Selected quad for the lemma: duty_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n affection_n heart_n holy_a 1,144 5 4.5561 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A60343 A discourse of closet (or secret) prayer from Matt. VI 6 first preached and now published at the request of those that heard it / by Samuel Slater. Slater, Samuel, d. 1704. 1691 (1691) Wing S3960; ESTC R25761 88,954 200

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

praise_n o_o let_v our_o life_n on_o earth_n be_v a_o life_n of_o prayer_n there_o our_o soul_n will_v have_v a_o eternal_a repose_n in_o he_o here_o let_v our_o soul_n f●llow_n hard_o after_o he_o but_o this_o epistle_n savell_v too_o big_a it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o draw_v to_o a_o close_a my_o heart_n desire_n and_o prayer_n for_o you_o all_o be_v that_o you_o may_v be_v save_v and_o that_o you_o may_v work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a if_o you_o and_o i_o get_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o it_o matter_n not_o what_o storm_n we_o meet_v with_o here_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a while_n and_o all_o our_o hard_a work_n and_o sharp_a conflict_n and_o sour_a affliction_n will_v have_v a_o end_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n and_o manage_v everlasting_a triumph_n sin_v and_o sigh_v want_a and_o weep_v no_o more_o watch_z while_o you_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o enemy_n walk_v while_n you_o have_v the_o light_n and_o mind_n your_o work_n while_o you_o have_v any_o to_o do_v husband_n your_o time_n improve_v your_o season_n trade_n with_o your_o talent_n fill_v your_o relation_n with_o duty_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n it_o be_v your_o profess_a desire_n to_o enjoy_v pure_a ordinance_n and_o a_o holy_a communion_n oh_o that_o there_o may_v be_v none_o among_o you_o that_o profane_v those_o ordinance_n and_o pollute_v that_o communion_n first_o look_v to_o your_o heart_n then_o to_o your_o way_n and_o make_v and_o keep_v both_o as_o clean_o as_o you_o can_v be_v much_o in_o mind_v yourselves_o not_o in_o censure_v other_o their_o infirmity_n do_v you_o pity_v and_o labour_n to_o get_v your_o own_o heal_v your_o stay_n and_o i_o here_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v long_o and_o we_o i_o here_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v long_o and_o we_o need_v not_o care_n how_o short_a it_o be_v so_o the_o great_a work_n for_o which_o we_o be_v send_v be_v finish_v before_o we_o go_v when_o we_o be_v once_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n will_v not_o need_v we_o for_o god_n have_v the_o residue_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o can_v set_v other_o in_o our_o place_n who_o shall_v fill_v they_o better_o than_o we_o have_v do_v while_o i_o be_o continue_v among_o you_o i_o shall_v by_o grace_n assist_v make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o help_v your_o faith_n and_o joy_n do_v you_o work_v together_o with_o i_o and_o god_n with_o we_o all_o be_v friend_n to_o yourselves_o and_o one_o another_o why_o be_v you_o bring_v into_o a_o holy_a communion_n but_o in_o order_n to_o mutual_a edification_n and_o our_o life_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v so_o much_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o day_n or_o plenty_n of_o enjoyment_n as_o by_o usefulness_n he_o that_o do_v most_o service_n shall_v have_v the_o great_a commendation_n and_o weighty_a crown_n now_o commend_v you_o to_o god_n and_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o which_o be_v satisfy_v i_o rest_v your_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n samuel_n slater_n from_o my_o study_n novemb_n 24._o 1690_o matthew_n vi_o 6._o but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v thy_o door_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a these_o word_n be_v a_o little_a part_n of_o our_o dear_a saviour_n first_o sermon_n and_o the_o long_a that_o ever_o he_o preach_v full_a of_o excellent_a matter_n most_o worthy_a of_o the_o preacher_n most_o proper_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o hearer_n it_o abound_v with_o wholesome_a and_o excellent_a counsel_n and_o afford_v most_o precious_a and_o cordial_a comfort_n they_o that_o will_v taste_v his_o comfort_n must_v follow_v his_o counsel_n and_o as_o they_o desire_v that_o christ_n will_v admit_v they_o into_o heaven_n when_o they_o die_v they_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a while_o they_o live_v to_o observe_v and_o practise_v what_o he_o teach_v while_o he_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n learn_v of_o he_o as_o a_o prophet_n if_o you_o will_v be_v advance_v by_o he_o as_o king_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o command_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n to_o take_v heed_n caution_n become_v christian_n their_o case_n call_v loud_o for_o it_o the_o life_n which_o they_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o caution_n for_o the_o lead_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o empty_a life_n a_o low_a and_o unworthy_a life_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o do_v of_o which_o they_o be_v engage_v require_v as_o much_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v spoil_v by_o they_o nor_o reject_v by_o god_n nor_o throw_v as_o dung_n into_o their_o face_n take_v heed_n o_o professor_n how_o you_o live_v and_o walk_v and_o carry_v in_o the_o world_n weigh_v all_o your_o action_n and_o ponder_v the_o path_n of_o your_o foot_n take_v heed_n what_o you_o hear_v and_o how_o you_o hear_v take_v heed_n how_o you_o pray_v for_o what_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n take_v heed_n how_o you_o converse_v and_o with_o who_o take_v heed_n how_o you_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o buy_v and_o sell_v how_o you_o think_v and_o speak_v take_v heed_n that_o you_o avoid_v all_o sinful_a thing_n and_o that_o you_o do_v not_o sin_n in_o any_o lawful_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o unseen_a danger_n there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o snare_n subtle_o and_o privy_o lay_v and_o we_o be_v very_o prone_a to_o miscarry_v to_o fall_v into_o those_o danger_n and_o be_v catch_v in_o those_o snare_n we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v circumspect_a and_o wary_a take_v heed_n therefore_o remember_v and_o consider_v he_o give_v the_o charge_n who_o love_v you_o dear_o and_o know_v better_a than_o you_o what_o need_v there_o be_v of_o it_o our_o lord_n in_o particular_a give_v this_o direction_n and_o caution_n concern_v the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o almsgiving_n and_o prayer_n and_o that_o extraordinary_a duty_n of_o fast_v all_o which_o be_v so_o good_a and_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o spoil_v by_o any_o of_o his_o servant_n whatever_o they_o be_v by_o other_o who_o