_o formation_n and_o that_o be_v design_n and_o then_o its_o birth_n and_o that_o be_v action_n and_o then_o its_o growth_n and_o that_o be_v custom_n and_o then_o its_o end_n and_o that_o be_v damnation_n but_o three_o secret_n sin_v put_v far_o more_o respect_n &_o fear_v upon_o man_n than_o upon_o god_n thou_o will_v be_v unjust_a in_o secret_a and_o wanton_a in_o secret_a and_o unclean_a in_o secret_a and_o treacherous_a in_o secret_a etc._n etc._n and_o why_o but_o because_o thou_o be_v afraid_a that_o such_o or_o such_o man_n shall_v know_v it_o or_o that_o such_o and_o such_o friend_n shall_v know_v it_o or_o that_o such_o and_o such_o relation_n shall_v know_v it_o ah_o poor_a wretch_n be_v thou_o afraid_a of_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n of_o a_o man_n that_o shall_v 12._o isa_n 51._o 12._o die_v and_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v as_o grass_n and_o yet_o not_o tremble_v under_o his_o eye_n who_o eye_n be_v as_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n sharp_a and_o terrible_a such_o as_o pierce_v into_o the_o inward_a 13._o rev._n 1._o 14._o heb._n 4._o 13._o part_n ah_o how_o full_a of_o atheism_n be_v that_o man_n heart_n that_o tacit_o say_v if_o my_o sin_n be_v but_o hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o care_v though_o the_o lord_n know_v they_o though_o the_o lord_n strict_o observe_v they_o though_o the_o lord_n set_v a_o mark_n a_o memorandum_n upon_o they_o what_o be_v this_o o_o man_n but_o to_o brave_v it_o out_o with_o god_n and_o to_o tempt_v he_o and_o provoke_v he_o to_o to_o his_o very_a face_n who_o be_v light_n and_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o ah_o sinner_n sinner_n can_v man_n 6._o 1_o john_n 1._o 5_o 6._o damn_v thou_o can_v man_n disinherit_v thou_o can_v man_n fill_v thy_o conscience_n with_o horror_n and_o terror_n can_v man_n make_v thy_o life_n a_o very_a hell_n can_v man_n bar_v the_o gate_n of_o glory_n against_o thou_o can_v man_n speak_v thou_o into_o the_o grave_a by_o a_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o after_o all_o can_v man_n cast_v thou_o into_o endless_a easeless_a and_o remediless_a torment_n o_o no_o can_v god_n do_v all_o this_o o_o yes_o why_o then_o do_v not_o thy_o heart_n stand_v more_o in_o awe_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o great_a god_n than_o it_o do_v of_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o poor_a weak_a mortal_a man_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a on_o this_o particular_a because_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o world_n that_o do_v more_o hinder_v secret_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o secret_a prayer_n than_o secret_a sin_n and_o oh_o that_o you_o will_v all_o make_v it_o your_o great_a business_n to_o watch_v against_o secret_a sin_n and_o to_o pray_v against_o secret_a sin_n and_o to_o mourn_v over_o secret_a sin_n and_o deep_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v yourselves_o for_o secret_a sin_n and_o careful_o and_o conscientious_o to_o shun_v and_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n and_o provocation_n that_o may_v be_v as_o fuel_n to_o secret_a sin_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o be_v so_o sincere_a and_o serious_a in_o closet-prayer_n or_o that_o be_v so_o frequent_a so_o fervent_a so_o constant_a in_o closet-prayer_n or_o that_o be_v so_o delightful_a so_o resolulute_a so_o undaunted_a or_o so_o unwearied_a in_o closet-prayer_n as_o those_o that_o keep_v themselves_o most_o clear_a and_o free_a from_o secret_a sin_n for_o a_o close_o remember_v this_o that_o though_o secret_a sin_n be_v in_o some_o respect_v more_o dangerous_a than_o other_o sin_n be_v yet_o in_o three_o respect_n they_o be_v not_o so_o bad_a nor_o so_o dangerous_a as_o other_o sin_n be_v first_o in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o scandalize_v religion_n as_o open_a sin_n do_v second_o in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o shame_n grieve_v and_o wound_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o open_a sin_n do_v three_o in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o infectious_a to_o other_o nor_o such_o provocation_n to_o other_o to_o sin_n against_o the_o lord_n as_o open_a sin_n be_v and_o thus_o you_o may_v see_v what_o those_o thing_n be_v that_o you_o must_v careful_o take_v heeed_o of_o as_o ever_o you_o will_v addict_v yourselves_o to_o closet-prayer_n and_o as_o you_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o these_o five_o thing_n so_o there_o be_v several_a other_o thing_n that_o you_o must_v careful_o and_o conscientious_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o as_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v find_v faithful_a and_o constant_a in_o this_o great_a duty_n viz._n closet-prayer_n now_o they_o be_v these_o first_o lament_v great_o and_o mourn_v bitter_o over_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o choice_a duty_n he_o that_o do_v not_o make_v conscience_n of_o mourning_n over_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n will_v never_o make_v conscience_n of_o perform_v this_o duty_n o_o that_o 1._o jer._n 9_o 1._o your_o head_n be_v water_n and_o your_o eye_n a_o fountain_n of_o tear_n that_o you_o may_v weep_v day_n and_o night_n for_o the_o great_a neglect_n of_o closet-prayer_n he_o that_o mourn_v most_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n will_v be_v find_v most_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n he_o that_o make_v most_o conscience_n to_o accuse_v arraign_v and_o condemn_v himself_o for_o neglect_v closet-prayer_n he_o will_v make_v most_o conscience_n of_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o closet-prayer_n it_o be_v say_v of_o adam_n that_o he_o turn_v his_o face_n towards_o the_o garden_n of_o eden_n and_o from_o his_o heart_n bitter_o lament_v his_o great_a fall_n o_o that_o you_o will_v turn_v your_o face_n towards_o your_o closet_n and_o bitter_o lament_v your_o rare_a go_v into_o they_o but_o second_o habituate_v yourselves_o accustom_v yourselves_o to_o closet-prayer_n make_v private_a prayer_n