thou_o shall_v take_v god_n part_n and_o plead_v for_o obedience_n paul_n do_v so_o rom._n 7.15_o 16._o though_o he_o say_v what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o but_o what_o i_o hate_v that_o do_v i_o yet_o say_v he_o i_o consent_v to_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v good_a i._n e._n i_o take_v patt_n with_o god_n and_o join_v with_o god_n will_v against_o my_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a affection_n that_o will_v draw_v my_o neck_n from_o under_o this_o heavenly_a yoke_n and_o if_o you_o have_v not_o something_o within_o you_o that_o take_v part_n with_o god_n reveal_v will_n you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n do_v facilitate_v and_o make_v easy_a the_o hard_a duty_n because_o there_o be_v a_o likeness_n betwixt_o holy_a heart_n and_o holy_a performance_n love_n make_v every_o thing_n easy_a hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n yoke_n be_v easy_a mat._n 11.30_o his_o way_n pleasant_a and_o his_o commandment_n not_o grievous_a 1_o joh._n 5.3_o if_o thy_o heart_n be_v right_a duty_n will_v be_v sweet_a to_o thy_o soul_n it_o be_v no_o burden_n to_o eat_v drink_v sleep_n the_o act_n of_o nature_n be_v delightful_a to_o person_n in_o a_o right_a temper_n if_o they_o be_v not_o nature_n be_v oppress_v and_o out_o of_o order_n a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o regenerate_v be_v like_o a_o man_n in_o his_o call_n or_o a_o creature_n in_o its_o proper_a element_n beside_o be_v thou_o more_o accustom_v to_o duty_n in_o secret_a it_o will_v be_v more_o familiar_a to_o thou_o and_o less_o irksome_a we_o see_v by_o experience_n use_v make_v heavy_a thing_n light_v we_o hardly_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o our_o clothes_n because_o fit_v to_o we_o and_o constant_o carry_v by_o we_o when_o as_o the_o same_o weight_n upon_o our_o shoulder_n will_v trouble_v we_o christian_n consider_v all_o christian_a duty_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a difficulty_n yet_o withal_o observe_v it_o duty_n that_o be_v hard_a to_o go_v through_o many_o time_n bring_v in_o the_o sweet_a income_n and_o so_o be_v this_o the_o profit_n of_o it_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v for_o your_o pain_n in_o it_o be_v sure_a when_o a_o duty_n be_v line_v with_o difficulty_n and_o your_o corrupt_a heart_n draw_v back_o and_o have_v most_o averseness_n to_o it_o there_o be_v something_o of_o god_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o god_n aim_v you_o more_o than_o ordinary_a advantage_n by_o it_o therefore_o do_v not_o say_v a_o word_n against_o it_o but_o stir_v up_o yourselves_o spur_v on_o your_o heart_n shake_v off_o sloth_n and_o run_v to_o god_n whatever_o satan_n the_o world_n or_o flesh_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_a thus_o much_o for_o the_o objection_n sect_n v._o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n brief_o answer_v there_o be_v yet_o four_o case_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v brief_o propound_v and_o answer_v 1._o case_n whether_o may_v not_o a_o hypocrite_n or_o graceless_a soul_n perform_v this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n and_o what_o difference_n be_v there_o betwixt_o a_o real_a saint_n and_o a_o unregenerate_a person_n in_o this_o work_n i_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v possible_a a_o carnal_a man_n may_v pray_v in_o secret_a but_o with_o these_o difference_n 1._o he_o be_v urge_v to_o it_o by_o the_o challenge_n of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v dog_v to_o it_o he_o dare_v not_o but_o do_v it_o but_o a_o child_n of_o god_n have_v a_o gracious_a principle_n incline_v he_o to_o it_o from_o love_n to_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o please_v and_o enjoy_v he_o yet_o through_o the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n there_o be_v much_o unwillingness_n in_o the_o best_a so_o that_o sometime_o a_o saint_n must_v even_o force_v himself_o to_o the_o performance_n 2._o a_o hypocrite_n will_v not_o thus_o pray_v always_o job_n 27.9_o 10._o it_o be_v but_o in_o some_o pang_n or_o under_o some_o press_a affliction_n and_o when_o this_o good_a mood_n be_v over_o he_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o god_n till_o whip_v to_o he_o again_o by_o the_o like_a but_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n constant_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o duty_n though_o he_o may_v have_v sinful_a omission_n and_o intermission_n yet_o never_o a_o total_a cessation_n from_o duty_n grace_n work_v the_o heart_n god-ward_o and_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o content_a without_o he_o 3._o a_o hypocrite_n do_v not_o make_v conscience_n to_o get_v his_o heart_n up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n he_o be_v content_a with_o the_o work_n do_v word_n say_v but_o a_o real_a saint_n have_v most_o ado_n with_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o hard_a piece_n of_o the_o work_n he_o dare_v not_o leave_v that_o behind_o he_o and_o he_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o get_v it_o up_o 4._o a_o carnal_a man_n keep_v his_o round_n in_o formal_a duty_n but_o get_v nothing_o he_o pray_v to_o little_a profit_n or_o purpose_n and_o indeed_o do_v not_o much_o study_n to_o gain_v a_o spiritual_a good_a but_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a gainer_n he_o get_v at_o sometime_o communion_n with_o god_n communication_n from_o god_n oh_o what_o good_a do_v his_o soul_n meet_v with_o though_o not_o always_o yet_o at_o sometime_o 2._o case_n whether_o may_v a_o christian_a bind_v himself_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n at_o state_v time_n or_o suppose_v a_o christian_a miss_v his_o time_n design_v for_o that_o work_n what_o must_v he_o then_o do_v ans_fw-fr to_o the_o former_a that_o in_o general_n thou_o may_v and_o must_v swear_v and_o vow_n that_o thou_o will_v keep_v god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.106_o so_o do_v david_n and_o in_o scripture_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o make_v vow_n and_o pay_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n psal_n 76.11_o vow_v ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o god_n be_v necessary_a sequester_v some_o part_n of_o our_o time_n to_o his_o service_n be_v requisite_a and_o in_o some_o case_n for_o some_o person_n it_o may_v be_v expedient_a to_o bind_v and_o task_n ourselves_o by_o a_o holy_a resolution_n to_o take_v so_o much_o time_n at_o least_o every_o day_n for_o god_n worship_n yea_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o may_v be_v judge_v most_o commodious_a by_o our_o experience_n and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o good_a help_n to_o keep_v in_o our_o treacherous_a heart_n from_o delay_n or_o dally_v but_o to_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o a_o particular_a hour_n so_o punctual_o and_o unalterable_o as_o not_o to_o take_v another_o may_v not_o be_v so_o safe_a partly_o because_o our_o time_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n and_o we_o know_v not_o what_o intervening_a providence_n may_v fall_v in_o to_o prevent_v our_o performance_n whereby_o conscience_n may_v be_v entangle_v in_o a_o perplex_v labyrinth_n beside_o our_o outward_a occasion_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o spirit_n may_v discover_v a_o great_a fitness_n at_o another_o season_n yet_o though_o i_o will_v not_o have_v christian_n bring_v a_o snare_n upon_o their_o soul_n by_o vow_v yet_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o they_o may_v consult_v convenience_n and_o design_n some_o time_n for_o that_o work_n and_o purpose_n god_n willing_a to_o keep_v a_o hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o if_o they_o be_v hinder_v by_o a_o journey_n or_o any_o unexpected_a unavoidable_a occasion_n they_o must_v mourn_v for_o it_o as_o their_o burden_n redouble_v their_o diligence_n another_o time_n not_o plead_v needless_a diversion_n lift_v up_o ejaculation_n to_o god_n keep_v a_o pray_a frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o god_n will_v gracious_o pardon_v and_o entertain_v they_o 3._o case_n how_o may_v a_o christian_a know_v that_o he_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o closet-prayer_n ans_fw-fr communion_n with_o god_n be_v twofold_a 1._o as_o to_o grace_n 2._o as_o to_o comfort_n sometime_o a_o christian_a may_v feel_v the_o joy_n of_o god_n salvation_n have_v the_o sweet_a kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n smile_v of_o his_o face_n seal_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o lively_a springing_n of_o joy_n and_o ravish_a pleasure_n these_o carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n along_o with_o they_o but_o all_o have_v not_o these_o nor_o any_o at_o all_o time_n therefore_o the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o inquire_v after_o communion_n with_o god_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o duty_n then_o have_v a_o child_n of_o god_n true_a fellowship_n with_o god_n when_o by_o the_o sweet_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n his_o mind_n be_v knit_v to_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n the_o understanding_n be_v fruitful_a in_o spiritual_a and_o suitable_a thought_n when_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v carry_v out_o in_o strong_a and_o pant_a desire_n and_o long_n after_o god_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v thorough_o break_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n melt_v into_o godly_a sorrow_n
the_o word_n be_v necessary_a and_o so_o be_v this_o nor_o must_v the_o one_o justle_v out_o the_o other_o yea_o these_o secret_a duty_n help_v we_o to_o profit_v by_o public_a ordinance_n if_o dung_n be_v pour_v down_o on_o heap_n in_o the_o field_n it_o do_v no_o good_a it_o must_v be_v spread_v abroad_o before_o it_o make_v fruitful_a ground_n the_o plaster_n heal_v not_o except_o it_o be_v apply_v so_o the_o word_n must_v be_v spread_v on_o our_o heart_n by_o serious_a and_o secret_a meditation_n and_o application_n or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o make_v our_o soul_n healthful_a and_o fruitful_a and_o then_o we_o must_v pray_v over_o it_o for_o the_o shower_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o wash_v it_o and_o work_v it_o into_o our_o heart_n many_o sermon_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o soul_n take_v they_o home_o to_o their_o closet_n and_o turn_v they_o to_o prayer_n i_o fear_v all_o will_v be_v little_a enough_o that_o minister_n can_v preach_v or_o write_v upon_o this_o theme_n i_o doubt_v still_o this_o work_n will_v be_v either_o total_o neglect_v or_o negligent_o perform_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a work_n the_o spirit_n must_v travel_v in_o it_o and_o say_v good_a mr._n bains_n the_o saint_n can_v endure_v better_a to_o hear_v a_o hour_n than_o to_o pray_v a_o quarter_n yea_o our_o trifle_a heart_n will_v make_v any_o excuse_n to_o shift_v from_o this_o duty_n or_o shuffle_v it_o off_o nay_o though_o it_o be_v in_o exchange_n for_o another_o a_o sign_n the_o work_n be_v of_o god_n and_o tend_v much_o to_o the_o soul_n good_a or_o else_o satan_n and_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n will_v never_o so_o much_o hinder_v or_o oppose_v it_o poor_a soul_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o look_v abroad_o and_o see_v much_o wickedness_n commit_v holiness_n persecute_v thy_o god_n dishonour_v many_o thing_n out_o of_o order_n thou_o want_v a_o capacity_n to_o bring_v a_o remedy_n i_o must_v therefore_o say_v to_o thou_o as_o it_o be_v report_v albertus_n crantzius_n say_v to_o â—…her_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o oppose_v the_o pope_n frater_fw-la vade_v in_fw-la cellam_fw-la &_o die_v miserere_fw-la mei_fw-la deus_fw-la brother_n go_v into_o thy_o cell_n and_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o so_o say_v i._o alas_o thy_o interest_n and_o influence_n reach_v but_o a_o little_a way_n to_o mend_v a_o wicked_a world_n though_o thou_o must_v seek_v to_o perform_v as_o far_o as_o thy_o place_n and_o calling_n extend_v but_o go_v thy_o way_n to_o thy_o god_n in_o thy_o closet_n bewail_v thy_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o plead_v with_o god_n for_o thy_o own_o soul_n busy_a thyself_o about_o thyself_o set_v all_o straight_a at_o home_n take_v heed_n of_o that_o which_o the_o poor_a church_n complain_v of_o cant._n 1.6_o they_o make_v i_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o vineyard_n but_o my_o own_o vineyard_n have_v i_o not_o keep_v oh_o leave_v other_o thing_n undo_v rather_o than_o this_o great_a matter_n that_o concern_v the_o affair_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n mr._n fox_n tell_v we_o of_o one_o peter_n moyce_n a_o german_a martyr_n be_v call_v before_o the_o synod_n at_o dornick_n 1â—2_n act_n mon._n 2._o vol._n lib._n 8._o fol._n 1â—2_n they_o begin_v to_o examine_v he_o in_o certain_a article_n of_o religion_n to_o who_o as_o he_o be_v about_o to_o answer_v bold_o and_o express_o to_o every_o point_n they_o interrupt_v he_o bid_v he_o say_v in_o two_o word_n yea_o or_o nay_o then_o say_v he_o if_o you_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o answer_v for_o myself_o in_o thing_n of_o such_o importance_n send_v i_o to_o my_o prison_n again_o among_o my_o toad_n and_o frog_n which_o will_v not_o interrupt_v i_o while_o i_o talk_v with_o my_o lord_n my_o god_n oh_o christian_n the_o time_n may_v come_v or_o be_v already_o when_o man_n may_v stop_v thy_o mouth_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v thou_o to_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n withdraw_v thyself_o from_o man_n and_o retire_v unto_o thy_o god_n who_o will_v make_v thou_o free_o welcome_a to_o pour_v out_o thy_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o secret_a he_o will_v neither_o stop_v thy_o mouth_n nor_o stop_v his_o car_n he_o bid_v thou_o open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a psal_n 81.10_o and_o he_o tell_v thou_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o