commotion_n a_o secret_a conclave_n or_o lock_v parlour_n where_o no_o company_n be_v to_o come_v 2._o shut_v thy_o door_n this_o word_n import_v yet_o a_o further_a degree_n of_o secrecy_n q._n d._n that_o thou_o may_v make_v thyself_o to_o be_v less_o observe_v shut_v up_o thyself_o in_o a_o room_n let_v none_o come_v at_o thou_o to_o disturb_v thou_o in_o thy_o conversing_n with_o god_n bar_v the_o door_n and_o make_v it_o fast_o yea_o let_v none_o overhear_v thou_o in_o thy_o retire_a devotion_n for_o observe_v it_o in_o true_a closet-prayer_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o include_v of_o the_o voice_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n some_o pray_v so_o loud_o in_o their_o chamber_n that_o they_o may_v be_v hear_v into_o the_o street_n this_o be_v not_o proper_o closet-prayer_n since_o it_o do_v not_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o this_o retirement_n which_o be_v a_o approve_v the_o heart_n only_o to_o god_n and_o avoid_v all_o show_n and_o occasion_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o vainglory_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o this_o end_n whether_o the_o body_n be_v see_v or_o the_o voice_n be_v hear_v only_o remember_v this_o be_v speak_v of_o secret_a prayer_n for_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v public_a prayer_n in_o a_o congregation_n where_o the_o body_n be_v see_v and_o voice_n be_v hear_v yet_o it_o do_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o synecdoche_n require_v self-denial_n singleness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o prayer_n posita_fw-la unae_fw-la specie_fw-la simplicitatis_fw-la pro_fw-la toto_fw-la genere_fw-la posita_fw-la public_a private_a secret_a for_o one_o part_n or_o sign_n of_o uprightness_n in_o the_o duty_n be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a shut_v the_o door_n for_o integrity_n of_o heart_n in_o the_o whole_a management_n of_o this_o great_a affair_n 3._o here_o be_v the_o object_n of_o prayer_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n thy_o business_n be_v not_o with_o man_n but_o with_o god_n seek_v therefore_o to_o please_v and_o enjoy_v he_o nor_o yet_o be_v thou_o to_o fetch_v a_o compass_n and_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n but_o go_v straight_o to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v sure_a thou_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o under_o the_o sweet_a relation_n of_o a_o tender_a father_n yea_o 414._o quod_fw-la nomen_fw-la nemo_fw-la nostrum_fw-la in_o oratione_fw-la auderet_fw-la attingere_fw-la nisi_fw-la ipse_fw-la nobis_fw-la sic_fw-la permisset_fw-la oâ—are_fw-la cyprian_n serm._n de_fw-fr orat._n dom._n p._n 414._o thy_o father_n oh_o a_o sweet_a word_n a_o bless_a word_n and_o such_o a_o word_n as_o we_o dare_v not_o have_v take_v into_o our_o mouth_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o christ_n glorious_a undertake_n to_o purchase_v for_o we_o the_o adoption_n and_o this_o gracious_a commission_n and_o in_o the_o platform_n of_o prayer_n the_o prescription_n and_o for_o god_n the_o father_n voluntary_a condescension_n come_v then_o and_o fear_v not_o poor_a disciple_n of_o christ_n come_v with_o filial_a affection_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o thou_o be_v sure_a to_o speed_v for_o this_o paternal_a relation_n import_v affection_n provision_n condescension_n and_o compassion_n if_o thou_o will_v be_v a_o child_n to_o he_o he_o will_v be_v a_o father_n to_o thou_o 2_o cor._n 6.18_o 4._o here_o be_v the_o argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o this_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n 1_o thy_o father_n see_v in_o secret_a all_o be_v one_o to_o he_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o a_o public_a church_n or_o private_a closet_n god_n who_o eye_n be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n bright_a than_o the_o sun_n see_v you_o in_o the_o one_o place_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o though_o man_n see_v you_o not_o yet_o content_v yourselves_o with_o this_o that_o god_n and_o your_o conscience_n be_v competent_a witness_n of_o your_o uprightness_n with_o who_o you_o have_v to_o do_v and_o from_o who_o you_o have_v your_o reward_n 2._o he_o will_v reward_v thou_o open_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o this_o expression_n 1._o they_o shall_v be_v reward_v 2._o they_o shall_v be_v open_o reward_v so_o that_o man_n shall_v say_v very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n psal_n 58.11_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v all_o their_o work_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o of_o man_n they_o have_v that_o sorry_a reward_n you_o do_v you_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o from_o he_o you_o shall_v receive_v your_o abundant_a and_o eternal_a recompense_n though_o man_n see_v you_o not_o fear_v not_o you_o shall_v be_v see_v and_o accept_v by_o he_o that_o search_v heart_n and_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o of_o these_o more_o anon_o the_o sum_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n be_v this_o thou_o my_o disciple_n see_v the_o plausible_a practice_n of_o thy_o hypocritical_a pharisee_n to_o gain_v credit_n and_o applause_n they_o perform_v their_o private_a duty_n in_o public_a place_n as_o market_n and_o synagogue_n that_o they_o may_v pass_v among_o man_n for_o eminent_a saint_n and_o they_o be_v general_o so_o esteem_v that_o be_v their_o reward_n but_o thou_o that_o have_v give_v up_o thy_o name_n to_o i_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o my_o name_n take_v my_o counsel_n for_o regulalate_v this_o sweet_a duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n let_v none_o see_v what_o thou_o go_v about_o steal_v time_n from_o all_o observer_n withdraw_v thyself_o into_o some_o closet_n or_o private_a place_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v make_v all_o fast_n do_v thou_o set_v thyself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n approve_v thy_o heart_n to_o he_o lay_v open_a thy_o bosom_n before_o he_o tell_v he_o all_o thy_o grievance_n and_o though_o no_o creature_n be_v privy_a to_o thy_o secret_a groan_n yet_o be_v sure_a that_o all_o thy_o desire_n be_v before_o god_n and_o thy_o groan_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o he_o and_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o thy_o tear_n and_o reserve_v they_o in_o a_o bottle_n by_o he_o to_o be_v reward_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n in_o a_o seasonable_a time_n thy_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a thy_o work_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o thy_o reward_n with_o