will_v needs_o pretend_v to_o he_o while_o they_o have_v no_o more_o of_o he_o than_o the_o name_n and_o that_o which_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n he_o do_v in_o general_a caution_n they_o about_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o the_o hypocrite_n hypocrisy_n be_v a_o thing_n exceed_v odious_a unto_o god_n a_o ape_n be_v most_o like_a a_o man_n but_o be_v not_o one_o and_o of_o all_o creature_n he_o be_v most_o deform_a a_o hypocrite_n be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o like_a a_o saint_n but_o be_v not_o and_o of_o all_o sinner_n he_o be_v most_o hateful_a he_o shall_v not_o stand_v before_o god_n but_o be_v banish_v further_a from_o he_o the_o worst_a dark_a hot_a place_n in_o hell_n be_v his_o apartment_n god_n do_v so_o much_o loath_a hypocrite_n that_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v his_o child_n to_o resemble_v they_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o be_v hypocrite_n nay_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o be_v as_o hypocrite_n when_o thou_o gi●est_v alm_n do_v not_o sound_v a_o trumpet_n as_o the_o hypocrite_n do_v instead_o of_o let_v the_o world_n do_v not_o let_v thy_o left_a hand_n know_v what_o thy_o ●ight_a hand_n do_v when_o thou_o pray_v thou_o shall_v not_o be_v as_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v for_o they_o love_v to_o pray_v stand_v in_o the_o synagogue_n they_o do_v not_o love_v to_o do_v good_a without_o have_v many_o witness_n of_o the_o good_a they_o do_v as_o if_o that_o duty_n be_v lose_v from_o which_o they_o do_v not_o reap_v the_o praise_n of_o men._n when_o thou_o fast_o be_v not_o as_o the_o hypocrite_n of_o a_o sad_a countenance_n they_o love_v to_o put_v on_o a_o sour_a face_n but_o never_o look_v after_o nor_o care_n for_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n thus_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n will_v not_o have_v his_o follower_n to_o conform_v to_o they_o do_v not_o fashion_v yourselves_o like_o they_o get_v not_o into_o their_o mode_n and_o dress_n though_o it_o seem_v great_a and_o handsome_a be_v you_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n in_o all_o thing_n keep_v as_o close_o to_o he_o as_o ever_o you_o can_v put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v you_o clothe_v all_o over_o with_o christ_n that_o as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o virtue_n may_v be_v see_v in_o you_o but_o be_v not_o like_o the_o hypocrite_n in_o any_o thing_n a_o hypocrite_n
thing_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi three_o when_o thou_o be_v alone_o in_o prayer_n make_v it_o thy_o great_a desire_n and_o care_n to_o be_v with_o god_n in_o all_o thy_o approach_n to_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thy_o appearance_n before_o he_o make_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v with_o he_o the_o psalmist_n can_v say_v psal._n 139._o 18._o when_o i_o awake_v i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o this_o some_o understand_v of_o the_o constancy_n of_o god_n kindness_n though_o the_o most_o vigilant_a of_o the_o saint_n sometime_o fall_v into_o sleepiness_n and_o drowsiness_n of_o spirit_n that_o they_o perceive_v not_o god_n presence_n with_o they_o nor_o care_n over_o they_o nor_o love_n to_o they_o yet_o when_o the_o lord_n awaken_v up_o their_o soul_n and_o renew_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n they_o be_v make_v to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v never_o leave_v they_o no_o not_o when_o they_o least_o perceive_v his_o presence_n but_o other_o do_v by_o this_o understand_v the_o gracious_a frame_n and_o work_n of_o david_n spirit_n he_o be_v every_o morning_n with_o god_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o open_v his_o eye_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o god_n god_n be_v the_o excellent_a and_o endear_a object_n that_o he_o will_v first_o converse_v with_o and_o bestow_v his_o morning_n visit_v upon_o i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o by_o meditation_n oh_o that_o thou_o can_v say_v the_o same_o in_o truth_n as_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n lord_n when_o i_o be_o at_o prayer_n i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o i_o be_o often_o upon_o my_o knee_n and_o i_o be_o as_o often_o with_o my_o god_n i_o john_n 1._o 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n do_v you_o press_v after_o that_o a_o fellowship_n with_o god_n do_v you_o inquire_v for_o that_o as_o elisha_n when_o he_o have_v get_v the_o mantle_n which_o his_o master_n have_v drop_v he_o cry_v out_o where_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o elijah_n so_o do_v you_o here_o be_v the_o prayer_n but_o where_o be_v the_o fellowship_n true_o that_o person_n be_v both_o wicked_o and_o miserable_o alone_a in_o his_o duty_n who_o be_v not_o with_o god_n in_o duty_n he_o sin_v great_o in_o it_o and_o he_o shall_v get_v nothing_o by_o it_o that_o be_v a_o accurse_a privacy_n out_o of_o which_o the_o great_a and_o everblessed_n god_n be_v exclude_v he_o be_v indeed_o with_o thou_o in_o all_o place_n in_o thy_o great_a retirement_n psal._n 139._o 8._o if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n thou_o be_v there_o so_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o congregation_n god_n be_v there_o if_o in_o the_o chamber_n god_n be_v there_o if_o in_o the_o field_n god_n be_v there_o he_o fill_v all_o place_n and_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o person_n and_o of_o all_o their_o action_n but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o no_o gracious_a soul_n that_o do_v indeed_o love_v he_o will_v sit_v down_o satisfy_v with_o that_o while_o god_n be_v with_o thou_o by_o his_o omnipresence_n observe_v thou_o and_o all_o thy_o way_n what_o duty_n thou_o do_v and_o how_o thou_o do_v they_o it_o must_v be_v thy_o great_a care_n to_o be_v with_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o holy_a meditation_n and_o affection_n to_o have_v the_o thought_n dwell_v with_o god_n the_o desire_n run_v out_o to_o god_n and_o the_o delight_n feast_v upon_o god_n have_v a_o care_n that_o when_o you_o pretend_v to_o be_v alone_o in_o your_o duty_n you_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o reins_o upon_o your_o neck_n and_o allow_v your_o mind_n in_o their_o loose_a and_o vain_a ex●ursions_n christian_n go_v to_o thy_o duty_n and_o go_v to_o thy_o god_n too_o so_o that_o good_a man_n wise_o resolve_v psal._n 43._o 3_o 4._o o_o send_v out_o thy_o light_n and_o truth_n let_v they_o lead_v i_o let_v they_o bring_v i_o unto_o thy_o hill_n and_o to_o thy_o tabernacle_n then_o will_v i_o go_v unto_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n unto_o god_n my_o exceed_a joy_n he_o will_v not_o stop_v at_o the_o altar_n but_o get_v up_o to_o the_o god_n who_o be_v worship_v there_o and_o when_o thou_o be_v with_o he_o keep_v with_o he_o as_o close_o as_o