thy_o cry_n psal_n 34.15_o that_o cast_v not_o ask_v such_o great_a thing_n as_o he_o can_v and_o will_v give_v only_o see_v thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n naturalist_n tell_v of_o a_o precious_a stone_n of_o a_o excellent_a virtue_n yet_o lose_v all_o its_o efficacy_n when_o it_o be_v put_v into_o a_o dead_a man_n mouth_n so_o prayer_n in_o the_o lip_n of_o a_o saint_n or_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o but_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v not_o only_o ineffectual_a but_o abominable_a to_o god_n see_v to_o your_o state_n and_o then_o see_v that_o you_o pray_v aright_o for_o manner_n matter_n end_n many_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o they_o ask_v amiss_o above_o all_o soul_n in_o thy_o secret_a address_n to_o god_n take_v heed_n of_o a_o trifle_a spirit_n will_v find_v most_o ado_n with_o thyself_o herein_o our_o wanton_a spirit_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v pen_v up_o in_o the_o narrow_a room_n of_o a_o spiritual_a performance_n we_o love_v to_o take_v our_o liberty_n in_o range_v abroad_o to_o a_o thousand_o object_n but_o christian_n as_o thou_o love_v thy_o peace_n thy_o soul_n thy_o god_n look_v to_o thy_o spirit_n in_o secret_a prayer_n do_v not_o trifle_v away_o thy_o time_n upon_o thy_o knee_n let_v not_o thy_o word_n freeze_v as_o they_o come_v from_o thou_o let_v no_o discouragement_n beat_v thou_o off_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n as_o one_o say_v take_v the_o bullet_n that_o christ_n shoot_v at_o she_o and_o with_o a_o humble_a boldness_n of_o faith_n send_v they_o back_o again_o in_o prayer_n which_o indeed_o reach_v his_o heart_n and_o prevail_v with_o god_n for_o mercy_n but_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v no_o more_o at_o present_a but_o refer_v thou_o to_o this_o small_a treatise_n wherewith_o i_o have_v according_a to_o my_o poor_a talon_n lay_v before_o thou_o this_o great_a duty_n what_o effect_v it_o shall_v have_v i_o know_v not_o my_o god_n know_v in_o who_o hand_n the_o blessing_n of_o our_o endeavour_n lie_v get_v alone_o and_o pray_v over_o this_o book_n and_o for_o the_o unworthy_a sinful_a author_n as_o he_o desire_v to_o do_v for_o thou_o into_o who_o hand_n this_o may_v come_v let_v our_o prayer_n daily_o meet_v at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n till_o our_o soul_n meet_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n if_o thou_o receive_v any_o good_a by_o this_o or_o any_o other_o work_v this_o poor_a worm_n have_v hand_v to_o thou_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o the_o instrument_n but_o all_o to_o the_o agent_n and_o efficient_a our_o good_a god_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n disdain_v not_o the_o work_n for_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o stile_n it_o be_v purposely_o put_v in_o this_o dress_n for_o the_o vulgar_n benefit_n and_o if_o it_o or_o myself_o be_v expose_v to_o censure_v for_o that_o it_o be_v welcome_a i_o write_v not_o to_o please_v learned_a scholar_n but_o to_o profit_v plain_a christian_n who_o spiritual_a good_a i_o prefer_v above_o any_o credit_n to_o myself_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v none_o due_a there_o be_v few_o of_o my_o brethren_n but_o they_o transcend_v i_o in_o part_n and_o learning_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o nor_o be_v that_o grace_n altogether_o in_o vain_a for_o as_o it_o have_v help_v i_o in_o labour_n so_o he_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n bless_v my_o labour_n though_o i_o be_v nothing_o the_o least_o of_o saint_n not_o meet_v to_o be_v call_v a_o minister_n do_v those_o that_o read_v my_o labour_n know_v i_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o despise_v my_o undertake_n this_o i_o speak_v because_o my_o former_a book_n have_v find_v such_o good_a acceptance_n and_o this_o be_v so_o much_o desire_v and_o that_o no_o man_n think_v of_o i_o above_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v in_o i_o my_o heart_n have_v be_v near_o faint_v through_o discouragement_n from_o my_o great_a weakness_n have_v i_o not_o be_v support_v many_o a_o time_n with_o that_o word_n in_o 2_o cor._n 4.7_o but_o we_o have_v this_o treasure_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man._n whence_o i_o gather_v that_o god_n can_v make_v use_n of_o weak_a unlearned_a sinful_a instrument_n to_o do_v great_a work_n and_o he_o can_v use_v person_n of_o mean_a ability_n to_o accomplish_v his_o glorious_a end_n in_o convert_v soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o profound_a clerk_n or_o wise_a man_n on_o
all_o one_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o all_o one_o father_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o which_o on_o all_o occasion_n draw_v the_o soul_n to_o its_o father_n it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n when_o new_o convert_v behold_v he_o pray_v act._n 9.11_o other_o do_v not_o see_v it_o but_o i_o know_v it_o there_o he_o be_v in_o a_o corner_n sigh_v and_o seek_v i_o go_v ananias_n inquire_v for_o he_o he_o be_v now_o one_o of_o you_o a_o real_a convert_n for_o behold_v he_o pray_v a_o soul_n pray_v in_o secret_n be_v worthy_a observation_n there_o be_v a_o ecce_n put_v upon_o it_o behold_v he_o pray_v and_o why_o shall_v we_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v saint_n be_v unlike_o our_o brethren_n 3._o be_v you_o not_o herein_o unlike_o yourselves_o in_o former_a time_n when_o god_n do_v at_o first_o work_n upon_o your_o heart_n do_v you_o not_o then_o run_v to_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n do_v you_o not_o set_v yourselves_o intent_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n how_o often_o do_v god_n find_v you_o by_o yourselves_o sigh_v sorrow_a weep_a bleed_a breathe_v after_o god_n pour_v out_o your_o heart_n like_o water_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o your_o heavenly_a father_n pity_v you_o speak_v very_o kind_o to_o you_o wipe_v off_o your_o tear_n cheer_v your_o heart_n hear_v your_o prayer_n and_o make_v those_o day_n of_o grief_n time_n of_o love_n oh_o the_o sweet_a embrace_n that_o then_o be_v betwixt_o your_o soul_n and_o god_n have_v you_o forget_v such_o a_o chamber_n such_o a_o closet_n such_o a_o barn_n such_o a_o wood_n where_o you_o sometime_o walk_v and_o meditate_a sometime_o fall_v prostrate_a and_o weep_v before_o the_o lord_n till_o you_o have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o weep_v if_o you_o have_v forget_v those_o bless_a day_n your_o god_n have_v not_o he_o remember_v thou_o the_o kindness_n of_o thy_o youth_n the_o love_n of_o thy_o spousal_n when_o thou_o wente_v after_o he_o in_o a_o solitary_a wilderness_n jer._n 2.2_o can_v not_o thou_o remember_v the_o day_n when_o thou_o will_v rather_o have_v be_v with_o thy_o god_n in_o a_o private_a room_n than_o upon_o a_o prince_n throne_n yea_o thou_o think_v thou_o be_v to_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o cry_n and_o pray_v in_o secret_a thou_o be_v at_o it_o every_o day_n yea_o many_o time_n a_o in_o day_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o change_n that_o thou_o do_v so_o rare_o go_v to_o visit_v thy_o old_a friend_n in_o a_o corner_n be_v he_o change_v be_v he_o not_o so_o good_a and_o kind_a as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v have_v thou_o find_v any_o fault_n in_o god_n or_o be_v not_o thou_o blame-worthy_a what_o be_v become_v of_o thy_o ancient_a spirit_n of_o prayer_n why_o do_v thou_o forget_v thy_o sweet_a wrestling-place_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o inquire_v for_o these_o good_a old_a way_n of_o communion_n with_o thy_o god_n sect_n iii_o saint_n neglect_v further_o reprove_v 4._o let_v i_o further_o expostulate_v with_o god_n child_n that_o be_v rare_o exercise_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o secret-prayer_n do_v you_o not_o deprive_v yourselves_o of_o many_o sweet_a refreshment_n have_v not_o your_o soul_n have_v sweet_a experience_n of_o ravish_a income_n in_o secret_a duty_n how_o many_o pleasant_a morsel_n have_v you_o eat_v alone_o have_v not_o these_o steal_a water_n be_v sweet_a and_o will_v they_o not_o be_v so_o again_o if_o you_o will_v open_v the_o same_o sluice_n oh_o what_o hint_n of_o love_n may_v your_o soul_n have_v that_o no_o creature_n will_v know_v of_o secret_n influence_n be_v convey_v to_o soul_n in_o secret_a duty_n these_o you_o block_n up_o by_o neglect_n ah_o sir_n be_v the_o consolation_n of_o god_n small_a to_o you_o be_v communion_n with_o god_n of_o no_o worth_n why_o be_v you_o so_o unwilling_a to_o take_v pain_n to_o go_v to_o your_o father_n especial_o when_o you_o know_v he_o have_v a_o kindness_n for_o you_o have_v you_o ever_o lose_v by_o such_o duty_n will_v not_o your_o gain_n infinite_o countervail_v your_o pain_n ask_v those_o that_o use_v it_o most_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v the_o sweet_a time_n they_o spend_v yea_o can_v your_o own_o experience_n attest_v it_o do_v you_o ever_o lose_v your_o labour_n when_o you_o set_v yourselves_o about_o the_o work_n in_o good_a earnest_n have_v not_o this_o close_o and_o privy_a trade_n with_o god_n bring_v in_o much_o spiritual_a profit_n belove_a friend_n you_o little_o consider_v the_o good_a you_o miss_v of_o for_o want_v of_o perform_v this_o excellent_a duty_n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o 5._o do_v you_o not_o by_o neglect_n of_o secret_a prayer_n expose_v yourselves_o to_o many_o sad_a temptation_n watch_v and_o prayer_n be_v singular_a help_n against_o temptation_n mat._n 26.41_o i_o have_v hear_v that_o satan_n have_v open_o profess_v that_o he_o have_v watch_v when_o some_o of_o god_n child_n have_v go_v out_o without_o closet-prayer_n and_o that_o day_n he_o have_v get_v great_a advantage_n against_o they_o sometime_o by_o trip_v up_o their_o heel_n and_o cast_v they_o down_o from_o their_o excellency_n into_o some_o gross_a iniquity_n sometime_o torment_v their_o heart_n with_o blasphemous_a or_o soul-perplexing_a injection_n sometime_o god_n have_v leave_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o some_o afflictive_a snare_n lay_v by_o this_o subtle_a fowler_n which_o have_v cost_v they_o many_o bitter_a pang_n all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o have_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o neglect_v christian_n have_v you_o not_o find_v this_o too_o true_a by_o sad_a experience_n when_o you_o have_v go_v abroad_o without_o call_v on_o god_n have_v not_o god_n secret_o withdraw_v from_o you_o have_v not_o satan_n obtain_v his_o design_n upon_o you_o have_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v grow_v out_o of_o frame_n some_o lust_n increase_v grace_n decay_v and_o your_o soul_n at_o the_o brink_n of_o some_o astonish_a fall_n when_o you_o have_v go_v out_o in_o the_o morning_n without_o a_o good_a breakfast_n with_o god_n have_v you_o not_o be_v apt_a to_o gather_v wind_n and_o vanity_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o your_o soul_n health_n if_o you_o engage_v not_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o go_v with_o you_o what_o security_n have_v you_o for_o that_o day_n if_o god_n leave_v you_o the_o devil_n may_v do_v what_o he_o listen_v with_o you_o and_o hamper_v you_o in_o a_o thousand_o snare_n and_o sin_n 6._o do_v not_o your_o neglect_n of_o secret_a prayer_n argue_v little_a love_n to_o god_n or_o delight_v to_o be_v in_o his_o company_n when_o person_n have_v a_o dear_a affection_n to_o each_o other_o they_o love_v to_o be_v together_o love_v delight_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n yea_o when_o person_n love_v entire_o they_o withdraw_v from_o other_o company_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v each_o other_o with_o more_o endear_a familiarity_n the_o presence_n of_o a_o three_o mix_v the_o stream_n of_o communication_n and_o mar_v their_o intimate_a communion_n and_o if_o you_o do_v passionate_o love_v the_o lord_n will_v you_o not_o withdraw_v from_o other_o that_o your_o soul_n may_v enjoy_v some_o fresh_a and_o refresh_a intercourse_n with_o your_o best_a belove_a how_o can_v you_o say_v you_o love_v he_o when_o you_o have_v no_o mind_n of_o his_o company_n if_o you_o do_v indeed_o love_v he_o 3.5_o cant._n 3.5_o you_o will_v hold_v he_o and_o not_o let_v he_o go_v meum_fw-la amor_fw-la meus_fw-la pondus_fw-la meum_fw-la until_o you_o have_v with_o the_o spouse_n bring_v he_o into_o the_o chamber_n of_o intimate_a communion_n and_o solitary_a recess_n love_n be_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o draw_v it_o to_o the_o object_n belove_v if_o your_o heart_n be_v ravish_v with_o he_o you_o will_v take_v more_o pleasure_n in_o converse_v with_o he_o you_o will_v bless_v god_n for_o a_o opportunity_n of_o enjoy_v he_o but_o this_o strangeness_n speak_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o this_o noble_a grace_n and_o will_v you_o be_v esteem_v such_o as_o love_v not_o god_n what_o a_o sad_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o be_v low_a and_o scant_o in_o love_n to_o god_n under_o such_o strong_a engagement_n to_o love_n poor_a soul_n have_v not_o those_o silken_a silver_n cord_n of_o love_n which_o have_v be_v cast_v about_o thou_o draw_v thou_o near_o and_o bind_v thou_o fast_o to_o thy_o god_n than_o thus_o have_v not_o such_o bellows_o and_o incentives_n kindle_v and_o increase_v thy_o spark_n of_o love_n into_o a_o flame_n lament_v thy_o sin_n and_o shame_n thyself_o before_o thy_o god_n for_o this_o decay_n of_o love_n and_o dangerous_a neglect_n 7._o do_v not_o you_o by_o these_o omission_n declare_v yourselves_o ingrateful_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v god_n