thy_o god_n sect_n iii_o doctrine_n raise_v and_o clear_v there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n lie_v couch_v in_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v but_o hint_n they_o and_o pitch_n upon_o one_o 1._o prayer_n be_v a_o choice_a part_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o natural_a worship_n though_o the_o right_a order_n of_o it_o be_v by_o institution_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o religion_n therefore_o often_o put_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n he_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v rom._n 10.13_o a_o prayerless_a soul_n be_v graceless_a 2._o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n much_o abuse_v there_o be_v scarce_a any_o thing_n so_o much_o pervert_v and_o corrupt_v as_o this_o choice_a duty_n by_o formality_n hypocrisy_n superstition_n base_a and_o by-end_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o these_o pharisee_n many_o way_n and_o their_o young_a brethren_n the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n mass_n dirge_n invocation_n of_o saint_n etc._n etc._n 3._o there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o prayer_n both_o as_o to_o the_o kind_n mode_n and_o circumstance_n the_o apostle_n distinguish_v of_o supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o there_o be_v also_o publick-prayer_n family-prayer_n and_o closet-prayer_n now_o a_o christian_a must_v pray_v with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n eph._n 6.18_o the_o last_o be_v here_o insist_v on_o 4._o a_o christian_a must_v do_v nothing_o for_o praise_n or_o applause_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o base_a prostitute_v the_o high_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o our_o beastly_a lust_n it_o be_v to_o feed_v a_o humour_n and_o damn_v the_o soul_n with_o that_o which_o shall_v save_v it_o let_v no_o christian_n as_o the_o pharisee_n here_o make_v prayer_n truckle_n to_o their_o credit_n phil._n 2.3_o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vainglory_n 5._o there_o be_v set_v and_o state_v time_n of_o prayer_n this_o be_v hint_v in_o this_o word_n when_o when_o thou_o pray_v a_o time_n there_o must_v be_v for_o it_o though_o the_o point_n of_o time_n be_v not_o determine_v yet_o a_o time_n must_v be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o duty_n every_o day_n a_o christian_a must_v choose_v out_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o the_o duty_n by_o the_o due_a use_n of_o his_o liberty_n and_o discretion_n 6._o circumstance_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o all_o our_o action_n the_o street_n be_v proper_a place_n to_o walk_v talk_v buy_v and_o sell_v in_o but_o not_o so_o fit_a for_o prayer_n the_o church_n be_v a_o fit_a place_n for_o public_a devotion_n not_o so_o for_o a_o solemn_a performance_n of_o
through_o 243._o clark_n general_a martyr_n c._n 29._o fol._n 243._o william_n gardiner_n martyr_n in_o portugal_n seek_v out_o solitary_a place_n for_o prayer_n before_o he_o attempt_v that_o strange_a act_n of_o public_a opposition_n to_o idolatry_n in_o take_v the_o host_n out_o of_o the_o cardinal_n hand_n trample_v it_o under_o his_o foot_n and_o with_o the_o other_o hand_n overthrow_v the_o chalice_n which_o act_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v scarce_o warrantable_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n yet_o show_v a_o heroical_a spirit_n for_o the_o main_a obtain_v by_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n 318._o ibid._n fol._n 318._o take_v one_o instance_n more_o it_o be_v mr._n george_n wischard_v or_o wiseheart_n one_o of_o the_o holy_a man_n and_o choice_a reformer_n that_o scotland_n ever_o have_v one_o night_n he_o gate_n up_o and_o go_v into_o a_o yard_n there_o he_o walk_v in_o a_o alley_n for_o some_o space_n breathe_v forth_o many_o sob_n and_o deep_a groan_n than_o he_o fall_v upon_o his_o knee_n and_o his_o groan_n increase_v then_o he_o fall_v upon_o his_o face_n two_o man_n watch_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o weep_v and_o pray_v near_o a_o hour_n so_o go_v to_o bed_v again_o as_o this_o saint_n be_v much_o with_o god_n so_o the_o lord_n be_v much_o with_o he_o in_o preach_v prophesy_a act_v brave_o and_o suffer_a death_n cheerful_o sure_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o glory_n rest_v upon_o this_o man_n of_o god_n if_o ever_o upon_o any_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o be_v judges_n this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n they_o have_v be_v most_o eminent_a that_o have_v be_v most_o with_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n let_v scripture_n and_o history_n speak_v time_n and_o room_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o enumerate_v who_o more_o famous_a for_o piety_n and_o learning_n of_o late_a year_n than_o the_o great_a usher_n it_o be_v his_o usual_a practice_n to_o sequester_v himself_o into_o some_o privacy_n 27._o dr._n bernard_n the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o dr._n usher_n p._n 27._o and_o to_o spend_v it_o in_o strict_a examination_n penitential_a humiliation_n and_o ardent_a supplication_n and_o this_o he_o find_v sweet_a to_o his_o soul_n and_o other_o see_v the_o effect_n sect_n vi_o the_o last_o reward_n of_o secret_a prayer_n be_v at_o the_o great_a day_n 4._o the_o last_o and_o chief_a reward_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v bestow_v on_o those_o that_o have_v wait_v on_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n will_v be_v the_o open_a acknowledgement_n and_o acceptance_n of_o they_o at_o that_o solemn_a day_n of_o judgement_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v be_v summon_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o every_o one_o shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a 2_o cor._n 5.10_o then_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o shall_v be_v judge_n will_v single_a out_o this_o seed_n of_o jacob_n and_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v not_o seek_v his_o face_n in_o vain_a he_o will_v now_o solemn_o acknowledge_v they_o before_o his_o father_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a angel_n as_o person_n with_o who_o he_o have_v have_v familiar_a acquaintance_n in_o a_o corner_n oh_o the_o joy_n and_o triumph_v in_o such_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n when_o our_o dear_a redeemer_n shall_v speak_v such_o a_o language_n as_o this_o before_o those_o miriads_o of_o creature_n this_o or_o that_o soul_n call_v it_o forth_o with_o honour_n though_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n for_o religion_n much_o less_o for_o worldly_a greatness_n have_v