thou_o can_v let_v no_o temptation_n draw_v thou_o away_o four_o whensoever_o thou_o be_v in_o secret_a before_o god_n reveal_v all_o thy_o secret_n to_o he_o deal_v plain_o and_o open_o with_o he_o anatomize_v thy_o soul_n in_o his_o presence_n tell_v he_o all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o all_o that_o thou_o remember_v have_v be_v in_o thy_o life_n and_o do_v not_o hide_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o whatsoever_o thy_o own_o conscience_n preach_v to_o thou_o do_v thou_o go_v and_o repeat_v it_o all_o to_o god_n confess_v to_o he_o those_o evil_a action_n thou_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n and_o under_o the_o covert_n of_o darkness_n though_o no_o mortal_a eye_n see_v they_o nor_o can_v any_o body_n charge_v thou_o with_o they_o the_o keep_v back_o of_o part_n of_o thy_o sin_n may_v be_v thy_o ruin_n as_o well_o as_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n of_o the_o land_n and_o cover_v the_o fraud_n with_o a_o lie_n be_v the_o death_n of_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n acknowledge_v to_o he_o those_o heart-corruption_n which_o do_v never_o come_v into_o act_n the_o law_n in_o the_o member_n that_o war_v against_o the_o law_n in_o your_o mind_n the_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o that_o curse_a root_n of_o bitterness_n which_o lie_v under_o ground_n the_o vicious_a fountain_n that_o be_v continual_o boil_v and_o bubble_v up_o in_o filthy_a thought_n and_o vile_a affection_n though_o it_o never_o send_v forth_o such_o muddy_a and_o abominable_a stream_n as_o run_v in_o a_o impetuous_a and_o rapid_a manner_n in_o the_o life_n of_o other_o overflow_a all_o the_o bank_n that_o religion_n and_o reason_n do_v set_v they_o in_o a_o word_n do_v thou_o thyself_o acquaint_v god_n with_o the_o plague_n of_o thy_o heart_n which_o threaten_v the_o life_n of_o thy_o soul_n though_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n to_o be_v see_v by_o other_o upon_o thou_o though_o it_o do_v not_o show_v itself_o in_o botch_n and_o boil_n i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o though_o you_o need_v not_o let_v man_n know_v not_o your_o dear_a intimate_a and_o most_o faithful_a friend_n know_v all_o that_o you_o be_v chargeable_a with_o yet_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v so_o to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o a_o give_n of_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o omniscience_n and_o if_o you_o do_v it_o as_o you_o ought_v in_o a_o believe_a way_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n too_o as_o be_v a_o god_n ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o multiply_v pardon_n beside_o as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o hide_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o because_o he_o see_v all_o searcheth_z the_o heart_n possess_v the_o reins_o and_o have_v our_o most_o secret_a sin_n in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v not_o in_o that_o action_n when_o man_n go_v to_o eover_o god_n will_v come_v to_o discover_v adam_n have_v sin_v go_v like_o a_o guilty_a malefactor_n to_o hide_v himself_o but_o god_n know_v where_o he_o be_v and_o fetch_v he_o out_o with_o a_o word_n achan_n have_v steal_v the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o two_o hundred_o piece_n of_o silver_n and_o a_o goodly_a babylonish_n garment_n go_v and_o hide_v they_o in_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o tent_n but_o god_n make_v he_o fetch_v they_o out_o again_o when_o all_o be_v do_v plain-dealing_a be_v best_a special_o when_o you_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o god_n and_o let_v i_o here_o add_v that_o freedom_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n in_o a_o way_n of_o humble_a confession_n unto_o god_n be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n of_o a_o gracious_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o speak_v a_o person_n act_v by_o a_o ingenuous_a filial_a spirit_n that_o he_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o sin_n no_o admirer_n of_o himself_o but_o willing_a to_o load_v himself_o that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o more_o loath_a himself_o and_o work_v his_o heart_n into_o the_o great_a admiring_n of_o that_o patience_n which_o notwithstanding_o so_o many_o affront_n have_v so_o long_o bear_v with_o he_o and_o that_o grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o so_o great_a provocation_n do_v yet_o open_a to_o he_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n and_o take_v one_o thing_n with_o you_o further_o this_o freedom_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n in_o confess_v your_o sin_n to_o god_n be_v a_o singular_a
and_o compendious_a way_n mingle_v with_o it_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o provide_v for_o your_o own_o peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o you_o do_v humble_o and_o free_o load_v yourselves_o with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o sin_n you_o be_v guilty_a of_o you_o may_v find_v they_o lie_v more_o light_n upon_o you_o conscience_n when_o you_o bind_v they_o upon_o yourselves_o you_o may_v find_v god_n lose_v they_o and_o take_v they_o off_o by_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o full_a pardon_n till_o david_n come_v to_o this_o poor_a man_n he_o be_v in_o a_o most_o dismal_a condition_n psal._n 32._o 3._o while_o he_o keep_v silence_n his_o bone_n wax_v old_a through_o his_o roar_v all_o the_o day_n he_o keep_v silence_n i._n e._n he_o do_v not_o confess_v sin_n and_o then_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o spend_v all_o his_o time_n in_o roar_v because_o of_o the_o torment_n and_o anguish_n which_o he_o feel_v and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o do_v not_o carry_v towards_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o ingenuity_n god_n carry_v towards_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o severity_n vers._n 24._o day_n and_o night_n thy_o hand_n be_v heavy_a upon_o i_o my_o moisture_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o drought_n of_o summer_n he_o be_v sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o that_o hand_n and_o break_v almost_o to_o shiver_n and_o dry_v up_o like_o a_o potsherd_n but_o now_o see_v what_o a_o comfortable_a change_n be_v wrought_v and_o how_o god_n appear_v to_o his_o joy_n when_o he_o break_v off_o that_o sinful_a silence_n yea_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n of_o do_v it_o ver._n 5._o i_o acknowledge_v my_o sin_n unto_o thou_o and_o my_o iniquity_n have_v i_o not_o hide_v i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o forgave_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n so_o then_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o remove_v judgement_n to_o pacify_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n to_o quiet_a the_o conscience_n to_o recover_v the_o