tear_n and_o groan_n in_o secret_n oh_o sir_n if_o other_o sin_n draw_v you_o not_o to_o secret_a prayer_n let_v your_o own_o which_o may_v afford_v matter_n of_o abundant_a grief_n in_o your_o closet_n and_o retirement_n 8._o will_v you_o not_o prevent_v and_o circumvent_v wicked_a man_n secret_a plot_n be_v sure_a then_o you_o undermine_v they_o by_o secret_a prayer_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o pope_n have_v many_o close_o and_o conclave_n consultation_n to_o undermine_v the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o to_o root_v out_o the_o name_n of_o israel_n from_o under_o heaven_n they_o be_v work_v under_o ground_n to_o do_v we_o mischief_n we_o have_v see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o london_n flame_n their_o hellish_a device_n in_o their_o dark_a vault_n wicked_a man_n lie_v in_o wait_v secret_o as_o a_o lion_n in_o his_o den_n to_o catch_v the_o poor_a and_o murder_v the_o innocent_a psal_n 10._o 5._o psal_n 64.1_o 2_o 4_o 5._o 8_o 9_o and_o now_o what_o course_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o prevent_v these_o horrid_a design_n alas_o we_o have_v no_o other_o remedy_n but_o the_o ancient_a christian_n weapon_n prayer_n and_o tear_n these_o may_v break_v their_o net_n and_o blunt_a their_o weapon_n good_a jeremiah_n know_v not_o that_o they_o have_v devise_v device_n against_o he_o but_o he_o reveal_v his_o cause_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o then_o god_n show_v he_o their_o do_n and_o prevent_v their_o attempt_n jer._n 11.18_o 19_o 20._o saint_n closet-prayer_n may_v break_v wicked_a man_n closet-plot_n fall_v close_o then_o to_o this_o great_a duty_n 9_o will_v you_o not_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o heathen_n chamber-idolatry_n oh_o then_o do_v you_o perform_v chamber_n and_o closet-duty_n they_o have_v their_o divos_fw-la penetrales_fw-la or_o penates_n their_o household-god_n and_o closet-image_n they_o have_v their_o opertanea_n and_o tenebrosa_fw-la sacra_fw-la their_o cover_v veil_a and_o mysterious_a exercise_n in_o secret_a place_n and_o the_o jew_n borrow_v several_a mystical_a rite_n of_o the_o heathen_n hence_o we_o read_v in_o ezek._n 8.12_o of_o chamber_n of_o imagery_n as_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n have_v their_o crucifix_n their_o petty-chamber_n closet_n deity_n where_o they_o drop_v their_o bead_n and_o do_v homage_n to_o their_o idol_n and_o shall_v these_o in_o their_o blind_a superstition_n condemn_v our_o irreligion_n shall_v it_o be_v say_v of_o a_o devout_a philosopher_n that_o in_o so_o many_o year_n he_o speak_v more_o with_o the_o god_n than_o with_o man_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v say_v of_o any_o of_o we_o that_o god_n even_o the_o true_a god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o our_o thought_n or_o so_o little_a in_o our_o lip_n at_o least_o in_o secret_a solemn_a address_n to_o he_o let_v not_o poor_a ignorant_a papist_n outstrip_v we_o in_o devotion_n since_o there_o be_v such_o vast_a difference_n 10._o will_v you_o not_o be_v suitable_a to_o god_n dispensation_n when_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n put_v we_o to_o silence_n and_o into_o solitary_a place_n he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v visit_v he_o there_o cant._n 2.14_o oh_o my_o dove_n that_o be_v in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n i._n e._n in_o a_o afflict_a persecute_a and_o desolate_a condition_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n i._n e._n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n praise_n and_o gospel-ordinance_n for_o than_o be_v her_o voice_n sweet_a and_o countenance_v comely_a when_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o then_o do_v god_n expect_v and_o entertain_v they_o and_o this_o advantage_n have_v god_n child_n have_v by_o privacy_n into_o which_o they_o be_v cast_v as_o we_o hear_v before_o of_o jeremiah_n chap._n 15.15_o so_o the_o afflict_a church_n lam._n 3.28_o 29._o when_o she_o sit_v alone_o in_o solitariness_n than_o she_o put_v her_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o so_o a_o particular_a person_n as_o there_o now_o a_o man_n be_v at_o leisure_n for_o it_o while_o person_n have_v their_o full_a employment_n or_o enjoyment_n they_o be_v too_o busy_a but_o when_o person_n be_v take_v off_o other_o way_n it_o be_v time_n to_o retire_v themselves_o and_o retreat_n to_o god_n the_o less_o comfort_n person_n find_v in_o public_a ordinance_n the_o more_o serious_a must_v they_o be_v in_o closet-performance_n that_o the_o loss_n may_v be_v supply_v some_o way_n sect_n ii_o several_a objection_n answer_v it_o be_v strange_a if_o our_o carnal_a heart_n and_o cavil_v spirit_n have_v not_o something_o to_o say_v against_o this_o difficult_a duty_n i_o shall_v therefore_o mention_v what_o objection_n i_o can_v foresee_v may_v be_v make_v and_o brief_o answer_v they_o 1._o obj._n we_o pray_v in_o our_o family_n and_o be_v not_o that_o enough_o what_o need_v all_o this_o ado_n answ_n 1._o this_o objection_n can_v be_v make_v by_o all_o some_o have_v no_o family_n to_o pray_v with_o but_o if_o thou_o do_v pray_v in_o thy_o family_n it_o be_v well_o there_o be_v many_o graceless_a head_n and_o prayerless_a house_n of_o which_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o this_o place_n oh_o the_o wrath_n that_o shall_v be_v pour_v out_o on_o such_o family_n but_o suppose_v thou_o do_v family-prayer_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o closet-prayer_n be_v another_o and_o let_v i_o tell_v thou_o god_n never_o make_v one_o duty_n to_o supersede_n another_o you_o must_v not_o justle_v out_o one_o work_n because_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v another_o every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o place_n and_o season_n god_n commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a and_o take_v in_o a_o great_a compass_n of_o duty_n you_o must_v worship_v god_n in_o your_o house_n that_o exempt_v you_o not_o from_o worship_v god_n in_o your_o closet_n no_o more_o than_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n there_o be_v equal_a command_n for_o all_o necessity_n of_o all_o neglect_v any_o at_o your_o peril_n beside_o i_o tell_v you_o a_o child_n of_o god_n have_v a_o secret_a errand_n to_o his_o father_n that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a his_o family_n shall_v know_v of_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n god_n have_v appoint_v closet-prayer_n as_o tender_v the_o credit_n of_o his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o discover_v their_o spiritual_a nakedness_n to_o any_o but_o to_o that_o god_n who_o know_v their_o secret_n and_o will_v keep_v their_o counsel_n and_o i_o must_v tell_v thou_o soul_n thou_o be_v very_o little_a sensible_a of_o thy_o spiritual_a state_n or_o want_n if_o thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v to_o god_n that_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v other_o to_o hear_v 2._o obj._n but_o i_o be_o a_o poor_a man_n and_o busy_a in_o my_o call_n and_o can_v take_v so_o much_o time_n in_o closet-prayer_n i_o have_v other_o occasion_n answ_n friend_n have_v thou_o any_o great_a business_n than_o the_o affair_n of_o thy_o soul_n let_v thy_o call_n stand_v still_o rather_o than_o thy_o soul_n shall_v be_v damn_v curse_a be_v those_o occasion_n that_o eat_v out_o religion_n but_o consider_v you_o may_v follow_v both_o calling_n if_o you_o be_v observant_a our_o general_n and_o particular_a calling_n must_v not_o interfere_v clean_n creature_n divide_v the_o hoof_n considerate_a christian_n be_v such_o as_o right_o proportion_n work_v to_o their_o particular_a season_n a_o chief_a part_n of_o david_n arithmetic_n of_o number_v day_n be_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v division_n to_o cast_v the_o account_n of_o this_o our_o short_a life_n so_o as_o to_o divide_v the_o little_a total_a sum_n thereof_o into_o the_o several_a portion_n of_o time_n due_a for_o perform_v every_o duty_n in_o the_o handmaid_n may_v not_o thrust_v out_o the_o mistress_n nor_o the_o shop_n have_v all_o and_o chamber_n none_o of_o our_o time_n you_o be_v flat_a atheist_n if_o you_o think_v pray_v will_v hinder_v your_o work_n no_o no_o mant._n nobis_fw-la pielate_fw-la peculâ—a_fw-la câ—escunt_fw-la mant._n it_o bless_v and_o expedit_v temporal_a affair_n we_o use_v to_o say_v meat_n and_o matin_n hinder_v no_o work_n can_v thou_o not_o get_v time_n for_o eat_v sleep_a yea_o do_v thou_o not_o spend_v as_o much_o time_n in_o idleness_n and_o vain_a discourse_n as_o will_v be_v require_v every_o day_n for_o this_o duty_n if_o thou_o have_v a_o honest_a heart_n thou_o will_v redeem_v time_n from_o thy_o meat_n or_o sleep_v or_o recreation_n for_o prayer_n rather_o than_o neglect_v a_o duty_n or_o damn_v thy_o soul_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o complain_v we_o want_v time_n but_o we_o waste_v time_n there_o be_v not_o the_o poor_a labourer_n but_o he_o mis-spends_a more_o time_n than_o prayer-time_n come_v to_o and_o why_o shall_v any_o water_n be_v leave_v off_o when_o there_o be_v little_a enough_o in_o the_o channel_n to_o turn_v the_o mill_n for_o or_o towards_o our_o
place_n so_o fit_a for_o that_o great_a duty_n as_o a_o closet_n or_o some_o close_o chamber_n therefore_o he_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o his_o god_n in_o good_a hard_a earnest_n about_o this_o important_a business_n say_v the_o text_n he_o carry_v he_o up_o into_o a_o loft_n where_o he_o abide_v and_o lay_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o bed_n and_o then_o he_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 19_o 20._o it_o be_v not_o the_o first_o time_n elijah_n have_v there_o wrestle_v with_o god_n if_o it_o be_v his_o lodging_n room_n it_o be_v his_o pray_a room_n and_o here_o god_n hear_v he_o and_o wrought_v the_o miracle_n what_o he_o do_v for_o elijah_n he_o can_v and_o will_v do_v for_o we_o if_o he_o see_v fit_a for_o elijah_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n and_o subject_a to_o like_a passion_n as_o we_o be_v 7._o jeremiah_n be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n he_o be_v a_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n sanctify_v from_o his_o mother_n womb_n yet_o he_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o discouragement_n that_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o leave_v his_o people_n 2._o jer._n 9.1_o 2._o and_o he_o wish_v for_o a_o lodging-place_n in_o the_o wilderness_n i._n e._n some_o solitary_a retirement_n that_o there_o he_o may_v take_v his_o fill_n of_o weep_v however_o he_o resolve_v at_o present_a that_o wherever_o he_o be_v he_o will_v get_v retire_v and_o say_v he_o my_o soul_n shall_v weep_v in_o secret_a place_n for_o your_o pride_n jer._n 13.17_o yet_o more_o punctual_o to_o the_o business_n of_o secret_a prayer_n see_v jer._n 15.17_o say_v he_o i_o sit_v alone_o because_o of_o thy_o hand_n but_o what_o do_v he_o alone_a do_v he_o only_o poor_a and_o muse_v upon_o the_o church_n sin_n and_o suffering_n no_o he_o have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o his_o god_n ver_fw-la 18._o why_o be_v my_o pain_n perpetual_a and_o god_n then_o have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o he_o by_o way_n of_o gracious_a answer_n ver_fw-la 19_o if_o thou_o return_v then_o will_v i_o bring_v thou_o again_o and_o thou_o shall_v stand_v before_o i_o this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o his_o secret_a prayer_n a_o restauration_n of_o he_o to_o and_o his_o confirmation_n in_o his_o office_n and_o function_n and_o to_o the_o public_a exercise_n thereof_o this_o be_v worth_a pray_v for_o 8._o daniel_n be_v a_o famous_a pattern_n of_o the_o resolute_a and_o courageous_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n against_o all_o opposition_n although_o he_o may_v have_v plead_v if_o ever_o any_o there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v be_v slay_v in_o the_o street_n or_o den_n for_o my_o work_n in_o my_o chamber_n yet_o he_o fear_v nothing_o he_o venture_v upon_o a_o severe_a law_n his_o prince_n displeasure_n the_o loss_n of_o his_o preferment_n the_o rage_n of_o his_o competitor_n and_o the_o lion_n hungry_a stomach_n rather_o than_o he_o will_v omit_v or_o intermit_v his_o accustom_a course_n of_o chamber-worship_n he_o will_v endure_v the_o lion_n cruelty_n rather_o than_o neglect_v a_o know_a duty_n nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o gratify_v his_o proud_a adversary_n that_o he_o will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o abate_v his_o wont_a frequency_n or_o visibility_n in_o the_o duty_n but_o his_o window_n be_v open_a towards_o jerusalem_n be_v kneel_v upon_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v dan_o 6.10_o but_o do_v daniel_n hold_v out_o a_o flag_n or_o blow_v a_o trumpet_n by_o set_v open_a his_o window_n to_o declare_v to_o man_n what_o he_o be_v a_o go_v to_o do_v be_v not_o this_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o text_n be_v we_o here_o command_v to_o shut_v our_o door_n and_o may_v daniel_n open_v his_o window_n be_v not_o that_o all_o one_o sure_o that_o good_a man_n do_v not_o open_v his_o window_n out_o of_o hypocrisy_n and_o vainglory_n but_o to_o show_v his_o resolution_n courage_n and_o constancy_n out-daring_a these_o impious_a impudent_a command_n of_o man_n he_o do_v not_o fear_v to_o be_v see_v now_o in_o so_o plain_a a_o case_n what_o spirit_n be_v they_o of_o that_o will_v rather_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o roar_a lion_n and_o incur_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v more_o terrible_a than_o a_o thousand_o hungry_a lion_n than_o solemn_o perform_v this_o useful_a duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n let_v careless_a soul_n consider_v this_o 9_o peter_n a_o famous_a apostle_n shall_v be_v another_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n act._n 9.40_o when_o tabytha_n or_o dorcas_n lay_v dead_a in_o a_o upper_a chamber_n and_o the_o widow_n stand_v weep_v by_o she_o and_o he_o be_v to_o raise_v she_o he_o put_v they_o all_o forth_o and_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v and_o turn_v he_o to_o the_o body_n say_v tabytha_n arise_v and_o she_o open_v her_o eye_n see_v here_o another_o miracle_n like_o elijah_n upon_o secret_a prayer_n but_o this_o be_v upon_o a_o extraordinary_a case_n do_v peter_n use_v to_o pray_v alone_o yes_o turn_v but_o to_o the_o next_o chapter_n act._n 10.9_o peter_n go_v up_o upon_o the_o housetop_n to_o