yet_o have_v intimate_a familiarity_n with_o myself_o and_o i_o with_o he_o he_o have_v perform_v many_o a_o solemn_a duty_n which_o none_o but_o a_o omniscient_a eye_n have_v see_v though_o he_o have_v live_v obscure_o in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v little_o know_v to_o eminent_a preacher_n or_o professor_n yet_o he_o and_o i_o have_v be_v long_o and_o well_o acquaint_v i_o have_v have_v his_o company_n many_o time_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o now_o i_o can_v but_o remember_v the_o kindness_n of_o his_o youth_n and_o old_a age_n the_o love_n of_o his_o espousal_n when_o he_o go_v after_o i_o in_o solitary_a place_n rather_o than_o want_v my_o presence_n he_o have_v visit_v i_o in_o duty_n and_o i_o have_v visit_v he_o in_o mercy_n oh_o what_o mutual_a embrace_n and_o reciprocal_a exchange_n of_o love_n have_v there_o be_v betwixt_o we_o he_o have_v own_v i_o and_o i_o have_v own_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n when_o ever_o he_o have_v any_o doubt_n or_o want_v or_o fear_v or_o affliction_n i_o hear_v from_o he_o in_o a_o closet_n he_o send_v his_o wing_a messenger_n of_o a_o believe_a prayer_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o i_o take_v it_o well_o from_o he_o i_o do_v not_o despise_v his_o person_n or_o deny_v his_o suit_n when_o other_o have_v be_v sport_v away_o time_n in_o vain_a recreation_n or_o damn_v their_o soul_n in_o profane_a practice_n this_o ransom_a believer_n when_o he_o can_v steal_v a_o little_a time_n run_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o there_o do_v make_v his_o moan_n to_o i_o and_o then_o i_o give_v he_o something_o worth_a his_o pain_n i_o send_v he_o away_o with_o a_o cheerful_a heart_n and_o thankful_a tongue_n and_o now_o take_v notice_n all_o you_o angel_n and_o man_n i_o declare_v that_o i_o accept_v this_o soul_n labour_n of_o love_n and_o pardon_v all_o its_o imperfection_n &_o set_v he_o in_o my_o immediate_a presence_n in_o eternal_a mansion_n he_o that_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o world_n shall_v now_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o goat_n and_o be_v set_v on_o my_o right_a hand_n he_o that_o long_v so_o much_o to_o enjoy_v i_o shall_v everlasting_o enjoy_v i_o without_o cessation_n or_o interruption_n oh_o bless_a day_n oh_o transcendent_a reward_n be_v not_o this_o a_o reward_v open_o you_o will_v say_v how_o do_v you_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v thus_o bespeak_v a_o pray_a soul_n i_o reply_v though_o we_o know_v not_o the_o form_n of_o word_n he_o will_v speak_v yet_o that_o a_o discovery_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o the_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n mat._n 25._o evident_o declare_v yea_o that_o secret_a duty_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o light_a as_o well_o as_o secret_a sin_n the_o scripture_n declare_v 1_o cor._n 4.5_o who_o will_v both_o bring_v to_o light_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n and_o will_v make_v manifest_a the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o shall_v every_o man_n have_v praise_n of_o god_n then_o good_a man_n shall_v receive_v open_a approbation_n and_o commendation_n for_o their_o holy_a exercise_n in_o secret_a place_n then_o will_v god_n wipe_v off_o all_o reproach_v calumny_n of_o black-mouthed_a liar_n wherewith_o they_o have_v bespatter_v the_o reputation_n of_o pray_v saint_n and_o clear_v up_o their_o uprightness_n as_o the_o noonday_n by_o let_v the_o world_n see_v how_o the_o saint_n spend_v their_o time_n in_o corner_n both_o alone_a and_o with_o their_o fellow-christians_a not_o in_o plot_v but_o pray_v yea_o plead_v for_o those_o that_o persecute_v they_o oh_o bless_a day_n oh_o happy_a resurrection_n of_o body_n and_o of_o name_n sure_o then_o pray_v soul_n will_v not_o then_o repent_v themselves_o of_o all_o their_o pain_n in_o private_a when_o they_o pour_v out_o their_o heart_n in_o prayer_n and_o tear_n since_o now_o they_o be_v reward_v with_o such_o a_o bless_a euge_fw-la and_o be_v open_o entertain_v into_o their_o master_n joy_n and_o father_n kingdom_n chap._n iii_o the_o first_o use_n of_o information_n sect_n i._o concern_v place_n of_o prayer_n 1._o if_o closet-prayer_n be_v a_o christian_a duty_n than_o it_o show_v we_o that_o in_o gospel-time_n god_n stand_v not_o precise_o upon_o place_n this_o holy_a incense_n may_v ascend_v to_o heaven_n with_o as_o much_o acceptance_n upon_o the_o golden_a altar_n the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o well_o in_o a_o private_a chamber_n as_o a_o public_a church_n some_o have_v scornful_o call_v private_a devotion_n by_o the_o derogate_a title_n of_o chimney-prayer_n and_o think_v to_o confine_v all_o religion_n to_o public_a place_n yea_o a_o great_a scholar_n say_v once_o god_n hear_v prayer_n in_o a_o consecrate_a place_n non_fw-la quia_fw-la precatur_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la ibi_fw-la not_o because_o man_n pray_v but_o because_o they_o pray_v there_o as_o though_o the_o conceit_a holiness_n of_o the_o place_n add_v some_o virtue_n to_o the_o prayer_n 2._o judaismus_fw-la est_fw-la alligare_fw-la religionem_fw-la ad_fw-la certa_fw-la loca_fw-la hospin_n de_fw-fr orig_n temp._n lib._n 4._o c._n 2._o or_o render_v it_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o be_v worse_a than_o plain_a judaisme_n to_o tie_v religion_n to_o place_n the_o
true_a gospelized_a christian_a have_v otherwise_o learned_a christ_n it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n dispensation_n after_o the_o erect_n of_o the_o temple_n prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v at_o it_o or_o towards_o it_o as_o it_o typify_v christ_n by_o who_o our_o prayer_n be_v accept_v but_o that_o holiness_n be_v ceremonial_a it_o be_v now_o abolish_v by_o the_o gospel_n now_o that_o take_v place_n in_o john_n 4.21_o woman_n believe_v i_o the_o hour_n come_v when_o you_o shall_v neither_o in_o this_o mountain_n nor_o at_o jerusalem_n worship_v the_o father_n i._n e._n god_n now_o do_v not_o so_o much_o stand_v upon_o the_o place_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o worship_n that_o they_o worship_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n ver_fw-la 23.24_o now_o be_v the_o prophecy_n accomplish_v mal._n 1.11_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o my_o name_n which_o the_o apostle_n also_o assert_n express_o 1_o tim._n 2.8_o much_o have_v be_v say_v in_o controversy_n concern_v the_o holiness_n of_o place_n but_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n against_o that_o conceit_n that_o if_o some_o place_n be_v holy_a by_o the_o church_n consecration_n of_o they_o to_o holy_a