sense_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o to_o get_v for_o break_a bone_n the_o joy_n of_o god_n salvation_n five_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o secret_a keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n over_o thyself_o watch_v over_o both_o thy_o body_n and_o soul_n watch_v over_o thy_o body_n that_o it_o may_v not_o sleep_v as_o the_o disciple_n do_v very_o unreasonable_o when_o they_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o keep_v awake_a you_o know_v what_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o the_o body_n be_v weak_a where_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o therefore_o a_o great_a shame_n for_o people_n yea_o such_o as_o profess_v godliness_n when_o they_o be_v about_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o these_o assembly_n hear_v and_o pray_v to_o sleep_v away_o so_o much_o of_o that_o precious_a time_n as_o they_o do_v as_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v none_o of_o their_o business_n and_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o sure_o i_o be_o this_o be_v not_o to_o sit_v here_o as_o god_n people_n sit_v this_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o a_o serious_a christ●an_n come_v to_o hear_v for_o life_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o life_n and_o work_v out_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o yet_o they_o sleep_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o observer_n when_o they_o have_v some_o on_o all_o side_n to_o give_v they_o a_o awaken_n jog_v and_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o do_v it_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o duty_n and_o of_o love_n it_o be_v a_o friendly_a jog_v and_o the_o party_n to_o who_o you_o give_v it_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v it_o thankful_o at_o your_o hand_n as_o a_o kindness_n he_o do_v not_o know_v how_o much_o he_o may_v lose_v by_o a_o little_a nap_n some_o precious_a truth_n may_v then_o be_v speak_v and_o pass_v in_o which_o he_o be_v great_o concern_v and_o by_o which_o he_o may_v have_v be_v great_o benefit_v but_o it_o be_v go_v and_o lose_v as_o to_o he_o he_o sleep_v it_o away_o but_o when_o thou_o be_v all_o alone_a thou_o have_v none_o by_o to_o do_v that_o friendly_a office_n to_o bestow_v a_o jog_v upon_o thou_o than_o thou_o must_v do_v all_o the_o work_n thyself_o and_o look_v to_o thyself_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o thy_o own_o friend_n and_o take_v the_o more_o care_n and_o pain_n and_o also_o watch_v thy_o soul_n thy_o heart_n keep_v it_o as_o thou_o be_v command_v with_o all_o diligence_n and_o as_o deborah_n say_v to_o herself_o when_o she_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o work_n judge_n 5._o 12._o awake_v awake_a debroah_n awake_v awake_a utter_v a_o song_n so_o do_v you_o call_v upon_o yourselves_o in_o your_o duty_n awake_v awake_a o_o my_o soul_n awake_v awake_a lift_v up_o a_o prayer_n thou_o have_v now_o wrestling-work_n in_o hand_n do_v not_o be_v dull_a heavy_a and_o lazy_a at_o it_o watch_v thy_o heart_n for_o it_o need_v it_o and_o two_o thing_n in_o particular_a it_o be_v very_o subject_a to_o wander_n and_o cooling_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v a_o wander_a heart_n will_v not_o keep_v its_o way_n nor_o dwell_v upon_o its_o proper_a object_n david_n can_v say_v my_o heart_n be_v fix_v o_o god_n my_o heart_n be_v fix_v but_o can_v he_o say_v so_o always_o or_o can_v thou_o no_o though_o it_o be_v fix_v in_o its_o choice_n of_o god_n in_o its_o affection_n to_o he_o in_o its_o resolution_n for_o he_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o that_o fixation_n of_o thought_n and_o meditation_n upon_o he_o nor_o that_o fixedness_n of_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v thou_o think_v thou_o carry_v thy_o heart_n with_o thou_o to_o thy_o duty_n but_o do_v thou_o not_o often_o find_v it_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o slip_n and_o be_v go_v before_o thou_o have_v do_v therefore_o look_v to_o it_o keep_v thy_o eye_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o may_v keep_v its_o place_n and_o to_o its_o business_n but_o then_o again_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n have_v its_o cooling_n as_o well_o as_o its_o wander_n as_o it_o shall_v keep_v its_o way_n so_o it_o shall_v careful_o keep_v its_o heat_n be_v much_o therefore_o and_o frequent_a in_o stir_v up_o thyself_o when_o thou_o go_v by_o thyself_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o god_n beware_v of_o all_o deadness_n and_o dulness_n when_o thou_o be_v go_v to_o serve_v a_o live_a god_n when_o firebrand_n be_v together_o they_o will_v help_v one_o another_o and_o burn_v to_o the_o last_o but_o he_o that_o will_v keep_v a_o single_a one_o alive_a have_v need_n to_o tend_v it_o careful_o and_o be_v often_o blow_v it_o yea_o and_o add_v some_o fuel_n too_o watchfulness_n be_v as_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o duty_n as_o any_o the_o christian_n have_v to_o do_v he_o must_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v not_o go_v about_o it_o unreasonable_o that_o he_o may_v not_o lose_v a_o fit_a opportunity_n but_o set_v up_o his_o sail_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o that_o he_o also_o may_v make_v use_n of_o all_o advantage_n for_o the_o tune_n of_o his_o instrument_n and_o get_v his_o heart_n into_o a_o right_a frame_n and_o he_o must_v watch_v likewise_o in_o prayer_n that_o when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o work_n he_o may_v not_o idle_a in_o it_o and_o so_o lose_v his_o duty_n by_o lose_v himself_o for_o want_v of_o look_v to_o alas_o what_o be_v prayer_n without_o the_o heart_n unprofitable_a to_o man_n abominable_a to_o god_n it_o be_v like_o a_o carcase_n when_o the_o soul_n have_v once_o forsake_v it_o a_o stink_a and_o offensive_a thing_n who_o will_v make_v a_o present_a of_o it_o to_o a_o great_a king_n six_o when_o thou_o be_v upon_o thy_o knee_n engage_v in_o secret_a prayer_n unto_o god_n be_v sure_a that_o thou_o double_v thy_o diligence_n and_o put_v thy_o strength_n forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a when_o a_o great_a many_o be_v lift_v at_o a_o hairy_a weight_n every_o one_o may_v spare_v himself_o and_o put_v forth_o the_o less_o strength_n because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o number_n to_o assist_v but_o when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o single_a person_n tug_v at_o it_o he_o have_v need_v strain_n and_o labour_v hard_a else_o he_o must_v leave_v it_o where_o and_o as_o he_o find_v it_o when_o we_o be_v join_v together_o with_o other_o in_o prayer_n when_o with_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o assembly_n of_o saint_n there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o supplicant_n a_o great_a many_o besiege_n the_o throne_n of_o grace_n wrestle_v with_o god_n and_o pull_v down_o the_o blessing_n which_o be_v desire_v and_o then_o we_o may_v speak_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o david_n do_v psal._n 7._o 6_o 7._o arise_v o_o lord_n in_o thy_o anger_n lift_v up_o