pray_v about_o the_o six_o hour_n which_o be_v about_o noon_n another_o pray_a season_n 55.17_o psal_n 55.17_o certain_o he_o miss_v not_o morning_n and_o night_n for_o such_o devotion_n he_o go_v to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o flat-rooft_a house_n which_o be_v a_o private_a place_n and_o equivalent_a to_o a_o closet_n there_o peter_n pray_v and_o in_o that_o prayer_n he_o fall_v into_o a_o trance_n and_o in_o that_o trance_n he_o have_v a_o vision_n concern_v the_o call_n in_o of_o the_o gentile_n a_o glorious_a mystery_n and_o transcendent_a mercy_n towards_o we_o poor_a outcast_n 6._o rom._n 16.25_o col_fw-fr 1.26_o 27._o eph._n 2.4_o 6._o a_o mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v hide_v fromage_n &_o generation_n this_o bless_a mystery_n that_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v fellow-heir_n and_o of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o partaker_n of_o his_o promise_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n yet_o this_o transcendent_a design_n of_o love_n be_v manifest_v to_o a_o choice_n apostle_n while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n this_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o worth_a observation_n 10._o the_o last_o instance_n be_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n our_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n be_v very_o conversant_a in_o this_o duty_n mark_n 1.35_o in_o the_o morning_n rise_v up_o a_o great_a while_n before_o day_n he_o go_v out_o and_o depart_v into_o a_o solitary_a place_n and_o there_o pray_v our_o precious_a redeemer_n go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o the_o day_n time_n he_o usual_o spend_v in_o preach_v confer_v heal_a disease_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o night_n he_o spend_v in_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o such_o other_o holy_a exercise_n he_o have_v scarce_o time_n to_o eat_v or_o sleep_v for_o do_v his_o father_n work_n he_o spend_v not_o one_o moment_n of_o time_n unprofitable_o in_o a_o above_o thirty_o year_n how_o early_o do_v he_o rise_v and_o earnest_o do_v he_o follow_v his_o business_n for_o communion_n with_o his_o father_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n yea_o luk._n 6.12_o he_o continue_v all_o night_n in_o prayer_n to_o god_n i._n e._n in_o a_o mountain_n 26.36_o mar._n 26.36_o in_o secret_a prayer_n and_o frequent_o elsewhere_o we_o shall_v find_v he_o alone_o and_o in_o this_o work_n and_o wherefore_o be_v all_o this_o be_v it_o not_o principal_o for_o our_o sake_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o imitation_n yes_o certain_o he_o design_v our_o good_a in_o all_o he_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v pray_v and_o reap_v the_o profit_n of_o his_o prayer_n and_o purchase_n 425._o nec_fw-la verbis_fw-la tantum_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o factis_fw-la dominus_fw-la orare_fw-la nos_fw-la docuit_fw-la ipse_fw-la orans_fw-la frequentorâ—_n &_o deprecans_fw-la &_o quid_fw-la facere_fw-la noâ—_n oportet_fw-la exempli_fw-la svi_fw-la contestatione_fw-la demonstrans_fw-la cyp._n serm._n de_fw-fr orat_fw-la dom._n p._n 425._o hear_v we_o cyprian_n sweet_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o deed_n himself_o pray_v frequent_o and_o deprecate_v and_o so_o demonstrate_v what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v by_o the_o witness_n give_v of_o his_o own_o example_n thus_o he_o most_o divine_n hold_v the_o obligatory_a power_n of_o scripture-example_n in_o thing_n not_o forbid_v especial_o be_v so_o laudable_a a_o practice_n and_o employ_v in_o other_o scripture_n all_o the_o former_a instance_n seem_v cogent_a argument_n but_o the_o last_o concern_v jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o positive_a precept_n and_o command_n but_o there_o be_v few_o or_o none_o that_o have_v the_o face_n of_o christian_n dare_v deny_v this_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o i_o fear_v many_o that_o will_v go_v for_o christian_n live_v in_o the_o ordinary_a neglect_n of_o it_o
chap._n ii_o the_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o closet-prayer_n be_v a_o christian-duty_n sect_n i._o the_o first_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n all_o the_o reason_n that_o i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o at_o this_o time_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o clear_v secret_a prayer_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n shall_v be_v fetch_v out_o of_o the_o text_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 4._o rea._n 1._o the_o conveniency_n of_o privacy_n for_o prayer_n 2._o the_o relation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o saint_n 3._o god_n omniscience_n see_v in_o secret_a 4._o god_n munificence_n reward_v 1._o the_o great_a conveniency_n there_o be_v in_o privacy_n for_o prayer_n and_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o we_o private_a room_n which_o implicit_o call_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n for_o there_o be_v in_o retirement_n a_o great_a advantage_n for_o the_o manage_n of_o any_o work_n of_o wisdom_n prov._n 18.1_o through_o desire_v a_o man_n have_v separate_v himself_o seek_v and_o intermeddle_v with_o all_o wisdom_n i._n e._n he_o that_o be_v real_o studious_a of_o true_a piety_n will_v voluntary_o sequester_v himself_o to_o prosecute_v it_o this_o be_v ancient_o the_o well-meaning_a design_n of_o a_o monastic_a life_n which_o since_o have_v be_v woeful_o abuse_v but_o yet_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n in_o solitariness_n for_o carry_v on_o a_o religious_a business_n take_v only_o two_o at_o present_a which_o be_v advantage_n particular_o refer_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n whereunto_o secrecy_n contribute_v 1._o self-expostulation_n and_o self-abasing_a gesture_n and_o expression_n when_o a_o christian_a in_o prayer_n find_v his_o heart_n hard_o dead_a dull_a distract_a or_o any_o way_n out_o of_o order_n he_o may_v in_o secret_a make_v a_o pause_n and_o begin_v to_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n examine_v the_o matter_n lament_v the_o cause_n chide_v his_o untoward_a heart_n and_o charge_v his_o wanton_a spirit_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o his_o god_n in_o duty_n thus_o david_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n awake_v psaltery_a and_o harp_n i_o myself_o will_v awake_v early_o my_o soul_n wait_v thou_o upon_o god_n nothing_o more_o familiar_a in_o the_o psalm_n than_o such_o intercision_n and_o diversion_n from_o the_o work_n in_o hand_n to_o raise_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o a_o high_a tune_n in_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o this_o may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n for_o by_o such_o heart-reasonings_a and_o debate_v a_o saint_n may_v wind_v up_o his_o spirit_n and_o get_v better_o prepare_v for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o exercise_n now_o such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o will_v not_o be_v so_o seasonable_a and_o convenient_a when_o other_o join_v in_o the_o duty_n so_o also_o for_o bodily_a posture_n sometime_o for_o a_o evidence_n of_o great_a humiliation_n a_o christian_n find_v it_o requisite_a to_o prostrate_v himself_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o use_v such_o gesture_n as_o will_v not_o be_v fit_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o other_o therefore_o closet-prayer_n be_v very_o necessary_a where_o a_o christian_a may_v use_v his_o discretion_n as_o god_n shall_v direct_v he_o for_o the_o humble_v quicken_a raise_v and_o melt_v of_o his_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n alone_o that_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a help_n against_o distraction_n when_o we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o world_n we_o be_v then_o fit_a for_o attendance_n upon_o god_n the_o affair_n discourse_n trouble_n and_o confusion_n of_o a_o family_n if_o within_o hear_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n experience_n testify_v this_o a_o man_n can_v study_v or_o cast_v account_n in_o a_o crowd_n or_o throng_n of_o people_n when_o we_o be_v intent_n upon_o any_o business_n how_o little_a a_o noise_n divert_v we_o it_o may_v be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o that_o hospitable_a gentlewoman_n in_o 2_o king_n 4.10_o will_v have_v a_o chamber_n build_v for_o her_o welcom-guest_n the_o prophet_n elisha_n yea_o build_v upon_o the_o wall_n for_o she_o may_v judge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o contemplative_a man_n and_o though_o she_o may_v have_v lodging-room_n in_o her_o house_n yet_o she_o may_v look_v upon_o that_o at_o a_o little_a distance_n as_o more_o commodious_a for_o his_o devotion_n and_o meditation_n as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o houshold-business_n and_o hurrying_n a_o active_a fancy_n quick_o close_v with_o any_o diversion_n in_o our_o attendance_n upon_o god_n therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o study_v to_o attend_v upon_o the_o lord_n without_o distraction_n when_o abraham_n go_v to_o worship_n in_o the_o mount_n he_o leave_v his_o servant_n below_o in_o the_o valley_n lest_o they_o shall_v obstruct_v his_o communion_n with_o god_n when_o moses_n be_v to_o go_v up_o unto_o the_o lord_n though_o aaron_n nadab_n and_o abihu_n and_o the_o seventy_o elder_n go_v further_a than_o the_o people_n yet_o the_o text_n say_v they_o shall_v worship_v afar_o off_o but_o say_v god_n moses_n alone_o shall_v come_v near_o the_o lord_n exod._n 24.1_o 2._o observe_v it_o when_o moses_n have_v part_v with_o his_o company_n and_o be_v alone_o than_o he_o shall_v come_v near_o the_o lord_n common_a professor_n worship_v not_o god_n at_o all_o acceptable_o sincere_a saint_n worship_v god_n with_o other_o be_v comparative_o far_o off_o but_o soul_n in_o a_o corner_n or_o closet_n be_v admit_v to_o come_v near_o god_n and_o have_v sweet_a intimacy_n with_o he_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v anon_o yet_o mistake_v i_o not_o not_o as_o though_o i_o prefer_v secret_a prayer_n alone_o before_o public_a prayer_n with_o other_o for_o as_o god_n delight_v in_o the_o joint_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n so_o a_o soul_n may_v enjoy_v god_n in_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o be_v ordinary_o more_o carry_v out_o to_o god_n than_o in_o private_a according_a to_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n he_o have_v with_o other_o yet_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o frame_n there_o be_v usual_o more_o intimacy_n express_v betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a in_o secret_a than_o with_o other_o yet_o further_o mistake_v not_o not_o as_o though_o solitariness_n free_v we_o from_o all_o distraction_n iâ—_n we_o take_v our_o heart_n with_o we_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o principle_n of_o diversion_n and_o need_v neither_o noise_n nor_o visible_a object_n to_o hinder_v we_o from_o god_n and_o this_o those_o that_o have_v magnify_v solitariness_n most_o have_v find_v by_o sad_a experience_n and_o leave_v upon_o record_n take_v a_o instance_n plur_n locus_fw-la secretus_fw-la eligitur_fw-la quia_fw-la solus_fw-la dei_fw-la judicio_fw-la â—eâ—unia_fw-la suut_n agenda_fw-la &_o singularem_fw-la inspectorem_fw-la adjutoremque_fw-la deum_fw-la volunt_fw-la haec_fw-la habere_fw-la câ—…tamina_fw-la neque_fw-la in_o ago_o bus_fw-la aliquibus_fw-la periculosus_fw-la militatur_fw-la prope_a hoc_fw-la solitudo_fw-la carent_fw-la arbitris_fw-la &_o eremus_fw-la assentaterum_fw-la satellitio_fw-la vacua_fw-la à _fw-la jejunanâ—e_fw-la christo_fw-la el_fw-es gitur_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la cum_fw-la carne_fw-la &_o sanguine_fw-la sed_fw-la cum_fw-la spiritualibus_fw-la nequiâ—iis_fw-la dimicâ—tur_fw-la &_o amotis_fw-la minorum_fw-la occasionibus_fw-la homo_fw-la cum_fw-la diabolo_fw-it colluctetur_fw-la &_o soli_fw-la sint_fw-la in_o palastra_fw-la christus_fw-la &_o antichristus_fw-la spiritus_fw-la &_o antispiritus_fw-la neque_fw-la putet_fw-la homo_fw-la se_fw-la evasisse_fw-la pericula_fw-la cum_fw-la in_o eremum_fw-la venerit_fw-la quia_fw-la quanto_fw-la saltilius_fw-la tanto_fw-la difficilius_fw-la à _fw-la teâ—tatore_fw-la invaditur_fw-la qui_fw-la cogitationum_fw-la foribus_fw-la assilens_fw-la omne_fw-la virtutum_fw-la germina_fw-la in_o ipso_fw-la ortu_fw-la strangulare_a molitur_fw-la cyp._n de_fw-fr jejun_fw-fr &_o teâ—tat_fw-la christi_fw-la prope_fw-la init_fw-la pag._n 300_o 301._o verum_fw-la siberius_fw-la anima_fw-la expedita_fw-la obviat_fw-la impugnanti_fw-la ubi_fw-la compedes_fw-la impedimentorum_fw-la defueriat_fw-la &_o aspectus_fw-la irritamenta_fw-la non_fw-la noveriat_fw-la securiorque_fw-la est_fw-la congressus_fw-la ubi_fw-la singuâ—a_fw-la non_fw-la vellicant_fw-la dimicante_fw-la nec_fw-la inebriant_fw-la animum_fw-la lenocinio_fw-la voluptatum_fw-la vid._n plur_n cyprian_n speak_v of_o christ_n fast_v and_o be_v tempt_v in_o the_o wilderness_n choose_v that_o place_n for_o its_o secrecy_n because_o say_v he_o fast_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v so_o as_o god_n alone_o may_v be_v judge_n and_o in_o such_o contest_v as_o these_o we_o be_v to_o call_v on_o god_n alone_o as_o spectator_n and_o helper_n and_o show_v notable_o the_o danger_n of_o vainglory_n and_o advantage_n of_o secrecy_n yet_o add_v let_v not_o a_o man_n imagine_v he_o have_v escape_v all_o danger_n when_o he_o come_v into_o a_o wilderness_n or_o solitary_a place_n because_o he_o be_v invade_v by_o the_o tempter_n so_o much_o the_o more_o difficulty_n because_o more_o subtle_o who_o sit_v before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o thought_n seek_v to_o strangle_v all_o the_o bud_n of_o virtue_n