use_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o other_o place_n not_o so_o consecrate_v howbeit_o apply_v to_o the_o same_o holy_a use_n be_v more_o profane_a and_o less_o apt_a to_o divine_a worship_n than_o place_v consecrate_v which_o will_v direct_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n last_o mention_v 16._o eccles_n polit_fw-la lib._n 5._o c._n 16._o indeed_o hooker_n teach_v that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o place_n not_o sanctify_v as_o church_n be_v have_v not_o in_o itself_o such_o perfection_n of_o grace_n and_o comeliness_n as_o when_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o place_n which_o it_o wish_v for_o do_v concur_v and_o that_o the_o very_a majesty_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o place_n where_o god_n be_v worship_v better_v even_o our_o holy_a and_o best_a action_n thus_o he_o 491._o confer_v with_o hart._n c._n 8._o divis_n 4._o pag._n 491._o to_o who_o we_o dare_v not_o subscribe_v but_o rather_o say_v with_o dr._n john_n reinolds_n that_o to_o we_o christian_n no_o land_n be_v strange_a no_o ground_n unholy_a every_o coast_n be_v jewry_n every_o town_n jerusalem_n and_o every_o house_n zion_n and_o every_o faithful_a company_n yea_o every_o faithful_a body_n a_o temple_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v a_o dispute_n upon_o this_o subject_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o text_n clear_v it_o if_o god_n command_v and_o accept_v closet-prayer_n than_o he_o do_v not_o make_v so_o great_a a_o matter_n of_o the_o place_n for_o this_o duty_n as_o some_o imagine_v since_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o closet-prayer_n can_v be_v perform_v ordinary_o in_o a_o consecrate_a place_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o place_n where_o a_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v to_o which_o god_n have_v more_o express_o promise_v a_o reward_n than_o what_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o corner_n or_o closet_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o expect_v acceptance_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o one_o place_n more_o than_o another_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o common_a practice_n of_o some_o person_n which_o be_v to_o perform_v their_o private_a devotion_n in_o public_a place_n for_o you_o shall_v see_v some_o at_o their_o entrance_n into_o a_o church_n or_o chappel_n whatever_o public_a worship_n be_v in_o hand_n fall_v down_o upon_o their_o knee_n or_o put_v their_o hat_n or_o hand_n before_o their_o face_n and_o so_o fall_v to_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o call_v this_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n but_o i_o judge_v it_o very_o unseasonable_a for_o we_o shall_v join_v with_o god_n people_n in_o the_o public_a ordinance_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v then_o undertake_v the_o original_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v math._n eo_fw-la proposito_fw-la dominus_fw-la â—…etat_fw-la in_o conventu_fw-la or_o be_v ut_fw-la à _fw-la conventu_fw-la videatur_fw-la chrysost_fw-la ho._n 13._o open_a he_o perf_n sup_v math._n a_o conceit_n that_o the_o place_n be_v more_o holy_a than_o their_o own_o house_n and_o that_o their_o prayer_n shall_v be_v hear_v there_o rather_o than_o at_o home_n it_o be_v too_o sad_a a_o sign_n they_o have_v not_o pray_v before_o they_o come_v thither_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o favour_v rank_o of_o a_o pharisaical_a spirit_n for_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n our_o saviour_n here_o rectify_v which_o be_v their_o private_a pray_v in_o public_a place_n and_o in_o opposition_n thereunto_o direct_v his_o disciple_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o their_o closet_n sect_n ii_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n 2._o we_o may_v hence_o be_v inform_v concern_v the_o nature_n usefulness_n excellency_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o prayer_n in_o general_n but_o in_o reference_n to_o closet-prayer_n and_o on_o that_o account_n there_o be_v two_o consectary_n hence_o concern_v prayer_n 1._o it_o follow_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o immediate_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o what_o have_v be_v say_v show_v that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v immediate_o with_o god_n yea_o that_o a_o man_n alone_o single_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n therein_o it_o be_v different_a from_o other_o part_n of_o god_n institute_v worship_n which_o do_v necessary_o require_v company_n as_o in_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n there_o must_v be_v hearer_n in_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o in_o baptism_n and_o the_o lords-supper_n there_o must_v be_v a_o society_n such_o a_o number_n as_o may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n hence_o the_o latter_a be_v call_v a_o communion_n because_o say_v the_o apostle_n 17._o 1_o cor._n 10.16_o 17._o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n but_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o or_o essential_o requisite_a to_o prayer_n that_o there_o be_v a_o society_n one_o man_n or_o woman_n by_o he_o or_o herself_o alone_o may_v perform_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o acceptable_o to_o god_n as_o if_o in_o the_o company_n of_o a_o thousand_o saint_n we_o deny_v not_o the_o public_a or_o private_a meeting_n of_o god_n people_n for_o prayer_n but_o withal_o affirm_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n be_v such_o that_o it_o may_v be_v perform_v solitary_a and_o alone_a hence_o schoolman_n distinguish_v of_o prayer_n 12._o aq._n 2_o 2ae_fw-la q._n 83_o art_n 12._o that_o it_o be_v either_o communis_fw-la or_o singularis_fw-la common_a or_o singular_a both_o have_v their_o place_n and_o use_v though_o they_o lie_v great_a stress_n upon_o christ_n promise_n in_o mat._n 18.20_o promise_v to_o be_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v in_o his_o name_n which_o as_o we_o deny_v not_o so_o we_o assert_v the_o force_n of_o this_o prayer_n of_o a_o single_a person_n according_a to_o the_o text_n we_o give_v both_o their_o due_a without_o comparison_n 2._o prayer_n can_v be_v stop_v in_o its_o ascent_n to_o god_n all_o the_o persecutor_n on_o earth_n can_v hinder_v a_o soul_n pray_v this_o be_v demonstrate_v two_o way_n 1._o a_o child_n of_o god_n banish_v out_o of_o all_o human_a society_n may_v pray_v still_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v reject_v by_o man_n and_o eject_v out_o of_o all_o company_n of_o man_n and_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o the_o close_a prison_n or_o