since_o he_o be_v of_o a_o plasant_a plant_n become_v no_o better_o than_o a_o briar_n a_o thorn_n dry_a stubble_n fit_a for_o the_o burn_a how_o well_o may_v guilty_a sinner_n call_v with_o they_o in_o the_o 6_o of_o the_o revelution_n v_o 16._o to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n but_o the_o belove_a and_o everblessed_n son_n of_o god_n in_o a_o most_o gracious_a compliance_n with_o and_o pursuance_n of_o his_o father_n will_n have_v restore_v unto_o man_n freedom_n of_o access_n to_o god_n jesus_n christ_n though_o he_o know_v full_a well_o how_o great_a the_o attempt_n be_v and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v stand_v he_o in_o do_v put_v his_o life_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o engage_v his_o heart_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n and_o be_v our_o peace_n have_v procure_v for_o we_o a_o liberty_n of_o approach_v too_o and_o of_o draw_v nigh_o go_v as_o near_o as_o we_o will_v even_o to_o his_o very_a throne_n heb._n 10._o 19_o 20._o have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o veil_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n christ_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o all_o he_o enter_v in_o triumph_n as_o one_o that_o have_v conquer_v all_o his_o enemy_n he_o enter_v with_o joy_n as_o one_o that_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n and_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o take_v there_o his_o everlasting_a rest_n and_o as_o you_o have_v it_o in_o the_o 9th_o of_o the_o hebrew_n v_o 12._o he_o enter_v not_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o calf_n and_o goat_n but_o by_o his_o own_o blood_n he_o carry_v that_o along_o with_o he_o and_o now_o by_o that_o blood_n we_o may_v enter_v too_o we_o may_v enter_v with_o safety_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n for_o a_o gracious_a person_n a_o believe_a soul_n though_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n be_v a_o throne_n of_o glory_n yet_o be_v it_o a_o throne_n of_o grace_n a_o mercy-seat_n that_o have_v a_o rainbow_n round_o about_o it_o and_o because_o we_o enter_v with_o safety_n therefore_o we_o may_v enter_v with_o boldness_n both_o with_o a_o freedom_n of_o speech_n tell_v god_n all_o that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n as_o those_o that_o shall_v find_v mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o accept_v and_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n now_o if_o that_o any_o of_o you_o do_v not_o value_v this_o privilege_n at_o a_o high_a rate_n if_o you_o do_v not_o careful_o improve_v it_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o now_o it_o have_v be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n for_o poor_a sinner_n you_o deal_v very_o disingenuous_o do_v not_o well_o consider_v the_o inestimable_a price_n which_o it_o cost_v and_o you_o offer_v a_o most_o vile_a and_o wretched_a affront_n to_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o unholy_a thing_n of_o no_o more_o excellency_n than_o that_o of_o a_o beast_n a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a man_n or_o of_o a_o guilty_a and_o death-deserving_a criminal_a 3._o three_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o holy_a prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o eph._n 6._o 18._o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o watch_v thereunto_o with_o all_o perseverance_n and_o supplication_n for_o all_o saint_n your_o prayer_n must_v be_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v with_o your_o spirit_n prayer_n must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o lip-labour_n but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o word_n in_o prayer_n be_v but_o the_o carcase_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o fervour_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o affection_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o and_o also_o it_o must_v be_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o help_v his_o people_n infirmity_n and_o to_o make_v intercession_n in_o they_o prayer_n must_v be_v by_o the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o with_o the_o heat_n and_o earnestness_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n so_o than_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n or_o as_o jude_n say_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o happy_a they_o who_o have_v not_o fallible_a man_n to_o make_v their_o prayer_n for_o they_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v two_o other_o expression_n in_o the_o forementioned_a scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v a_o little_a notice_n of_o pray_v always_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o you_o be_v to_o be_v day_n and_o night_n at_o it_o as_o if_o pray_v be_v the_o whole_a of_o your_o duty_n for_o you_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o other_o work_n to_o do_v which_o must_v be_v careful_o attend_v and_o therefore_o the_o original_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o opportunity_n in_o every_o fit_a and_o proper_a season_n for_o prayer_n in_o every_o condition_n into_o which_o providence_n cast_v you_o and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n that_o call_v for_o it_o the_o other_o expression_n most_o pertinent_a to_o our_o present_a business_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n i._n e._n with_o ordinary_a prayer_n and_o with_o extraordinary_a too_o that_o which_o have_v fast_v join_v with_o it_o private_a prayer_n and_o public_a too_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n when_o the_o soul_n ●allies_v out_o on_o a_o sudden_a unto_o god_n give_v he_o a_o visit_n and_o away_o knock_v at_o his_o door_n put_v in_o a_o short_a petition_n and_o be_v go_v like_o one_o that_o be_v engage_v about_o some_o other_o business_n and_o can_v stay_v and_o also_o compose_v prayer_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n fix_v and_o abide_v some_o considerable_a time_n with_o god_n family-prayer_n and_o closet-prayer_n prayer_n in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o and_o alone_o by_o ourselves_o we_o may_v and_o must_v make_v use_n of_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o prayer_n as_o opportunity_n offer_v and_o occasion_n do_v require_v but_o to_o come_v more_o close_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n 4._o four_o secret_a prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o christian_n now_o that_o we_o call_v secret_a prayer_n when_o a_o person_n get_v alone_o by_o himself_o and_o make_v his_o request_n know_v to_o god_n when_o be_v sequester_v from_o all_o company_n whatsoever_o and_o withdraw_v from_o his_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n