redeemer_n find_v a_o soul_n upon_o its_o knee_n before_o the_o lord_n oh_o the_o hearty_a welcome_n it_o will_v give_v unto_o its_o god_n this_o be_v the_o time_n he_o wait_v for_o he_o be_v get_v into_o a_o corner_n be_v sigh_v for_o his_o sin_n plead_v for_o mercy_n breathe_v after_o grace_n and_o pant_v for_o glory_n and_o behold_v what_o a_o quick_a return_n do_v his_o god_n make_v even_o while_o he_o be_v speak_v and_o pray_v the_o lord_n do_v send_v a_o guard_n of_o angel_n to_o conduct_v the_o soul_n into_o eternal_a mansion_n where_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n shall_v part_v no_o more_o bless_a for_o ever_o happy_a be_v that_o soul_n who_o its_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v now_o consider_v of_o it_o whether_o state_n will_v you_o be_v find_v in_o and_o do_v not_o you_o know_v his_o come_v may_v be_v sudden_a and_o unexpected_a will_v you_o be_v find_v under_o neglect_n or_o in_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o a_o duty_n will_v you_o not_o be_v carry_v from_o your_o closet-devotion_n to_o eternal_a communion_n with_o god_n oh_o then_o take_v our_o lord_n most_o wholesome_a counsel_n take_v you_o heed_n watch_n and_o pray_v for_o you_o know_v not_o when_o the_o time_n be_v mark_v 13.33_o i_o may_v here_o challenge_v christian_n also_o not_o only_o for_o their_o neglect_n of_o but_o careless_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n with_o what_o sorry_a shift_n do_v we_o put_v off_o god_n how_o hard_o dead_a unbelieving_a distract_a be_v our_o heart_n in_o secret_a god_n take_v much_o pleasure_n in_o adverb_n it_o please_v not_o god_n that_o a_o duty_n be_v do_v except_o it_o be_v well_o do_v many_o satisfy_v their_o own_o conscience_n that_o they_o have_v pray_v but_o consider_v not_o how_o they_o pray_v there_o be_v a_o curse_n on_o such_o as_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n negligent_o 1.14_o jer._n 48.13_o mal._n 1.14_o and_o that_o have_v in_o their_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o offer_v to_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o get_v a_o curse_n upon_o our_o knee_n when_o we_o come_v for_o a_o blessing_n look_v to_o it_o god_n take_v notice_n how_o you_o pray_v the_o devil_n stand_v under_o your_o closet-window_n and_o hear_v what_o you_o say_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a all_o the_o while_n study_v how_o he_o may_v commence_v a_o suit_n against_o you_o for_o your_o duty_n like_o those_o that_o come_v to_o sermon_n to_o carp_v or_o catch_v at_o what_o the_o preacher_n say_v or_o as_o one_o say_v like_o a_o cunning_a opponent_n in_o the_o school_n while_o his_o adversary_n be_v busy_a read_v his_o position_n he_o be_v study_v to_o confute_v it_o and_o oh_o what_o advantage_n do_v we_o often_o give_v satan_n to_o trip_v we_o and_o take_v we_o tardy_a what_o occasion_n do_v we_o afford_v he_o to_o accuse_v we_o to_o god_n and_o to_o ourselves_o while_o we_o have_v our_o filthy_a garment_n on_o we_o yea_o remissness_n in_o our_o duty_n bring_v decay_v in_o grace_n tradesman_n may_v go_v behind_o hand_n by_o be_v careless_a in_o their_o deal_n as_o well_o as_o by_o be_v much_o out_o of_o their_o shop_n alas_o what_o sad_a decay_n be_v in_o our_o soul_n for_o want_n of_o close_o and_o constant_a communion_n with_o god_n we_o have_v very_o perverse_a heart_n we_o have_v much_o ado_n with_o they_o when_o we_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a it_o be_v our_o great_a sin_n we_o be_v so_o much_o out_o of_o order_n even_o upon_o our_o knee_n satan_n send_v his_o imp_n to_o haunt_v and_o torment_n mean_v we_o he_o jog_v our_o hand_n when_o we_o be_v to_o write_v a_o letter_n to_o heaven_n in_o our_o prayer_n so_o that_o we_o can_v scarce_o make_v sense_n of_o what_o we_o present_v to_o god_n our_o thought_n be_v unfixed_a range_v abroad_o like_o a_o spaniel_n to_o a_o thousand_o object_n so_o that_o sometime_o we_o have_v lose_v ourselves_o and_o know_v not_o where_o we_o be_v oh_o let_v we_o lament_v our_o vain_a and_o trifle_a spirit_n in_o secret_a duty_n and_o turn_v we_o unto_o god_n for_o help_v as_o a_o servant_n when_o the_o child_n he_o tend_v be_v troublesome_a and_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o call_v out_o to_o the_o father_n to_o come_v to_o he_o who_o no_o soon_o speak_v the_o word_n but_o all_o be_v whist_a with_o he_o our_o god_n can_v set_v in_o order_n our_o unruly_a spirit_n only_o he_o will_v be_v call_v upon_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n thus_o much_o for_o this_o use_n chap._n v._o the_o three_o use_n be_v of_o instruction_n sect_n i._o my_o next_o and_o main_a work_n be_v to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n by_o propound_v some_o help_n and_o rule_n for_o our_o direction_n which_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o head_n viz._n 1._o preparative_n to_o it_o 2._o essential_o in_o it_o 3._o circumstance_n about_o it_o 4._o consequence_n upon_o it_o 1._o look_v to_o your_o state_n and_o stand_v if_o you_o be_v not_o real_a saint_n you_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o spiritual_a duty_n your_o relation_n must_v be_v change_v by_o convert_v grace_n hence_o the_o text_n say_v pray_v to_o thy_o father_n see_v then_o that_o god_n be_v your_o father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n else_o you_o can_v true_o cry_v abba_n father_n if_o we_o must_v be_v reconcile_v to_o our_o brother_n before_o we_o offer_v our_o gift_n much_o more_o to_o god_n for_o how_o can_v two_o walk_v together_o except_o they_o be_v agree_v i_o deny_v not_o but_o a_o carnal_a soul_n shall_v retire_v himself_o into_o a_o corner_n examine_v his_o state_n fall_v down_o on_o his_o knee_n and_o beg_v convert_v and_o pardon_v grace_n and_o thus_o they_o must_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o god_n that_o they_o may_v come_v before_o he_o for_o unsound_a unconvert_v sinner_n have_v no_o right_a as_o child_n to_o call_v to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n though_o as_o creature_n they_o may_v and_o must_v seek_v unto_o god_n yet_o they_o worship_v afar_o off_o it_o be_v the_o gracious_a christian_a only_a that_o pray_v acceptable_o wicked_a man_n prayer_n be_v abomination_n a_o hypocrite_n shall_v not_o come_v before_o he_o john_n 13.16_o and_o indeed_o till_o you_o be_v real_a saint_n you_o will_v have_v no_o mind_n to_o buckle_v close_o to_o this_o duty_n truth_n of_o grace_n will_v capacitate_v you_o for_o secret_a approach_n to_o god_n strength_n of_o grace_n will_v elevate_v you_o to_o god_n and_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n will_v make_v you_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n therefore_o try_v your_o state_n inquire_v what_o relation_n you_o have_v to_o god_n or_o else_o expect_v no_o familiarity_n with_o he_o god_n will_v not_o take_v the_o wicked_a by_o the_o hand_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o these_o chamber_n of_o communion_n the_o throne_n of_o iniquity_n have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o he_o our_o lord_n jesus_n marry_v none_o but_o widow_n that_o be_v divorce_v from_o all_o other_o husband_n and_o he_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o none_o but_o his_o betroth_a spouse_n she_o he_o lead_v into_o a_o solitary_a place_n and_o speak_v to_o her_o heart_n oh_o sir_n come_v over_o clear_o to_o god_n by_o close_v with_o christ_n renounce_v yourselves_o get_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o then_o come_v and_o welcome_a to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o closet-prayer_n 2._o dispatch_v other_o thing_n off_o your_o heart_n and_o hand_n let_v not_o your_o earthly_a occasion_n intrude_v into_o your_o closet-exercise_n say_v to_o the_o care_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n as_o abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n stay_v there_o while_o i_o go_v and_o worship_v the_o lord_n yonder_o or_o as_o nehemiah_n in_o another_o case_n i_o be_o do_v a_o great_a work_n and_o i_o can_v come_v down_o to_o you_o so_o do_v thou_o say_v i_o have_v appoint_v other_o time_n and_o season_n for_o attend_v worldly_a business_n let_v i_o alone_o with_o my_o god_n every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n communion_n with_o god_n be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v attend_v at_o once_o i_o must_v not_o be_v divert_v by_o other_o object_n the_o business_n i_o be_o about_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n i_o must_v consult_v how_o i_o may_v attend_v upon_o the_o lord_n without_o distraction_n and_o worldly_a matter_n have_v distract_v i_o in_o god_n service_n and_o have_v cost_v i_o many_o a_o tear_n therefore_o get_v away_o from_o i_o why_o shall_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n cease_v why_o shall_v i_o be_v hinder_v from_o my_o god_n what_o can_v you_o afford_v i_o that_o can_v be_v worth_a one_o hour_n communion_n with_o my_o god_n thus_o do_v you_o actual_o renounce_v the_o world_n for_o you_o can_v mind_v two_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o observe_v it_o if_o
book_n call_v a_o help_n to_o better_a heart_n for_o better_a time_n pag._n 196_o 197._o read_n more_o of_o this_o subject_a there_o be_v some_o separate_a duty_n that_o prepare_v for_o other_o as_o examination_n meditation_n prayer_n and_o they_o do_v prepare_v by_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o provide_v a_o heavenly_a assistance_n to_o begin_v with_o we_o in_o the_o duty_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o always_o have_v separate_v time_n betwixt_o other_o occasion_n and_o god_n worship_n yet_o have_v some_o separate_a thought_n ere_o thou_o enter_v upon_o the_o duty_n thou_o be_v not_o fit_a else_o to_o meddle_v with_o wisdom_n thus_o he_o it_o be_v true_a some_o have_v not_o the_o leisure_n that_o other_o have_v yet_o so_o much_o preparation_n be_v necessary_a for_o every_o duty_n as_o may_v withdraw_v the_o heart_n from_o other_o object_n and_o weight_n the_o spirit_n with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o work_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o sometime_o this_o may_v be_v do_v sudden_o yet_o as_o for_o such_o as_o have_v more_o time_n to_o work_v upon_o their_o heart_n and_o state_n their_o soul_n case_n by_o muster_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o work_n neglect_v a_o duty_n and_o can_v ground_o expect_v the_o lord_n presence_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n people_n miss_v of_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n at_o least_o one_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o make_v such_o conscience_n and_o take_v such_o care_n of_o prepare_v their_o heart_n as_o they_o ought_v ah_o christian_n when_o you_o come_v into_o your_o closet_n sit_v down_o and_o pause_v a_o little_a before_o you_o fall_v down_o upon_o your_o knee_n clear_v up_o your_o state_n shake_v off_o other_o business_n set_v yourselves_o in_o god_n presence_n and_o muster_v up_o your_o sin_n or_o want_n or_o mercy_n you_o purpose_v to_o spread_v before_o the_o lord_n a_o client_n will_v consider_v all_o his_o matter_n before_o he_o come_v to_o state_n his_o case_n to_o his_o advocate_n a_o poor_a patient_n will_v bethink_v himself_o how_o he_o be_v that_o he_o may_v tell_v his_o ailing_n to_o his_o physician_n and_o a_o petitioner_n will_v not_o go_v hand_n over_o head_n unto_o his_o prince_n but_o order_n his_o cause_n before_o hand_n that_o he_o may_v plead_v it_o more_o effectual_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o much_o more_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n sect_n iii_o direction_n concern_v the_o essential_o of_o secret_a prayer_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o rule_n be_v concern_v some_o thing_n essential_o requisite_a to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n which_o you_o be_v to_o look_v to_o in_o the_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v such_o as_o be_v require_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o prayer_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v perform_v 1._o with_o the_o heart_n 2._o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o according_a to_o god_n will_n 4._o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 1._o secret_a prayer_n must_v he_o hearty_a prayer_n a_o heartless_a duty_n be_v a_o worthless_a duty_n yea_o the_o whole_a heart_n must_v be_v engage_v in_o it_o psal_n 119.10_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n have_v i_o seek_v thou_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o god_n chief_o look_v after_o prov._n 23.26_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n nothing_o else_o can_v please_v god_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v want_v if_o the_o heart_n be_v engage_v in_o the_o duty_n he_o will_v rather_o dispense_v with_o other_o weakness_n where_o there_o be_v not_o wilful_a negligence_n observe_v it_o in_o that_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o perform_v with_o other_o a_o man_n gift_n may_v be_v of_o use_n though_o his_o heart_n go_v not_o along_o with_o his_o voice_n but_o in_o closet-prayer_n it_o do_v no_o good_a at_o all_o except_o the_o heart_n be_v engage_v therefore_o god_n principal_o require_v the_o heart_n in_o other_o duty_n in_o this_o he_o only_o require_v the_o heart_n for_o the_o voice_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o love_n and_o serve_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n 33._o mark_v 12.30_o 33._o soul_n mind_n strength_n be_v a_o keep_n of_o the_o law_n and_o more_o than_o all_o whole_a burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n we_o shall_v pray_v with_o every_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o with_o the_o utmost_a strength_n of_o every_o faculty_n 9_o mat._n 15.8_o 9_o god_n deserve_v and_o require_v our_o strong_a affection_n that_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a worship_n that_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o heart_n right_a attendance_n on_o god_n be_v a_o engage_v the_o heart_n to_o approach_v to_o god_n christian_n 30.21_o jer._n 30.21_o in_o all_o your_o address_n to_o god_n mind_n the_o object_n of_o worship_n let_v the_o subject_n worship_v and_o object_n worship_v be_v close_o unite_v look_v beyond_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o a_o ordinance_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o a_o ordinance_n god_n