shut_v out_o in_o the_o remote_a wilderness_n suppose_v a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o cave_n and_o den_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o still_o he_o may_v pray_v and_o be_v hear_v according_a to_o solomon_n prayer_n that_o if_o god_n people_n be_v carry_v captive_a into_o the_o land_n of_o their_o enemy_n far_o or_o near_o yet_o if_o they_o repent_v and_o pray_v unto_o god_n towards_o their_o land_n and_o that_o house_n of_o god_n then_o he_o beg_v that_o god_n will_v hear_v they_o and_o god_n testify_v that_o he_o do_v hear_v this_o prayer_n of_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 8.46_o 48._o with_o chap._n 9.3_o the_o passage_n to_o heaven_n be_v as_o near_o and_o open_a from_o one_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o another_o therefore_o david_n say_v he_o will_v cry_v to_o god_n from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n psal_n 61.2_o a_o notable_a instance_n for_o this_o we_o have_v in_o jonah_n he_o be_v get_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n as_o far_o from_o heaven_n local_o as_o one_o can_v imagine_v into_o a_o great_a fish_n belly_n which_o he_o call_v the_o very_a belly_n of_o hell_n and_o as_o he_o be_v then_o far_o from_o man_n so_o he_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o he_o pathetical_o express_v his_o misery_n and_o hopeless_a state_n what_o do_v he_o in_o this_o doleful_a plight_n why_o he_o will_v look_v towards_o god_n holy_a
86_o sect._n 2._o 4_o duty_n consequent_a to_o it_o 87_o 1_o observe_v god_n appearance_n ibid._n 2._o walk_v suitable_o 88_o sect._n 3._o 3_o wait_n for_o return_v 90_o 4_o communicate_v experiment_n 91_o chap._n vii_o sect._n 1_o concern_v matter_n or_o word_n of_o prayer_n 94_o 1_o lords-prayer_n be_v paraphrase_a 95_o sect._n 2._o 2_o wherein_o a_o example_n propound_v from_o jacob_n exod._n 32.10_o in_o ten_o particular_n 98_o chap._n viii_o sect._n 1._o 4_o use_n of_o exhortation_n to_o closet-prayer_n press_v by_o ten_o expostulatory_a argument_n 103_o sect._n 2._o objection_n answer_v as_o 1_o i_o perform_v family-duty_n answ_n 110_o 2._o i_o be_o a_o poor_a labour_a man_n ans_fw-fr ibid._n 3._o i_o be_o a_o servant_n and_o can_v ans_fw-fr 111_o 4_o i_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n ans_fw-fr 112_o 5_o i_o know_v some_o christian_n against_o it_o ans_fw-fr 113_o sect._n 3._o 6_o i_o find_v not_o my_o heart_n prepare_v ans_fw-fr 114_o 7_o i_o meet_v with_o temptation_n ans_fw-fr 115_o 8_o i_o get_v no_o good_a by_o it_o ans_fw-fr 116_o 9_o i_o want_v gift_n for_o it_o ans_fw-fr 117_o 10_o it_o be_v too_o much_o ado_n labour_n ans_fw-fr 118_o sect._n 4._o case_n of_o conscience_n answer_v 1_o what_o difference_n betwixt_o saint_n and_o hypocrite_n 120_o 2_o whether_o may_v a_o man_n engage_v by_o vow_n 121_o 3_o how_o may_v we_o know_v communion_n with_o god_n 122_o 4_o what_o must_v i_o do_v if_o i_o find_v no_o good_a ibid._n the_o whole_a conclude_v with_o exhortation_n 124_o matth_n 6.6_o but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v thy_o door_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o chap._n i._n sect_n i._o the_o context_n clear_v in_o this_o excellent_a sermon_n of_o our_o precious_a saviour_n in_o the_o mount_n we_o have_v both_o the_o gospel_n clear_o propound_v and_o the_o law_n solid_o expound_v the_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a pharisee_n have_v degrade_v god_n holy_a law_n from_o its_o spiritual_a extent_n and_o regiment_n by_o their_o low_a and_o literal_a gloss_n but_o our_o saviour_n restore_v it_o to_o its_o dignity_n and_o authority_n over_o heart_n and_o conscience_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o best_a preacher_n that_o ever_o open_v his_o mouth_n do_v admirable_o explain_v the_o adjunct_n office_n and_o exercise_n of_o true_a piety_n which_o be_v principal_o three_o alm_n prayer_n and_o fast_v to_o ver_fw-la 19_o particular_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v two_o material_a destructive_a fault_n which_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o that_o sweet_a and_o solemn_a ordinance_n those_o be_v 1._o hypocrisy_n 2._o battologie_n or_o vain-babling_a jesus_n christ_n rebuke_n and_o rectify_v both_o 1._o they_o be_v wont_a to_o perform_v their_o private_a devotion_n in_o public_a place_n mere_o for_o vainglory_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n as_o in_o the_o synagogue_n or_o in_o the_o street_n ver_fw-la 5._o now_o for_o the_o disciple_n practice_n in_o this_o case_n he_o command_v they_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o view_n of_o man_n into_o some_o solitary_a place_n and_o there_o perform_v that_o duty_n where_o they_o be_v least_o expose_v to_o the_o danger_n of_o ostentation_n ver_fw-la 6._o 2._o another_o fault_n that_o our_o redeemer_n rebuke_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v vain_a repetition_n and_o though_o he_o only_o mention_v it_o here_o as_o the_o heathen_n fault_n ver_fw-la 7._o yet_o certain_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n may_v also_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v censure_v for_o their_o long_a prayer_n mat._n 23.14_o yet_o upon_o different_a account_n here_o the_o heathen_n use_v vain_a repetition_n that_o they_o may_v move_v god_n there_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n make_v long_a prayer_n that_o they_o may_v deceive_v man_n and_o devour_v widow_n house_n this_o text_n say_v they_o think_v they_o shall_v be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_n just_a as_o baal_n priest_n 1_o king_n 18.26_o they_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o baal_n from_o morning_n even_o till_o noon_n say_v o_o baal_n hear_v we_o they_o leap_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o cut_v themselves_o with_o knife_n and_o lancer_n till_o the_o blood_n gush_v out_o upon_o they_o no_o doubt_v this_o be_v do_v to_o move_v their_o cruel_a god_n or_o rather_o stupid_a block_n to_o some_o pity_n and_o compassion_n just_o as_o the_o frantic_a papist_n do_v at_o this_o day_n in_o their_o self-tormenting_a penance_n but_o our_o god_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n delight_n more_o in_o ardent_a affection_n than_o in_o either_o extension_n of_o the_o voice_n or_o multiplication_n of_o word_n or_o excruciate_a affliction_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o come_v not_o to_o inform_v god_n of_o any_o thing_n he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o ver_fw-la 8._o your_o father_n know_v what_o thing_n you_o have_v need_n of_o before_o you_o ask_v he_o but_o we_o pray_v that_o our_o own_o heart_n may_v be_v affect_v and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o