his_o most_o familiar_a and_o intimate_a friend_n and_o by_o himself_o in_o a_o most_o close_a and_o private_a retirement_n he_o send_v out_o his_o soul_n upon_o the_o wing_n of_o holy_a and_o servant_n desire_v and_o labour_n with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o fetch_v down_o his_o god_n to_o he_o by_o his_o gracious_a presence_n and_o to_o obtain_v of_o he_o those_o favour_n and_o blessing_n of_o which_o he_o find_v a_o sensible_a want_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o go_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o all_o and_o give_v his_o heavenly_a father_n a_o visit_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o no_o body_n may_v know_v of_o it_o no●_n that_o he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o what_o he_o do_v for_o he_o be_v free_a to_o own_o god_n for_o his_o sovereign_a lord_n christ_n for_o his_o dear_o belove_a prayer_n as_o his_o duty_n and_o work_n before_o all_o the_o world_n though_o he_o be_v reproach_v scorn_v and_o malign_v for_o it_o but_o because_o he_o will_v avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o a_o pharisaical_a vain_a glorious_a spirit_n and_o also_o that_o he_o may_v get_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o he_o can_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o impediment_n and_o diversion_n he_o enter_v into_o his_o chamber_n and_o there_o shut_v his_o door_n upon_o he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v shut_v out_o all_o that_o will_v interrupt_v and_o disturb_v that_o fellowship_n with_o his_o god_n which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o find_v a_o incomparable_a sweetness_n in_o as_o that_o he_o count_v it_o his_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n at_o other_o time_n he_o will_v make_v one_o of_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o praise_n with_o a_o multitude_n that_o keep_v holiday_n psal._n 42._o 4._o he_o love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n and_o 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 psal._n 27._o 4_o and_o also_o he_o know_v how_o to_o go_v out_o as_o isaac_n do_v into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v and_o in_o the_o night_n season_n to_o be_v abroad_o and_o consider_v with_o david_n the_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o he_o have_v create_v and_o so_o take_v
shall_v make_v to_o thyself_o no_o grave_v image_n thou_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o vain_a remember_v that_o thou_o keep_v holy_a the_o sabbath-day_n so_o here_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v christ_n will_v have_v every_o one_o that_o name_v his_o name_n that_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o be_v one_o of_o his_o people_n to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o this_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o this_o counsel_n as_o give_v and_o this_o charge_n as_o lay_v upon_o he_o thou_o thomas_n when_o thou_o pray_v do_v this_o and_o thou_o john_n when_o thou_o pray_v do_v this_o and_o so_o thou_o matthew_n and_o thou_o andrew_n and_o so_o every_o one_o that_o be_v then_o alive_a or_o that_o shall_v live_v in_o any_o age_n or_o place_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v speak_v to_o you_o and_o to_o i_o and_o to_o all_o do_v thou_o enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n thou_o alone_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o thou_o not_o upon_o other_o with_o thou_o but_o upon_o thou_o and_o so_o pray_v unto_o thy_o father_n get_v alone_o say_v christ_n and_o pray_v alone_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v no_o body_n by_o none_o to_o see_v thou_o none_o to_o overhear_v thou_o god_n and_o a_o holy_a soul_n be_v very_o good_a company_n when_o it_o go_v out_o with_o tear_n and_o he_o meet_v it_o with_o smile_n when_o it_o draw_v up_o its_o confession_n and_o he_o seal_v its_o pardon_n it_o breathe_v out_o holy_a desire_n and_o long_n and_o he_o afford_v it_o gracious_a answer_n and_o in_o they_o satisfaction_n it_o state_n its_o case_n tell_v its_o disease_n open_v its_o sore_n and_o he_o apply_v ease_v and_o heal_a remedy_n in_o a_o word_n when_o the_o soul_n fire_v its_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o in_o the_o holy_a flame_n thereof_o the_o bless_a angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v wonderful_o it_o be_v oftentimes_o good_a for_o the_o saint_n to_o go_v one_o with_o another_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o father_n they_o have_v be_v call_v upon_o to_o strive_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o that_o in_o family_n duty_n or_o in_o public_a ordinance_n or_o in_o case_n of_o common_a concernment_n but_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a who_o have_v not_o his_o own_o want_n and_o his_o own_o pressure_n and_o his_o own_o bitterness_n and_o upon_o these_o account_v it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o to_o go_v alone_o and_o thou_o can_v not_o tell_v o_o holy_a soul_n what_o special_a favour_n god_n may_v show_v thou_o what_o token_n of_o love_n he_o may_v put_v into_o thy_o hand_n when_o there_o be_v no_o body_n by_o when_o disconsolate_a hannah_n have_v be_v water_v her_o plant_n weep_v great_o alone_a pour_v out_o her_o soul_n in_o tear_n and_o prayer_n before_o the_o lord_n she_o have_v such_o a_o impress_n upon_o her_o spirit_n such_o a_o message_n of_o peace_n whisper_v to_o she_o as_o make_v her_o glad_a at_o heart_n and_o on_o a_o sudden_a dry_v up_o all_o her_o tear_n so_o that_o her_o countenance_n be_v no_o more_o sad_a thou_o if_o thou_o engage_a in_o this_o work_n in_o thy_o uprightness_n may_v believe_o and_o comfortable_o expect_v the_o same_o in_o god_n time_n however_o set_v this_o down_o with_o thyself_o and_o act_v according_o that_o secret_a prayer_n be_v thy_o unquestionable_a duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n 4._o last_o there_o be_v a_o very_a gracious_a promise_n make_v to_o secret_a prayer_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o assertion_n as_o worthy_a your_o take_a notice_n of_o that_o the_o great_a god_n do_v not_o make_v promise_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o require_v and_o which_o be_v not_o acceptable_a and_o please_a to_o he_o and_o which_o according_o be_v not_o duty_n in_o man_n promise_n do_v follow_v precept_n and_o be_v design_v for_o the_o strengthen_v of_o our_o heart_n and_o hand_n the_o encourage_v we_o to_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o sweeten_v those_o obediential_a act_n to_o we_o he_o be_v angry_a at_o those_o who_o offer_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n for_o which_o they_o have_v not_o his_o warrant_n hence_o such_o enquiry_n as_o this_o isa._n 1._o 12._o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n viz._n to_o come_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o hence_o also_o that_o complaint_n and_o charge_n