dear_a child_n know_v what_o this_o mean_n for_o sometime_o they_o be_v more_o take_v up_o with_o expression_n affection_n or_o some_o accidental_n in_o the_o performance_n than_o with_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n they_o shall_v be_v intent_n upon_o but_o this_o be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o whatsoever_o interpose_v betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o god_n to_o divert_v the_o thought_n from_o god_n be_v a_o idol_n 70._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 70._o ezek._n 14.3_o these_o man_n have_v set_v up_o their_o idol_n in_o their_o heart_n sept._n read_v it_o they_o have_v put_v their_o thought_n upon_o their_o heart_n i_o e._n they_o have_v commit_v idolatry_n with_o their_o own_o imagination_n instead_o of_o worship_v god_n their_o mind_n have_v stick_v upon_o something_o short_a of_o god_n after_o which_o they_o have_v as_o it_o be_v run_v a_o whore_v even_o in_o the_o duty_n i_o shall_v not_o deliver_v that_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o useful_a note_n i_o fear_v many_o of_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a finespun_a idolatry_n by_o heterogeneal_a thought_n in_o holy_a duty_n that_o pluck_v we_o from_o god_n when_o we_o be_v approach_v to_o he_o the_o lord_n humble_v we_o for_o this_o and_o fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o god_n that_o we_o may_v say_v as_o the_o church_n isa_n 26.8_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o thy_o name_n and_o to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o cyprian_n say_v 246._o cogitatio_fw-la omnis_fw-la secularis_fw-la &_o carnalis_fw-la at_o sced_a nec_fw-la quicquam_fw-la tunc_fw-la animus_n quam_fw-la id_fw-la solum_fw-la cogitet_fw-la quod_fw-la precatur_fw-la ideo_fw-la &_o sacerdos_fw-la ante_fw-la orationem_fw-la prefatione_fw-la praemissa_fw-la parat_fw-la sratrum_fw-la mentes_fw-la dicendo_fw-la sursam_fw-la corda_fw-la ut_fw-la dura_fw-la respondet_fw-la plebs_fw-la habemus_fw-la ad_fw-la dominum_fw-la ad_fw-la moneatur_fw-la nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la se_fw-la quam_fw-la dominum_fw-la cogitare_fw-la debere_fw-la câ—p._n serm._n de_fw-fr orat_fw-la dâ—m_fw-la p_o 246._o every_o secular_a thought_n must_v depart_v and_o the_o mind_n must_v be_v take_v up_o with_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o be_v about_o he_o tell_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n be_v that_o the_o minister_n before_o prayer_n prepare_v the_o people_n mind_n say_n sursum_fw-la corda_fw-la lift_v up_o your_o heart_n and_o they_o answer_v habemus_fw-la ad_fw-la dominum_fw-la we_o have_v they_o up_o to_o the_o lord_n whereby_o say_v he_o we_o be_v admonish_v that_o in_o prayer_n we_o must_v think_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o lord_n what_o the_o minister_n say_v to_o the_o people_n do_v you_o say_v to_o yourselves_o sursum_fw-la corda_fw-la lift_v up_o your_o heart_n let_v every_o one_o say_v i_o be_o now_o worship_v a_o heart-searching_a god_n oh_o that_o my_o heart_n be_v with_o god_n 239._o ascensus_fw-la mentis_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la luth._o collâ—q_n mist_n fol._n 239._o the_o ancient_n say_v luther_n fine_o describe_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o ascent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n oh_o that_o i_o do_v experimental_o know_v what_o this_o mean_n in_o syntaxi_n i._n e._n in_o couple_v and_o join_v of_o my_o heart_n to_o god_n lord_n gather_v in_o my_o rove_a and_o wander_a spirit_n this_o be_v the_o first_o direction_n mind_v the_o frame_n of_o your_o heart_n 2._o implore_v and_o expect_v the_o spirit_n assistance_n prayer_n must_v be_v by_o the_o spirit_n enlarge_n influence_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n 8.26_o zech._n 12.10_o rom._n 8.26_o it_o help_v our_o infirmity_n by_o make_v soul_n to_o cry_v out_o abba_n father_n with_o unutterable_a groan_n a_o christian_a shall_v spread_v the_o sail_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o the_o gale_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o will_v carry_v the_o pray_a saint_n apace_o towards_o god_n yea_o and_o
positive_a scripture-warrant_a to_o bind_v my_o conscience_n i_o dare_v not_o do_v otherwise_o i_o may_v say_v if_o i_o be_v deceive_v thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o but_o i_o be_o sure_a plain_a text_n be_v no_o cheat_n i_o can_v otherwise_o understand_v such_o a_o command_n and_o oh_o my_o god_n since_o thou_o have_v thus_o engage_v i_o in_o thy_o work_n will_v thou_o suffer_v i_o to_o miscarry_v therein_o 4._o he_o plead_v a_o particular_a promise_n i_o will_v deal_v well_o with_o thou_o sure_o a_o comprehensive_a word_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o that_o jacob_n want_v thus_o must_v a_o christian_a search_n the_o scripture_n get_v hold_v of_o a_o promise_n spread_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n whether_o for_o spiritual_a grace_n inward_a comfort_n or_o outward_a supply_n as_o thus_o lord_n i_o find_v a_o promise_n in_o such_o a_o place_n to_o a_o person_n in_o my_o very_a case_n pat_o and_o pertinent_a to_o my_o very_a condition_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v calculate_v purposely_o for_o i_o in_o this_o juncture_n now_o lord_n make_v it_o good_a to_o my_o soul_n and_o seed_n thou_o have_v make_v it_o good_a to_o other_o in_o my_o state_n and_o why_o not_o to_o i_o be_o not_o i_o a_o heir_n of_o promise_n and_o must_v not_o i_o have_v a_o share_n therein_o 5._o jacob_n lay_v himself_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a say_v he_o of_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n this_o be_v the_o property_n and_o excellency_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o nullify_v himself_o and_o omnifie_v god_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v thus_o abraham_n in_o his_o plead_n call_v himself_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o the_o centurion_n judge_v himself_o not_o worthy_a that_o christ_n shall_v come_v under_o his_o roof_n thus_o then_o abase_v thyself_o lord_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o enjoy_v any_o common_a mercy_n not_o fit_a to_o lift_v up_o my_o eye_n to_o thou_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o thy_o mercy_n behold_v i_o be_o vile_a i_o be_o not_o only_o destitute_a of_o merit_n but_o full_a of_o demerit_n hell_n be_v my_o desert_n i_o can_v challenge_v nothing_o as_o i_o but_o sin_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o lord_n i_o condemn_v myself_o do_v not_o thou_o condemn_v i_o and_o cast_v i_o from_o thou_o 6._o he_o be_v affect_v with_o god_n faithfulness_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n show_v to_o his_o servant_n there_o be_v mercy_n in_o god_n make_v a_o promise_n to_o abraham_n mic._n 7.20_o truth_n in_o make_v it_o good_a to_o jacob._n well_o then_o with_o jacob_n thus_o plead_v lord_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v nothing_o of_o desert_n in_o i_o to_o engage_v thou_o either_o to_o make_v or_o keep_v thy_o gracious_a promise_n but_o sure_o the_o word_n be_v go_v from_o thou_o yea_o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o my_o treachery_n and_o unfaithfulness_n thou_o have_v keep_v it_o to_o this_o day_n oh_o keep_v it_o still_o it_o depend_v whole_o on_o thou_o let_v not_o my_o vanity_n alter_v the_o course_n of_o thy_o mercy_n but_o pardon_v and_o accept_v as_o thou_o have_v do_v from_o my_o egypt_n until_o now_o 7._o jacob_n further_o recount_v his_o former_a meanness_n his_o low_a condition_n with_o my_o staff_n i_o pass_v over_o this_o jordan_n i_o come_v hither_o in_o a_o poor_a contemptible_a manner_n a_o sorry_a pilgrim_n thus_o do_v you_o plead_v truth_n it_o be_v lord_n thy_o grace_n be_v absolute_o free_a there_o be_v neither_o wit_n nor_o wealth_n to_o move_v thou_o to_o do_v what_o thou_o have_v do_v i_o can_v remember_v the_o time_n when_o i_o be_v as_o sorry_a and_o silly_a a_o creature_n as_o be_v in_o all_o the_o country_n there_o be_v no_o capacity_n in_o i_o to_o do_v thou_o any_o remarkable_a service_n thou_o do_v not_o set_v thy_o love_n upon_o i_o for_o any_o natural_a or_o moral_a accomplishment_n even_o so_o father_n because_o it_o please_v thou_o and_o will_v thou_o now_o forsake_v i_o thou_o may_v have_v do_v that_o at_o easy_a rate_n 8._o here_o be_v jacob_n stone_n of_o memorial_n for_o bypass_a and_o present_a mercy_n now_o say_v he_o i_o be_o become_v two_o band_n i._n e._n two_o great_a company_n of_o wife_n child_n servant_n flock_n herd_n i_o may_v say_v these_z where_o have_v they_o be_v it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v poor_a worm_n jacob_n thus_o rich_a oh_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n so_o do_v thou_o say_v lord_n take_v notice_n what_o thou_o have_v do_v for_o i_o must_v all_o this_o be_v in_o vain_a will_v thou_o throw_v away_o these_o good_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o rather_o crown_v these_o gift_n with_o continuance_n of_o thy_o kindness_n will_v thou_o return_v to_o do_v i_o hurt_v after_o thou_o have_v do_v i_o all_o this_o good_a do_v thou_o not_o remember_v my_o conviction_n consolation_n my_o fear_n tear_n doubt_n refreshment_n oh_o the_o passage_n of_o love_n betwixt_o thou_o and_o i_o shall_v i_o be_v the_o grave_n of_o these_o mercy_n lord_n forget_v i_o not_o 9_o here_o be_v his_o sense_n of_o approach_a danger_n deliver_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o my_o brother_n for_o i_o fear_v he_o etc._n etc._n a_o brother_n offend_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v win_v than_o a_o strong_a city_n jacob_n danger_n be_v a_o spur_n to_o his_o prayer_n a_o pursue_v hart_n run_v fast_o for_o shelter_n so_o do_v thou_o soul_n when_o afraid_a fly_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v oh_o my_o god_n i_o have_v deadly_a enemy_n within_o without_o my_o case_n be_v forlorn_a desperate_a i_o have_v none_o to_o run_v to_o but_o thyself_o have_v not_o thou_o say_v that_o in_o thou_o the_o fatherless_a find_v mercy_n other_o refuge_n fail_v i_o no_o man_n care_v for_o my_o soul_n lord_n relieve_v deliver_v this_o sinful_a wretch_n else_o i_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n 10._o once_o more_o do_v jacob_n plead_v the_o promise_n and_o enlarge_v the_o grant_v charter_n thou_o say_v i_o will_v sure_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o make_v thy_o seed_n as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n thus_o do_v you_o still_o seek_v out_o suck_v sweetness_n from_o and_o put_v in_o suit_n the_o promise_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n in_o this_o manner_n lord_n have_v thou_o not_o promise_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n a_o break_a heart_n why_o then_o be_v my_o heart_n harden_v from_o thy_o fear_n do_v thou_o not_o say_v thou_o will_v give_v thy_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o this_o lord_n i_o want_v to_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o illumination_n a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n and_o of_o satisfaction_n oh_o bestow_v this_o mercy_n upon_o i_o do_v thou_o not_o promise_v to_o take_v away_o my_o inqivity_n by_o pardon_v grace_n for_o thy_o own_o name_n sake_n and_o to_o subdue_v my_o corruption_n and_o increase_v grace_n and_o bring_v i_o to_o glory_n lord_n remember_v thy_o word_n unto_o thy_o servant_n in_o which_o thou_o have_v cause_v i_o to_o trust_v thus_o much_o for_o help_n in_o plead_v with_o god_n and_o for_o that_o use_n of_o instruction_n chap._n viii_o a_o use_n of_o exhortation_n urge_v sect_n i._o the_o last_o use_n be_v for_o exhortation_n to_o put_v we_o on_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o sweet_a duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n my_o belove_a friend_n i_o beseech_v you_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n you_o see_v the_o work_n before_o you_o you_o see_v a_o plain_a scripture-warrant_a for_o it_o you_o have_v hear_v many_o instance_n of_o scripture-pattern_n you_o see_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n let_v none_o now_o plead_v ignorance_n or_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o needless_a or_o make_v excuse_n or_o evasion_n be_v it_o not_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a be_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o converse_v with_o your_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n look_v over_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o weight_n in_o they_o but_o beside_o those_o i_o shall_v propound_v to_o you_o these_o expostulatory_a motive_n 1._o will_v you_o not_o be_v such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o command_v duty_n you_o be_v no_o real_a saint_n unless_o you_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.6_o if_o you_o pick_v and_o choose_v in_o your_o obedience_n you_o be_v hollow-hearted_a hypocrite_n and_o can_v you_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o will_v you_o stand_v dodge_v with_o god_n must_v he_o raze_v this_o sentence_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n to_o humour_v your_o conceit_n and_o sloth_n be_v not_o closet-prayer_n a_o christian_a duty_n dare_v you_o argue_v against_o it_o out_o of_o what_o topic_n will_v you_o fetch_v your_o argument_n and_o do_v you_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o