condition_n of_o acceptance_n and_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o this_o abuse_n of_o vain_a babble_n in_o prayer_n christ_n propound_v and_o present_v to_o we_o a_o exact_a draught_n and_o compendious_a platform_n of_o prayer_n in_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o lord_n prayer_n not_o as_o though_o man_n shall_v say_v only_o those_o word_n and_o no_o more_o for_o then_o the_o apostle_n have_v fail_v in_o pray_v in_o other_o term_n but_o that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o directory_n for_o prayer_n so_o that_o every_o thing_n we_o ask_v 408._o ut_fw-la aliter_fw-la orare_fw-la quam_fw-la docuit_fw-la non_fw-la ignorantia_fw-la sola_fw-la est_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o culpa_fw-la cyp._n serm_n ad_fw-la orat_fw-la domin_n pag._n 408._o shall_v be_v reducible_a to_o some_o of_o those_o head_n mention_v in_o this_o perfect_a platform_n so_o that_o as_o cyprian_n say_v to_o pray_v otherways_o than_o he_o have_v teach_v either_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n or_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v not_o only_a ignorance_n but_o a_o offence_n and_o indeed_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o be_v hear_v except_o we_o ask_v as_o well_o according_a to_o christ_n mind_n as_o in_o his_o name_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o subject_n i_o have_v choose_v to_o insist_v upon_o that_o which_o fall_v under_o our_o present_a cognizance_n from_o this_o text_n be_v the_o modification_n of_o prayer_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o privacy_n solitariness_n or_o retirement_n the_o text_n hold_v forth_o the_o warrant_n for_o and_o manner_n of_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a work_n of_o closet-prayer_n a_o copious_a subject_n a_o precious_a duty_n in_o which_o be_v 1_o the_o place_n for_o it_o a_o closet_n 2_o the_o clossness_n of_o the_o place_n door-shut_a 3_o the_o object_n of_o the_o worship_n thy_o father_n 4_o the_o argument_n to_o enforce_v thy_o duty_n 1_o god_n omniscience_n he_o see_v 2_o his_o munificence_n will_v reward_v sect_n ii_o the_o word_n open_v for_o a_o more_o distinct_a open_n of_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o part_n beforementioned_a consider_v 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o closet_n here_o some_o understand_v and_o interpret_v it_o not_o literal_o but_o mystical_o make_v a_o allegory_n of_o it_o as_o though_o it_o do_v import_v interiorem_fw-la cordis_fw-la recessum_fw-la the_o inner_a recess_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o though_o that_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o duty_n that_o we_o must_v pray_v in_o the_o closet_n of_o the_o heart_n yet_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o this_o place_n for_o we_o need_v not_o interpret_v this_o plain_a word_n in_o such_o a_o borrow_a sense_n since_o multitude_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o express_v for_o worship_v god_n with_o the_o heart_n beside_o that_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n which_o oppose_v self-retirement_n to_o the_o pharisaical_a mode_n of_o devotion_n verb._n leigh_n in_o crit._n sac._n in_o verb._n the_o word_n than_o be_v to_o be_v literal_o take_v and_o in_o general_n import_v any_o secret_a place_n where_o a_o thing_n be_v lay_v up_o 12.3_o mat._n 24.26_o luk._n 12.3_o particular_o it_o signify_v a_o safe_a or_o cupboard_n to_o lay_v victual_n in_o or_o a_o lock_a chest_n wherein_o a_o treasure_n be_v usual_o reserve_v or_o it_o be_v take_v as_o indeed_o here_o and_o oft_o elsewhere_o for_o a_o close_o or_o secret_a chamber_n a_o withdrawing-room_n par._n quemvis_fw-la locum_fw-la occultum_fw-la notat_fw-la par._n retiring-place_n where_o a_o person_n be_v not_o see_v or_o hear_v nor_o yet_o be_v disturb_v in_o his_o devotion_n by_o any_o noise_n or_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
to_o make_v the_o right_a use_n of_o solitariness_n by_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n no_o man_n care_v for_o be_v alone_o but_o the_o serious_a person_n and_o no_o man_n care_v for_o go_v to_o god_n when_o alone_o but_o the_o sincere_a christian_a man_n be_v a_o sociable_a creature_n and_o natural_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o entertain_v ourselves_o by_o ourselves_o a_o carnal_a heart_n hate_v a_o domestical_a audit_n man_n that_o have_v shrewish_a wife_n love_v not_o to_o be_v at_o home_n and_o person_n that_o have_v guilty_a conscience_n can_v endure_v to_o hold_v discourse_n with_o they_o leave_v they_o be_v torment_v before_o the_o time_n oh_o but_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v upright_o and_o downright_a will_v know_v all_o that_o concern_v his_o own_o heart_n the_o best_a and_o worst_a therefore_o he_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n 77.6_o psal_n 77.6_o as_o david_n do_v and_o leave_v he_o miss_v or_o mistake_v in_o his_o search_n he_o turn_v he_o to_o the_o heart-searching_a god_n by_o prayer_n and_o cry_v out_o to_o he_o to_o search_v his_o heart_n and_o discover_v he_o to_o himself_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o a_o soul_n communion_n with_o god_n in_o secret_a a_o man_n have_v so_o much_o religion_n as_o he_o have_v betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o no_o more_o a_o true_a saint_n dare_v approve_v his_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n he_o be_v there_o exercise_v himself_o like_o a_o soldier_n by_o himself_o handle_v his_o pike_n and_o keep_v his_o posture_n that_o he_o may_v be_v better_o fit_v for_o a_o more_o solemn_a onset_n yea_o a_o christian_a do_v purposely_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o company_n that_o he_o may_v converse_v with_o god_n papist_n be_v true_a christian_n ape_n hence_o come_v the_o solitary_a life_n of_o monk_n pretend_v to_o imitate_v eliah_n and_o elisha_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o hierom_n and_o great_a stickler_n for_o a_o monastic_a life_n that_o this_o practice_n begin_v not_o till_o about_o the_o year_n 260_o or_o 300._o some_o say_v hilarion_n other_o paulus_n thebaeus_n other_o antonius_n begin_v this_o manner_n of_o conversation_n but_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o those_o ancient_a christian_n solitary_a life_n and_o the_o papist_n way_n of_o monastic_a live_n 1._o those_o first_o christian_n live_v solitary_a of_o necessity_n that_o they_o may_v lie_v hide_v more_o safe_o in_o a_o time_n of_o persecution_n 2._o they_o be_v not_o compel_v to_o give_v all_o to_o the_o poor_a 3._o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o certain_a rule_n nor_o do_v they_o engage_v themselves_o by_o a_o perpetual_a