that_o they_o burn_v their_o son_n and_o daughter_n in_o the_o fire_n make_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o they_o which_o as_o he_o say_v jer._n 7._o 31._o he_o command_v they_o not_o neither_o enter_v it_o into_o his_o heart_n david_n design_n be_v good_a and_o it_o please_v god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o heart_n so_o set_v for_o his_o honour_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o rebuke_n and_o check_v to_o he_o that_o god_n send_v he_o this_o message_n by_o nathan_n 2_o sam._n 7._o 7._o in_o all_o the_o place_n wherein_o i_o have_v walk_v with_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n speak_v i_o a_o word_n with_o any_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n who_o i_o command_v to_o feed_v my_o poople_n israel_n say_v why_o build_v you_o not_o i_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n from_o whence_o say_v peter_n martyr_n we_o learn_v that_o david_n fail_v in_o attempt_v such_o a_o thing_n when_o he_o have_v not_o a_o word_n for_o it_o from_o god_n from_o who_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o a_o peculiar_a command_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n and_o time_n and_o place_n those_o that_o run_v on_o such_o errand_n as_o god_n never_o send_v they_o on_o and_o presume_v to_o do_v such_o work_n as_o god_n never_o set_v they_o about_o or_o will_v venture_v to_o do_v his_o work_n in_o a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o can_v with_o any_o shadow_n of_o reason_n expect_v a_o reward_n from_o his_o hand_n let_v they_o get_v one_o where_o they_o can_v why_o shall_v god_n pay_v they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o be_v none_o of_o his_o work_n or_o for_o do_v it_o after_o their_o own_o fashion_n nadab_n and_o abihu_n do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o offer_v incense_n but_o they_o do_v it_o after_o their_o own_o fashion_n in_o make_v use_n of_o strange_a fire_n and_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o life_n they_o find_v god_n not_o a_o bountiful_a rewarder_n but_o a_o dreadful_a revenger_n when_o promise_n be_v make_v by_o god_n to_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v plain_o speak_v that_o thing_n to_o which_o those_o promise_n be_v make_v a_o duty_n now_o we_o find_v here_o in_o the_o text_n a_o great_a and_o gracious_a promise_n make_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n to_o secret_a prayer_n do_v this_o say_v he_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n and_o shut_v thy_o door_n about_o thou_o study_v all_o possible_a privacy_n and_o retirement_n let_v no_o body_n know_v of_o that_o which_o thou_o go_v about_o if_o thou_o can_v help_v it_o do_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o secret_a there_o be_v christ_n counsel_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v good_a because_o give_v by_o he_o in_o who_o be_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o who_o name_n be_v wonderful_a counsellor_n now_o take_v with_o you_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o this_o counsel_n thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o god_n will_v not_o send_v one_o single_a petitioner_n empty_a from_o his_o throne_n of_o grace_n though_o thou_o go_v beg_v yet_o thou_o shall_v return_v rejoice_v abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v bowel_n of_o compassion_n yearn_v over_o his_o wicked_a neighbour_n he_o pray_v in_o secret_a for_o filthy_a sodom_n there_o be_v no_o body_n to_o back_v he_o in_o that_o suit_n nor_o to_o plead_v together_o with_o he_o that_o city_n be_v indeed_o so_o bad_a that_o he_o be_v both_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a to_o appear_v as_o a_o advocate_n for_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v more_o than_o once_o deprecate_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n oh_o let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a yet_o observe_v how_o mighty_a he_o be_v with_o god_n he_o lift_v up_o prayer_n after_o prayer_n and_o god_n condescend_v to_o he_o again_o and_o again_o single_n and_o solitary_a abraham_n have_v such_o a_o great_a interest_n and_o success_n that_o the_o glorious_a and_o provoke_v god_n do_v not_o give_v over_o grant_v until_o abraham_n have_v give_v over_o pray_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v the_o first_o thing_n promise_v be_v perform_v namely_o it_o be_v make_v plain_a and_o evident_a that_o secret-prayer_n be_v the_o christian_n duty_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o if_o it_o be_v right_o manage_v it_o will_v be_v his_o advantage_n and_o to_o that_o end_n i_o shall_v only_o show_v that_o it_o will_v afford_v he_o these_o two_o
hence_o when_o sickness_n arrest_v you_o and_o you_o find_v that_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v at_o your_o very_a door_n that_o will_v be_v a_o dismal_a time_n and_o it_o will_v cause_v many_o thought_n and_o tremble_n of_o heart_n and_o then_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o cordial_n and_o happy_a the_o man_n that_o have_v his_o comfortable_a reflection_n and_o prospect_n to_o support_v his_o spirit_n who_o can_v look_v back_o to_o his_o life_n pass_v with_o peace_n and_o look_v forward_o to_o eternity_n with_o hope_n when_o a_o child_n of_o god_n that_o have_v maintain_v a_o close_a and_o intimate_a communion_n with_o his_o god_n and_o give_v himself_o unto_o prayer_n come_v to_o lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n he_o be_v so_o rough_o handle_v by_o that_o last_o enemy_n that_o he_o can_v pray_v his_o heart_n be_v so_o faint_a within_o he_o and_o his_o pain_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o any_o leisure_n for_o that_o work_n in_o which_o he_o have_v find_v so_o much_o sweetness_n and_o for_o which_o he_o have_v so_o dear_a a_o love_n alas_o than_o his_o case_n his_o weakness_n his_o agony_n his_o tumbling_n and_o toss_n be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v pray_v as_o he_o be_v wont_a only_a sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o lift_v up_o a_o eye_n and_o give_v a_o look_n towards_o god_n holy_a temple_n and_o dart_v up_o a_o short_a ejaculation_n poor_a soul_n that_o be_v the_o utmost_a length_n he_o can_v go_v and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a grief_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v so_o straighten_a and_o confine_v holy_a asaph_n put_v this_o among_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o bitter_a complaint_n psal._n 77._o 4_o that_o he_o be_v so_o trouble_v that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v but_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o can_v relieve_v and_o comfort_v himself_o with_o his_o former_a pray_v and_o former_a walk_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n his_o former_a seek_v of_o god_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o when_o there_o be_v a_o message_n of_o death_n