will_v not_o practice_v it_o your_o own_o mouth_n will_v condemn_v you_o what_o need_v any_o more_o witness_n but_o if_o you_o be_v real_a saint_n i_o dare_v say_v you_o do_v approve_v of_o it_o and_o practise_v it_o sometime_o and_o why_o be_v you_o not_o constant_a in_o your_o obedience_n be_v it_o not_o the_o property_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o do_v righteousness_n at_o all_o time_n psal_n 106.3_o oh_o consider_v this_o and_o do_v not_o either_o neglect_n a_o command_n or_o omit_v this_o know_a duty_n 2._o will_v you_o not_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n clear_v up_o in_o your_o soul_n sure_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n but_o will_v arrive_v at_o assurance_n and_o this_o be_v one_o way_n to_o evidence_n sincerity_n be_v much_o with_o god_n in_o secret_a duty_n as_o he_o grieve_v true_o that_o grieve_v without_o witness_n dolet_fw-la ille_fw-la doâ—…t_fw-la veer_fw-la qui_fw-la sine_fw-la testae_fw-la dolet_fw-la so_o those_o religious_a act_n be_v most_o evidential_a of_o grace_n that_o be_v least_o obvious_a to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n and_o whereby_o a_o christian_a approve_v his_o heart_n only_o to_o the_o heart-searching_a god_n here_o be_v the_o true_a israelite_n that_o can_v 2.28_o rom._n 2.28_o with_o jacob_n converse_v with_o god_n alone_o and_o seek_v his_o praise_n not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n observe_v it_o a_o christian_a ordinary_o have_v not_o that_o comfort_n in_o a_o duty_n expose_v to_o other_o view_n which_o he_o have_v in_o that_o he_o perform_v betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n for_o there_o be_v most_o danger_n of_o selfishness_n in_o the_o former_a and_o more_o self-denial_n in_o the_o latter_a the_o wind_n of_o applause_n may_v blow_v man_n far_o in_o a_o creditable_a performance_n but_o humility_n and_o sincerity_n be_v most_o evident_a in_o secret_a appeal_n to_o god_n consider_v this_o christian_n you_o run_v to_o sermon_n minister_n good_a book_n and_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o try_v your_o state_n by_o mark_n and_o sign_n make_v trial_n of_o this_o more_o compendious_a course_n to_o clear_v your_o state_n be_v much_o with_o god_n in_o closet-prayer_n 3._o will_v you_o not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n oh_o then_o fall_v close_o to_o closet-prayer_n alas_o sir_n hear_v sermon_n read_v scripture_n discourse_v religious_o pray_v in_o the_o family_n may_v be_v do_v only_o for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o the_o person_n that_o do_v they_o may_v have_v no_o more_o than_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n mistake_v i_o not_o i_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o nor_o they_o that_o do_v they_o as_o formalist_n for_o that_o god_n forbid_v they_o be_v scripture_n duty_n but_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o these_o may_v be_v do_v without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o to_o struggle_v with_o a_o man_n be_v own_o heart_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n to_o meditate_v and_o give_v up_o a_o man_n self_n to_o these_o duty_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n oh_o this_o show_v something_o of_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v heart-work_n and_o that_o be_v hard_a work_n costly_a duty_n spiritual_a exercise_n which_o be_v more_o than_o to_o offer_v god_n thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o a_o first-born_a son_n david_n will_v not_o offer_v that_o to_o god_n that_o cost_v he_o nothing_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v content_a with_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n which_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o a_o easy_a plod_a formality_n 4._o will_v you_o not_o have_v your_o heart_n case_v under_o press_a burden_n be_v you_o in_o love_n with_o your_o sorrow_n will_v you_o not_o be_v rid_v of_o they_o behold_v i_o show_v unto_o you_o a_o excellent_a way_n to_o get_v ease_n which_o be_v a_o recourse_n to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n i_o have_v hear_v some_o precious_a christian_n say_v that_o when_o any_o thing_n have_v lyen_fw-we upon_o their_o heart_n ready_a to_o overwhelm_v they_o they_o have_v run_v to_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o there_o have_v leave_v their_o load_n and_o thence_o have_v go_v with_o good_a hannah_n and_o have_v be_v no_o more_o sad_a and_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o any_o press_a affliction_n lie_v upon_o we_o if_o we_o can_v unbosom_v ourselves_o to_o a_o intimate_a friend_n though_o not_o a_o word_n of_o counsel_n or_o comfort_n pass_v from_o he_o yet_o that_o open_v of_o our_o heart_n do_v ease_v as_o vomit_v do_v a_o oppress_a stomach_n and_o hence_o say_v job_n i_o will_v speak_v that_o i_o may_v be_v refresh_v and_o scripture_n back_v this_o in_o phil._n 4.6_o be_v careful_a in_o nothing_o but_o in_o every_o thing_n make_v your_o request_n know_v to_o god_n and_o unload_v your_o care_n and_o fear_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n but_o how_o why_o by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o thanksgiving_n lay_v your_o load_n on_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o he_o will_v bear_v it_o 5._o will_v you_o not_o obtain_v boldness_n in_o access_n to_o god_n and_o familiarity_n with_o he_o oh_o go_v often_o to_o god_n in_o closet-prayer_n prince_n take_v more_o state_n upon_o they_o when_o converse_v with_o their_o favourite_n before_o other_o but_o when_o none_o be_v present_a they_o open_v their_o heart_n more_o familiar_o to_o they_o i_o know_v abraham_n say_v god_n he_o and_o i_o be_v well_o acquaint_v he_o be_v my_o friend_n he_o visit_v i_o often_o and_o shall_v i_o hide_v any_o thing_n from_o abraham_n i_o will_v take_v he_o to_o a_o side_n and_o tell_v he_o my_o whole_a heart_n so_o will_v god_n to_o you_o he_o will_v communicate_v much_o to_o you_o and_o you_o may_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o you_o be_v not_o stranger_n to_o he_o but_o may_v come_v into_o his_o presence_n bold_o and_o he_o will_v make_v you_o welcome_a heb._n 4.16_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o a_o dreadful_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v to_o have_v strange_a thought_n of_o god_n in_o duty_n or_o at_o death_n strangeness_n betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o soul_n be_v a_o sad_a uncomfortable_a thing_n wicked_a man_n be_v total_a stranger_n to_o god_n gracious_a soul_n little_o employ_v in_o secret_a prayer_n be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o worship_n afar_o off_o but_o sincere_a soul_n converse_v much_o with_o god_n in_o secret_a attain_v to_o abundance_n of_o intimacy_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o mercy_n worth_a a_o world_n 6._o will_v you_o not_o have_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o to_o bring_v wrath_n and_o judgement_n on_o the_o place_n oh_o then_o let_v your_o soul_n weep_v and_o pray_v in_o secret_a place_n as_o jeremiah_n do_v chap._n 13.17_o this_o be_v the_o last_o and_o safe_a way_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o open_a cry_a sin_n in_o the_o land_n even_o a_o mourning_n for_o they_o in_o prayer_n before_o the_o lord_n thus_o do_v lot_n and_o david_n paul_n and_o all_o saint_n yea_o moses's_fw-fr solitary_a prayer_n interpose_v betwixt_o flame_a wrath_n and_o offend_v israel_n thus_o do_v he_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n and_o you_o may_v make_v a_o atonement_n for_o the_o nation_n a_o gift_n in_o secret_n may_v pacify_v that_o wrath_n that_o be_v already_o break_v out_o against_o we_o wicked_a man_n sin_n in_o secret_a let_v we_o mourn_v in_o secret_a yea_o they_o sin_n open_o let_v we_o lament_v private_o the_o truth_n be_v 17.9_o 2_o king_n 17.9_o secret_a sin_n may_v undo_v a_o nation_n except_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o saint_n secret_a prayer_n be_v loud_a than_o the_o cry_n of_o wicked_a man_n secret_a sin_n oh_o fall_v to_o it_o arise_v cry_v out_o in_o the_o night_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o watch_n pour_v out_o thy_o heart_n like_o water_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n lam._n 2.19_o 7._o will_v you_o not_o have_v your_o own_o secret_a sin_n set_v in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n psal_n 90.8_o then_o repent_v and_o pray_v alone_o humble_a your_o soul_n in_o secret_a for_o your_o secret_a sin_n be_v you_o not_o conscious_a to_o yourselves_o of_o much_o secret_a guilt_n and_o do_v not_o god_n expect_v that_o you_o shall_v set_v yourselves_o to_o mourn_v over_o they_o and_o cry_v to_o god_n for_o pardon_v grace_n in_o secret_a 12.13_o eccl._n 12.13_o do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o secret_a thing_n to_o light_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n nay_o god_n may_v punish_v you_o open_o 12.12_o 2_o sam._n 12.12_o as_o he_o do_v david_n for_o his_o secret_a sin_n well_o then_o anticipate_v that_o sad_a severe_a judgement_n by_o judge_v yourselves_o and_o deprecate_v his_o righteous_a judgement_n i_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o soul_n as_o solomon_n bespeak_v shimei_n thou_o know_v all_o the_o wickedness_n which_o thy_o heart_n be_v privy_a to_o and_o where_o be_v thy_o prayer_n and_o
the_o more_o diligent_a he_o be_v to_o hinder_v the_o performance_n but_o must_v satan_n be_v gratify_v rather_o than_o god_n glorify_v or_o thy_o soul_n edify_v will_v thou_o give_v way_n to_o he_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o thou_o think_v not_o thou_o can_v perform_v a_o flesh-displeasing_a duty_n when_o satan_n be_v quiet_a and_o do_v not_o molest_v he_o will_v be_v busy_a to_o tempt_v when_o thou_o be_v go_v to_o thy_o god_n this_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n he_o will_v jog_v thy_o hand_n when_o thou_o be_v write_v thy_o letter_n to_o thy_o friend_n in_o heaven_n think_v not_o to_o be_v more_o exempt_v than_o even_o thy_o saviour_n himself_o he_o be_v set_v upon_o by_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o solitary_a recess_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o oh_o the_o horrible_a nature_n of_o those_o temptation_n mat._n 4._o when_o joshua_n the_o highpriest_n pray_v satan_n stand_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o resist_v he_o but_o the_o issue_n be_v good_a god_n rebuke_v he_o zech._n 3.1_o 2._o and_o thus_o he_o will_v do_v for_o thou_o he_o will_v tread_v satan_n under_o thy_o foot_n and_o make_v thou_o a_o conqueror_n only_o when_o thou_o be_v annoy_v with_o this_o foul_a spirit_n turn_v to_o thy_o god_n leave_v not_o thy_o work_n let_v not_o satan_n take_v thou_o off_o duty_n then_o he_o have_v attain_v his_o end_n fall_v close_o to_o the_o work_n consider_v fast_v and_o prayer_n cast_v out_o the_o devil_n 6.18_o matt._n 26.4_o eph_n 6.18_o watch_v and_o prayer_n be_v preservative_n from_o infection_n yea_o prayer_n itself_o be_v a_o chief_a piece_n of_o a_o christian_n armour_n if_o you_o be_v beat_v off_o this_o you_o be_v rout_v this_o engage_v god_n for_o you_o without_o this_o you_o be_v but_o like_o other_o man_n and_o the_o philistin_n will_v put_v out_o your_o eye_n lead_v you_o captive_a and_o make_v sport_n of_o you_o stick_v close_o to_o this_o what_o ever_o you_o do_v though_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n roar_v upon_o you_o yet_o run_v to_o your_o god_n in_o prayer_n they_o be_v sluggard_n or_o coward_n that_o say_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n when_o they_o be_v call_v out_o to_o hard_a service_n or_o difficult_a duty_n nay_o rather_o say_v as_o he_o once_o in_o a_o arduous_a undertake_n here_o be_v a_o work_n fit_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o alexander_n so_o here_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n to_o manage_v by_o your_o god_n you_o may_v run_v through_o a_o troop_n and_o leap_v over_o a_o wall_n but_o more_o of_o that_o anon_o 8._o obj._n but_o i_o get_v no_o good_a by_o closet-prayer_n i_o have_v use_v it_o so_o long_o and_o still_o my_o heart_n be_v as_o cold_a hard_a dead_a as_o ever_o i_o will_v give_v over_o now_o answ_n be_v not_o this_o too_o like_o the_o language_n of_o those_o that_o say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n mal._n 3.14_o and_o be_v you_o like_o those_o atheist_n that_o think_v prayer_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n i_o hope_v not_o you_o think_v it_o do_v good_a to_o some_o but_o not_o to_o you_o well_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n be_v it_o not_o because_o you_o do_v not_o pray_v aright_o therefore_o search_v yourselves_o see_v how_o you_o pray_v mourn_v over_o your_o defect_n and_o mend_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a one_o who_o see_v the_o well_o dry_a break_v or_o throw_v away_o his_o pitcher_n but_o be_v god_n a_o barren_a wilderness_n be_v it_o not_o good_a for_o you_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n be_v they_o ever_o ashamed_a that_o wait_v on_o he_o have_v not_o thou_o sometime_o find_v benefit_n by_o secret_a prayer_n god_n be_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o seek_v he_o try_v again_o you_o will_v not_o lose_v your_o labour_n be_v not_o weary_a of_o well-doing_n in_o due_a time_n you_o shall_v reap_v if_o you_o faint_v not_o let_v not_o your_o hand_n hang_v down_o let_v not_o your_o knee_n grow_v feeble_a the_o text_n tell_v you_o your_o father_n that_o see_v in_o secret_a will_v reward_v you_o open_o and_o dare_v you_o not_o trust_v he_o beyond_o sense_n and_o experience_n there_o may_v be_v more_o advantage_n by_o this_o duty_n than_o you_o be_v aware_a of_o you_o shall_v not_o yet_o know_v the_o profit_n you_o have_v by_o secret_a prayer_n you_o must_v keep_v on_o in_o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n and_o not_o give_v over_o till_o you_o receive_v a_o full_a reward_n but_o oh_o take_v heed_n of_o give_v over_o prayer_n because_o you_o think_v you_o want_v present_a profiâ—_n you_o can_v do_v satan_n great_a service_n or_o your_o soul_n more_o prejudice_n but_o more_o of_o this_o anon_o 9_o obj._n but_o i_o be_o weak_a in_o part_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v fain_o i_o will_v but_o alas_o i_o can_v open_v my_o want_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n i_o want_v gift_n ability_n answ_n i_o be_o glad_a to_o hear_v thou_o thus_o complain_v thou_o be_v fit_a for_o pray_v when_o thou_o can_v lie_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o inability_n to_o pray_v that_o be_v a_o useful_a disposition_n in_o duty_n but_o thou_o say_v thou_o can_v not_o pray_v then_o i_o will_v tell_v thou_o what_o to_o do_v go_v thy_o way_n alone_o and_o fall_v down_o upon_o thy_o knee_n and_o plain_o tell_v the_o lord_n thou_o can_v not_o pray_v and_o entreat_v he_o to_o help_v thou_o by_o