vow_n to_o that_o place_n and_o state_n 228._o vid._n perk._n demonstr_n problem_n monach._n p._n 227_o 228._o but_o may_v change_v their_o manner_n of_o life_n if_o they_o see_v good_a they_o be_v not_o bind_v as_o to_o meat_n marriage_n fast_v 4._o these_o ancient_a monk_n be_v of_o the_o laity_n not_o of_o the_o clergy_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n 5._o they_o have_v no_o conceit_n of_o merit_n in_o a_o monastic_a life_n till_o these_o latter_a age_n i_o may_v add_v 6._o 13._o clark_n eccles_n hist_o fol._n 13._o those_o ancient_a monk_n have_v a_o particular_a call_v and_o do_v work_v as_o the_o monk_n of_o bangor_n that_o live_v by_o the_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n and_o 7._o they_o be_v not_o tie_v up_o from_o converse_v abroad_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o occasion_n there_o be_v manifold_a it_o be_v not_o fit_a person_n shall_v be_v always_o coop_v up_o in_o a_o corner_n but_o that_o they_o be_v of_o use_n to_o other_o in_o their_o place_n and_o capacity_n we_o be_v not_o bear_v for_o ourselves_o nor_o must_v we_o live_v only_o within_o ourselves_o which_o will_v contradict_v the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n discentium_fw-la vita_fw-la solitaria_fw-la communi_fw-la inferior_a est_fw-la quia_fw-la importunis_fw-la cogitationibus_fw-la plena_fw-la quae_fw-la tanquam_fw-la muscae_fw-la minutissimae_fw-la de_fw-la timo_fw-la surgentes_fw-la volunt_fw-la in_o oculos_fw-la coâ—dis_fw-la &_o interrumpunt_fw-la sabbathum_fw-la mentis_fw-la ivo_n carnatensis_fw-la epist_n 258._o videsis_n plura_fw-la in_o perk_n ubi_fw-la supra_fw-la demonstrat_fw-la monasteria_fw-la veterum_fw-la ut_fw-la plurimum_fw-la faisse_fw-fr scholas_fw-la publicas_fw-la i._n e._n communitates_fw-la docentium_fw-la &_o discentium_fw-la a_o constant_a solitariness_n expose_v person_n to_o a_o world_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o be_v alone_o say_v solomon_n a_o ancient_a can_v speak_v it_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o a_o solitary_a life_n be_v inferior_a to_o a_o common_a converse_v because_o it_o be_v full_a of_o importunate_a cogitation_n which_o like_o little_a fly_n arise_v from_o dung_n fly_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o interrupt_v the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o mind_n thus_o he_o but_o i_o need_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o mention_n of_o popish_a foppery_n a_o right-bred_n christian_n that_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n be_v thrust_v into_o a_o corner_n know_v how_o to_o improve_v solitariness_n for_o soul-advantage_n and_o voluntary_o do_v withdraw_v himself_o into_o a_o corner_n that_o he_o may_v set_v himself_o to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o good_a earnest_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n concern_v husband_n and_o wife_n 1_o cor._n 7.5_o defraud_v you_o not_o one_o the_o other_o except_o it_o be_v with_o consent_n for_o a_o time_n that_o you_o may_v give_v yourselves_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n thence_o note_n that_o it_o be_v convenient_a sometime_o for_o christian_n to_o sequester_v themselves_o from_o near_a relation_n loc_fw-la vide_fw-la pareum_fw-la in_o loc_fw-la that_o they_o may_v have_v free_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o holy_a duty_n only_o let_v these_o four_o caution_n and_o limitation_n of_o the_o text_n be_v observe_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v with_o mutual_a consent_n 2._o but_o for_o a_o season_n 3._o the_o end_n a_o advantage_n for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n 4._o that_o they_o come_v together_o again_o this_o respect_v not_o every_o day_n ordinary_a performance_n but_o some_o solemn_a undertake_n of_o state_v and_o extraordinary_a fast_n in_o a_o day_n of_o danger_n or_o calamity_n at_o which_o time_n the_o bridegroom_n be_v to_o go_v forth_o of_o his_o chamber_n and_o the_o bride_n out_o of_o her_o closet_n joel_n 2.16_o i_o e._n to_o sequester_v themselves_o from_o conjugal_a delight_n to_o afflict_v their_o soul_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n but_o in_o these_o case_n a_o sound_n christian_n due_a discretion_n regulate_v by_o the_o general_n rule_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n will_v help_v in_o such_o performance_n that_o he_o may_v not_o dash_v on_o either_o rock_n of_o superstition_n or_o negligence_n but_o maintain_v a_o close_o and_o constant_a communion_n with_o god_n both_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o general_n and_o particular_a call_n in_o public_a ordinance_n and_o in_o private_a and_o secret_a duty_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o use_n chap._n iu._n the_o second_o use_n viz._n of_o reprehension_n sect_n i._o wicked_a man_n reprove_v 1._o here_o be_v just_a ground_n of_o sharp_a rebuke_n to_o all_o graceless_a prayerless_a person_n who_o understand_v nothing_o of_o this_o duty_n they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o tug_v and_o struggle_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o closet-prayer_n david_n say_v the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o his_o thought_n psal_n 10.4_o he_o can_v pray_v aright_o any_o where_n much_o less_o in_o secret_n the_o same_o psalm_n tell_v we_o what_o he_o do_v in_o secret_a ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10._o in_o the_o secret_a place_n do_v he_o murder_v the_o innocent_a his_o eye_n be_v privy_o set_v against_o the_o poor_a the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v a_o shame_n even_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v of_o they_o in_o secret_a eph._n 5.12_o oh_o the_o abominable_a practice_n of_o profane_a spirit_n in_o a_o corner_n their_o conscience_n can_v tell_v they_o sad_a story_n of_o secret_a sin_n which_o none_o but_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o themselves_o know_v of_o yea_o because_o they_o see_v not_o god_n they_o think_v god_n see_v not_o they_o like_o the_o silly_a bird_n because_o she_o thrust_v her_o head_n into_o a_o bush_n think_v she_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o fowler_n though_o her_o body_n be_v expose_v to_o open_a view_n carnal_a man_n maxim_n be_v like_o that_o monkish_a one_o caute_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la cast_v carry_v it_o wary_o if_o not_o chaste_o if_o they_o can_v hide_v their_o sin_n from_o man_n they_o take_v no_o notice_n whether_o god_n see_v they_o or_o no_o and_o from_o wish_v that_o he_o do_v not_o see_v begin_v to_o suspect_v whether_o he_o do_v see_v or_o no_o and_o
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 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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