by_o the_o prophet_n bring_v to_o hezekiah_n he_o can_v send_v this_o short_a petition_n up_o again_o to_o heaven_n isa._n 38._o 3._o remember_v now_o o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n he_o can_v do_v but_o very_o little_a then_o his_o strength_n be_v go_v and_o his_o breath_n be_v short_a but_o he_o can_v with_o comfort_n remember_v and_o desire_v god_n himself_o to_o remember_v how_o he_o have_v walk_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o haltion_n and_o healthful_a day_n so_o when_o a_o gracious_a person_n be_v disable_v for_o his_o work_n he_o can_v think_v thus_o there_o be_v a_o stock_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n against_o such_o a_o time_n of_o need_n as_o this_o be_v and_o the_o thought_n thereof_o will_v be_v a_o singular_a support_n and_o comfort_n to_o he_o but_o what_o do_v you_o think_v will_v become_v of_o you_o at_o such_o a_o time_n you_o that_o have_v be_v all_o your_o day_n stranger_n to_o this_o work_n when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v you_o can_v pray_v your_o distemper_n and_o pain_n will_v not_o l●t_v you_o and_o you_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o go_v about_o it_o nor_o how_o to_o do_v one_o stroke_n at_o it_o and_o it_o will_v then_o be_v a_o sting_n and_o horror_n to_o you_o to_o think_v that_o when_o you_o be_v in_o health_n and_o strength_n and_o all_o thing_n well_o with_o you_o you_o will_v not_o pray_v you_o be_v call_v upon_o often_o by_o your_o godly_a minister_n and_o by_o your_o gracious_a friend_n and_o relation_n but_o you_o will_v not_o at_o a_o die_a hour_n you_o will_v have_v no_o fitness_n for_o that_o work_n and_o all_o the_o time_n that_o you_o live_v before_o you_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o but_o possible_o you_o will_v comfort_v yourselves_o with_o this_o that_o when_o you_o be_v sick_a and_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o inward_a disquiet_n and_o you_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o pray_v for_o yourselves_o than_o you_o or_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n for_o you_o will_v send_v for_o some_o godly_a minister_n or_o other_o and_o desire_v he_o to_o pray_v for_o you_o well_o suppose_v that_o be_v do_v and_o the_o minister_n send_v for_o comes_z if_o he_o know_v what_o a_o wretch_n thou_o have_v be_v and_o how_o much_o thou_o have_v neglect_v god_n and_o thy_o duty_n all_o thy_o day_n what_o straitning_n of_o soul_n must_v he_o of_o necessity_n be_v under_o as_o to_o thou_o with_o what_o holy_a confidence_n and_o hope_n may_v we_o go_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o a_o godly_a person_n when_o sick_a if_o we_o can_v say_v to_o god_n as_o they_o do_v to_o christ_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o lazarus_n john_n 11._o 3._o lord_n he_o who_o thou_o love_v be_v sick_a but_o what_o a_o damp_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o we_o when_o we_o think_v we_o be_v go_v to_o god_n for_o a_o sick_a and_o die_a man_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o neglect_a god_n and_o hate_v he_o and_o live_v without_o he_o and_o in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o i_o fear_v i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o many_o among_o we_o that_o befool_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o this_o that_o if_o they_o can_v get_v a_o minister_n to_o pray_v by_o they_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v give_v they_o the_o sacrament_n too_o oh_o than_o all_o be_v well_o and_o their_o soul_n go_v immediate_o to_o heaven_n without_o any_o stop_n by_o the_o way_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o glory_n be_v open_v to_o they_o and_o entrance_n grant_v but_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o will_v not_o do_v and_o that_o these_o man_n build_v their_o high_a hope_n upon_o a_o sandy-foundation_n that_o will_v fail_v they_o and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o great_a encouragement_n or_o what_o sufficient_a ground_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v carry_v they_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o our_o prayer_n safe_a to_o heaven_n who_o will_v not_o themselves_o take_v one_o right_a step_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v thither_o will_v never_o be_v humble_a petitioner_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n or_o for_o the_o life_n and_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n that_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o exceed_v worthy_a of_o your_o observation_n and_o repeat_v thought_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o one_a of_o samuel_n chap._n 12._o after_o that_o good_a man_n have_v faithful_o reprove_v the_o people_n for_o their_o great_a wickedness_n in_o ask_v a_o king_n and_o likewise_o put_v they_o into_o a_o great_a consternation_n by_o a_o storm_n of_o thunder_n and_o rain_n in_o the_o time_n of_o wheat-harvest_n which_o be_v unusual_a in_o that_o country_n they_o become_v humble_a suitor_n to_o he_o say_v in_o verse_n 19_o pray_v for_o by_o servant_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o we_o die_v not_o that_o request_n he_o be_v most_o free_o wil●ing_v to_o grant_v god_n forbid_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v sin_v in_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o they_o and_o will_v continue_v to_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o now_o mark_v and_o remember_v that_o which_o follow_v in_o vers_fw-la 24._o only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o truth_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n which_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o my_o duty_n you_o be_v a_o people_n that_o i_o dear_o love_v and_o hearty_o wish_v welfare_n and_o prosperity_n to_o i_o will_v speak_v for_o you_o and_o plead_v for_o you_o and_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o you_o but_o do_v not_o you_o lay_v too_o great_a stress_n upon_o my_o prayer_n look_v to_o it_o that_o you_o be_v not_o find_v sin_v against_o god_n while_o i_o be_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o you_o leave_v you_o do_v yourselves_o more_o mischief_n than_o i_o can_v do_v you_o good_a my_o prayer_n will_v not_o prevail_v on_o your_o behalf_n unless_o you_o will_v resolve_v to_o fear_n god_n yourselves_o and_o to_o seek_v and_o serve_v he_o yourselves_o and_o pray_v and_o honour_n and_o obey_v he_o yourselves_o by_o warrant_n of_o that_o scripture_n i_o do_v now_o say_v to_o you_o when_o you_o be_v sick_a and_o in_o distress_n and_o fear_v you_o shall_v die_v you_o will_v call_v the_o minister_n to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v it_o when_o you_o send_v for_o we_o we_o will_v come_v only_o i_o wish_v that_o we_o may_v be_v send_v for_o soon_o than_o we_o be_v by_o some_o of_o you_o viz._n while_o you_o be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o yourselves_o and_o in_o