his_o bless_a spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o tell_v the_o lord_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n or_o speak_v a_o good_a word_n without_o that_o bless_a spirit_n but_o it_o shall_v help_v thy_o infirmity_n and_o teach_v thou_o what_o to_o say_v oh_o beg_v hard_a for_o that_o holy_a spirit_n and_o then_o let_v some_o mean_n be_v use_v to_o get_v matter_n of_o prayer_n you_o know_v it_o consist_v of_o confession_n of_o sin_n petition_n for_o good_a thing_n deprecation_n of_o evil_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o mercy_n well_o then_o sit_v down_o and_o think_v with_o thyself_o what_o sin_n thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o original_a or_o actual_a of_o omission_n or_o commission_n this_o be_v too_o too_o fruitful_a a_o subject_n take_v they_o home_o tell_v god_n of_o they_o by_o ingenious_a confession_n then_o bethink_v thyself_o what_o thou_o want_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o pardon_n grace_n peace_n heaven_n and_o beg_v these_o consider_v also_o what_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o as_o guilt_n strength_n effect_n of_o sin_n god_n wrath_n satan_n malice_n and_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v these_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o last_o recollect_v what_o mercy_n thou_o have_v have_v from_o god_n and_o reckon_v they_o up_o to_o god_n with_o expression_n of_o thankfulness_n do_v this_o with_o plainness_n and_o seriousness_n heed_v not_o so_o much_o for_o exact_a method_n or_o fine_a phrase_n the_o gilt_n of_o the_o key_n make_v it_o not_o open_v the_o door_n a_o jot_n the_o better_a and_o a_o prayer_n do_v not_o work_v upon_o god_n any_o rather_o because_o of_o the_o neat_a language_n therein_o but_o unbosom_v thyself_o plain_o and_o serious_o before_o thy_o god_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v present_a assistance_n and_o acceptance_n and_o future_a enlargement_n and_o encouragement_n be_v honest_a though_o never_o so_o homely_a in_o prayer_n 10._o obj._n but_o i_o like_v not_o this_o stir_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n i_o will_v rather_o do_v any_o thing_n than_o this_o my_o spirit_n be_v wonderful_a averse_a to_o it_o say_v what_o you_o will_v it_o will_v not_o down_o with_o i_o to_o make_v all_o this_o ado_n in_o closet-prayer_n it_o be_v pretty_a fair_a if_o i_o can_v keep_v up_o such_o duty_n as_o church_n and_o family_n require_v answ_n this_o be_v the_o plead_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n this_o be_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o former_a objection_n i_o expect_v this_o all_o along_o if_o the_o tongue_n speak_v not_o thus_o the_o heart_n do_v let_v a_o duty_n be_v press_v never_o so_o home_o a_o carnal_a heart_n will_v make_v some_o evasion_n though_o the_o mouth_n be_v stop_v yet_o a_o cavil_v heart_n will_v have_v something_o to_o say_v against_o a_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v mad_a with_o reason_n it_o grow_v mad_a without_o reason_n and_o against_o scripture_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o bring_v argument_n to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n than_o to_o draw_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o a_o through_o obedience_n but_o soul_n will_v thou_o plead_v for_o baal_n will_v thou_o take_v the_o devil_n part_n and_o yield_v to_o carnal_a reason_n or_o will_v thou_o balk_v any_o divine_a command_n to_o gratify_v a_o lazy_a humour_n or_o a_o base_a lust_n god_n forbid_v methinks_v if_o thou_o can_v not_o obey_v as_o thou_o ought_v yet_o
affect_v with_o the_o sweetness_n of_o pardon_v grace_n and_o ardent_o plead_v with_o god_n for_o acceptance_n again_o when_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v act_v in_o the_o duty_n as_o a_o holy_a awe_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n faith_n love_n humility_z zeal_n and_o fervency_n and_o a_o willingness_n to_o forgive_v other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v forgive_v by_o the_o lord_n last_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v when_o it_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n by_o the_o consequence_n of_o duty_n as_o when_o the_o christian_a be_v more_o vile_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n as_o abraham_n be_v give_v god_n all_o the_o glory_n see_v and_o bewail_v his_o defect_n in_o great_a inlargement_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v leave_v in_o a_o better_a frame_n and_o fit_a to_o bear_v cross_n and_o perform_v after-duty_n etc._n etc._n i_o do_v but_o hint_n these_o thing_n 4._o case_n suppose_v i_o have_v pray_v and_o pray_v and_o find_v not_o my_o heart_n affect_v it_o be_v dead_a dull_a distract_a i_o do_v no_o good_a get_v no_o good_a in_o duty_n i_o fear_v i_o offend_v god_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v ans_fw-fr such_o a_o case_n be_v sad_a yet_o consider_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o gracious_a heart_n david_n be_v so_o depress_v and_o trouble_v that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v psal_n 77.3_o 4._o god_n best_a child_n be_v sometime_o out_o of_o frame_n their_o spirit_n unfit_a for_o duty_n 2._o a_o total_a neglect_n will_v not_o mend_v the_o matter_n nor_o help_v the_o frame_n of_o your_o heart_n one_o sin_n will_v never_o cure_v another_o run_v from_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o be_v warm_a your_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v better_o but_o worse_o by_o forbearance_n omission_n indispose_v 3._o who_o know_v but_o god_n may_v come_v in_o the_o next_o time_n keep_v upon_o the_o royal_a exchange_n still_o ply_v the_o oar_n give_v god_n no_o rest_n gratify_v not_o satan_n by_o neglect_n tradesman_n keep_v their_o market_n though_o for_o small_a gain_n you_o will_v get_v 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because_o there_o be_v most_o obedience_n in_o those_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o other_o a_o christian_n be_v as_o it_o be_v hire_v to_o performance_n by_o the_o earnest-peny_n of_o inlargement_n oh_o it_o be_v a_o brave_a thing_n to_o persevere_v in_o duty_n under_o discouragement_n he_o that_o can_v trade_v when_o time_n be_v so_o dead_a that_o all_o his_o ware_n lie_v upon_o his_o hand_n yet_o trade_v more_o sure_o his_o stock_n be_v great_a so_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o much_o faith_n love_n sincerity_n when_o the_o soul_n can_v maintain_v this_o heavenly_a trade_n when_o his_o sensible_a income_n be_v small_a yet_o when_o god_n thus_o withdraw_v from_o you_o you_o must_v deep_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n inquire_v the_o cause_n make_v your_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o ply_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o great_a importunity_n thus_o much_o brief_o for_o these_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o now_o belove_a friend_n i_o have_v dispatch_v this_o subject_a concern_v closet-prayer_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v all_o fall_v close_o to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n what_o do_v minister_n preach_v sermon_n or_o print_v book_n for_o be_v it_o to_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v in_o public_a be_v it_o to_o be_v applaud_v or_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o to_o do_v good_a to_o people_n soul_n and_o can_v people_n get_v any_o good_a by_o hear_v a_o sound_n of_o word_n or_o a_o complemental_a read_n what_o be_v write_v be_v there_o not_o something_o else_o require_v of_o you_o now_o even_o a_o set_n about_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o what_o be_v before_o you_o what_o say_v you_o sir_n to_o this_o point_n be_v closet-prayer_n a_o christian_a duty_n or_o be_v it_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o why_o do_v christ_n direct_v we_o to_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o performance_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o our_o father_n will_v reward_v it_o open_o will_v god_n reward_v any_o thing_n but_o command_v duty_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o disprove_v it_o now_o and_o to_o stand_v to_o his_o assertion_n another_o day_n before_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n but_o i_o think_v none_o will_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o sir_n dare_v any_o man_n that_o profess_v religion_n live_v in_o the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o plain_a duty_n do_v you_o think_v it_o be_v fit_a it_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o will_v you_o not_o do_v it_o shall_v your_o own_o tongue_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o witness_n against_o yourselves_o will_v you_o be_v like_o that_o son_n that_o say_v i_o go_v sir_n but_o go_v not_o shall_v god_n wait_v your_o leisure_n and_o you_o will_v not_o give_v he_o a_o visit_n will_v you_o go_v into_o your_o closet_n to_o make_v up_o your_o account_n and_o will_v you_o not_o reckon_v straight_o betwixt_o god_n and_o your_o soul_n dare_v you_o go_v from_o day_n to_o day_n under_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o know_a sin_n if_o you_o do_v not_o what_o you_o have_v read_v this_o book_n will_v fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o conscience_n another_o day_n but_o i_o be_o most_o afraid_a lest_o christian_n trifle_v about_o this_o work_n and_o shuffle_v it_o off_o after_o any_o fashion_n and_o so_o put_v off_o god_n with_o a_o mere_a outside_n performance_n to_o pacify_v conscience_n without_o that_o warmth_n and_o life_n we_o shall_v have_v in_o our_o closet_n it_o be_v record_v of_o luther_n that_o he_o pray_v every_o day_n three_o hour_n and_o even_o then_o when_o his_o spirit_n be_v most_o lively_a per_fw-la tres_fw-la horas_fw-la easq_fw-la ad_fw-la studia_fw-la aptissimas_fw-la nor_o be_v his_o closet-prayer_n dull_a careless_a heartless_a be_v so_o fervent_a and_o ardent_a say_v melancthon_n that_o they_o which_o stand_v under_o his_o window_n where_o he_o stand_v pray_v may_v see_v his_o tear_n fall_v and_o drop_v down_o oh_o but_o where_o be_v this_o zeal_n and_o ardency_n in_o our_o secret_a devotion_n be_v we_o not_o ready_a to_o drop_v asleep_a even_o upon_o our_o knee_n alas_o how_o formal_a be_v we_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n be_v want_v in_o our_o sacrifice_n nay_o do_v we_o not_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a many_o time_n and_o know_v not_o what_o we_o say_v oh_o why_o do_v we_o thus_o forget_v god_n omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n do_v not_o he_o know_v our_o heart_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o our_o closet_n yea_o do_v not_o satan_n stand_v under_o our_o closet-window_n or_o rather_o at_o our_o elbow_n and_o hear_v what_o we_o say_v to_o god_n in_o our_o closet_n if_o you_o take_v not_o notice_n of_o your_o mistake_n in_o closet-prayer_n satan_n do_v and_o take_v advantage_n by_o they_o indeed_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o make_v this_o a_o scruple_n whethey_a shall_v in_o secret_n confess_v heart-sin_n lest_o satan_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o what_o he_o know_v not_o before_o and_o so_o be_v furnish_v with_o matter_n to_o accuse_v they_o of_o but_o a_o ingenious_a confession_n 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say_v nay_o as_o pretend_v and_o promise_v to_o do_v it_o and_o not_o perform_v fall_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o therefore_o this_o day_n there_o be_v danger_n in_o delay_n if_o you_o do_v it_o not_o to_o day_n you_o will_v be_v more_o unfit_a to_o morrow_n at_o this_o instant_n fall_v upon_o thy_o knee_n beg_v a_o blessing_n upon_o this_o book_n for_o the_o good_a of_o thy_o soul_n and_o other_o look_v upon_o closet-prayer_n as_o thy_o privilege_n as_o well_o as_o thy_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n thou_o may_v go_v to_o god_n as_o often_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o for_o what_o thou_o need_v it_o be_v no_o small_a favour_n that_o god_n have_v allow_v thou_o the_o use_n of_o this_o privy_a key_n to_o open_a heaven-gate_n when_o thou_o have_v not_o the_o more_o public_a key_n of_o other_o help_v in_o prayer_n yet_o this_o be_v thy_o encouragement_n thy_o father_n that_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v thou_o open_o i_o shall_v shut_v up_o all_o with_o a_o piece_n of_o herbert_n poetry_n call_v artillery_n as_o i_o one_o evening_n sit_v before_o my_o cell_n methinks_v a_o star_n do_v shoot_v into_o my_o lap_n i_o rise_v and_o shake_v my_o clothes_n as_o know_v well_o that_o from_o small_a fire_n come_v oft_o no_o small_a mishap_n when_o sudden_o i_o hear_v one_o say_v do_v as_o thou_o use_v disobey_v expel_v good_a motion_n from_o thy_o breast_n which_o have_v the_o face_n of_o fire_n but_o end_n in_o rest_n i_o who_o have_v hear_v of_o music_n in_o the_o sphere_n but_o not_o of_o speech_n in_o star_n begin_v to_o muse_v but_o turn_v to_o my_o god_n who_o minister_n the_o star_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v if_o i_o refuse_v dread_a lord_n say_v i_o so_o oft_o my_o good_a then_o i_o refuse_v not_o even_o with_o blood_n to_o wash_v away_o my_o stubborn_a thought_n for_o i_o will_v do_v or_o suffer_v what_o i_o ought_v but_o i_o have_v also_o star_n and_o shooter_n too_o bear_v where_o thy_o servant_n both_o artillery_n use_v my_o tear_n and_o prayer_n night_n and_o day_n do_v woe_n and_o work_v up_o to_o thou_o yet_o thou_o do_v refuse_v not_o but_o i_o be_o i_o must_v say_v still_o much_o more_o oblige_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n than_o thou_o to_o grant_v i_o but_o because_o thy_o promise_n now_o have_v even_o set_v thou_o law_n then_o we_o be_v shooter_n both_o thou_o do_v deign_v to_o enter_v combat_n with_o we_o and_o contest_v with_o thy_o own_o clay_n but_o i_o will_v parley_v fain_o shun_v not_o my_o arrow_n and_o behold_v my_o breast_n yet_o if_o thou_o shun_v i_o be_o thou_o i_o must_v be_v so_o if_o i_o be_o i_o there_o be_v no_o article_v with_o thou_o i_o be_o but_o finite_a yet_o thy_o infinite_o finis_fw-la