closet-prayer_n a_o christian_a duty_n or_o a_o treatise_n upon_o mat._n vi_o vi_o tend_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o secret_n be_v the_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o all_o christian_n both_o by_o sundry_a example_n and_o argument_n together_o with_o a_o severe_a rebuke_n of_o christian_n for_o their_o neglect_n of_o or_o negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n and_o many_o direction_n for_o the_o manage_n thereof_o exhortation_n to_o it_o objection_n answer_v case_n of_o conscience_n clear_v by_o o._n hetwood_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n jer._n 13.17_o but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o hear_v it_o my_o soul_n shall_v weep_v in_o secret_a place_n for_o your_o pride_n and_o my_o eye_n shall_v weep_v sore_o and_o run_v down_o with_o tear_n because_o the_o lord_n flock_v be_v carry_v away_o captive_a â—â—ndon_v print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o â—…ce_n crown_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1671._o there_o be_v of_o this_o author_n two_o other_o book_n print_v 1._o heart-treasure_n from_o mat._n 12.35_o 2._o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n explain_v and_o apply_v in_o several_a sermon_n from_o isa_n 55.3_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n especial_o to_o the_o strict_a and_o serious_a professor_n of_o christianity_n christian_n friend_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v much_o speak_v of_o but_o i_o be_o afraid_a very_o rare_o to_o be_v find_v among_o even_o famous_a professor_n most_o content_a themselves_o with_o external_a visible_a duty_n which_o formalist_n may_v carry_v on_o with_o as_o much_o seem_a zeal_n and_o applause_n as_o sincere_a worshipper_n a_o formal_a spirit_n be_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o present_a day_n the_o beam_n of_o gospel-light_n in_o the_o late_a noon-tyde-dispensation_n have_v so_o far_o extract_v a_o assent_n to_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o practical_a duty_n that_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n in_o some_o place_n not_o to_o have_v a_o 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like_o those_o who_o be_v prop_v up_o some_o remote_a member_n of_o their_o body_n while_o their_o vital_n be_v waste_v in_o a_o languish_a consumption_n these_o be_v like_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fever_n his_o face_n and_o hand_n burn_v but_o his_o heart_n shake_v and_o quiver_n for_o cold_a these_o i_o may_v call_v pepper-professor_n hot_a in_o the_o mouth_n but_o cold_a at_o the_o stomach_n there_o be_v thousand_o in_o the_o world_n will_v run_v many_o mile_n to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n will_v countenance_v the_o best_a preacher_n will_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o good_a book_n will_v pray_v in_o their_o family_n yea_o keep_v day_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n with_o other_o that_o yet_o will_v not_o set_v about_o heart-work_n and_o flesh-displeasing_a duty_n of_o mortify_v belove_v lust_n love_a forgive_a and_o pray_v for_o enemy_n yea_o that_o will_v not_o set_v themselves_o solemn_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n self-examination_n and_o secret_a prayer_n the_o vessel_n will_v not_o stir_v except_o the_o wind_n of_o applause_n blow_v the_o sail_n these_o be_v like_o the_o nightingale_n in_o the_o wood_n of_o which_o it_o be_v record_v that_o she_o sing_v most_o sweet_o when_o she_o think_v any_o be_v near_o she_o a_o hypocrite_n can_v pray_v best_a when_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o man_n you_o shall_v seldom_o see_v he_o at_o work_n with_o his_o heart_n in_o a_o closet_n he_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o carnal_a person_n of_o christ_n natural_a kindred_n joh._n 7.4_o who_o say_v to_o christ_n if_o thou_o do_v these_o thing_n show_v thyself_o to_o the_o world_n for_o say_v the_o text_n ver_fw-la 5._o neither_o do_v his_o brethren_n believe_v in_o he_o q._n d._n such_o as_o carry_v on_o duty_n or_o counsel_v other_o to_o such_o undertake_n as_o may_v expose_v they_o to_o public_a view_n for_o ostentation_n declare_v plain_o they_o want_v true_a grace_n which_o make_v person_n jew_n inward_o who_o circumcision_n be_v of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n rom._n 2.29_o the_o main_a trade_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v his_o home-trade_n as_o one_o say_v 304._o jurnal_a christian_a armour_n chap._n 12._o sect._n 3._o p._n 304._o which_o be_v spend_v in_o secret_a betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n here_o he_o drive_v a_o unknown_a trade_n he_o be_v at_o heaven_n and_o home_n again_o rich_o lade_v in_o his_o thought_n with_o heavenly_a meditation_n before_o the_o world_n know_v where_o he_o have_v be_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v engage_v i_o to_o spend_v some_o thought_n concern_v this_o great_a and_o much_o neglect_a duty_n of_o closet_n prayer_n which_o when_o i_o have_v deliver_v and_o several_a have_v get_v copy_n thereof_o it_o be_v judge_v fit_a for_o the_o press_n some_o hope_n conceive_v of_o its_o further_a usefulness_n i_o peruse_v it_o again_o and_o methodise_v it_o into_o this_o form_n and_o communicate_v my_o thought_n to_o some_o concern_v the_o publication_n of_o it_o a_o friend_n give_v i_o notice_n there_o be_v a_o book_n extant_a upon_o the_o same_o subject_a which_o i_o inquire_v after_o and_o find_v one_o of_o mr._n brooks_n on_o the_o same_o text_n that_o book_n i_o look_v over_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v it_o will_v save_v i_o a_o labour_n but_o upon_o second_o thought_n i_o consider_v that_o this_o may_v fall_v into_o some_o hand_n that_o that_o will_v not_o that_o several_a man_n write_v on_o the_o same_o subject_a may_v be_v useful_a be_v ordinary_a that_o our_o method_n and_o most_o of_o our_o matter_n be_v different_a for_o i_o have_v finish_v i_o before_o i_o see_v the_o other_o except_z two_o or_o three_o leaf_n in_o the_o close_a beside_o that_o the_o other_o be_v large_a this_o a_o small_a piece_n and_o more_o portable_a as_o a_o pocket-book_n or_o vade_fw-la mecum_fw-la let_v it_o be_v then_o a_o short_a appendix_n to_o that_o excellent_a piece_n i_o be_o hearty_o glad_a any_o of_o god_n servant_n have_v set_v themselves_o to_o promote_v this_o part_n of_o practical_a piety_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a design_n and_o i_o be_o well_o assuâ—…_n if_o christian_n be_v more_o in_o their_o closet_n with_o god_n their_o own_o soul_n will_v thrive_v better_o and_o thing_n will_v succeed_v better_o abroad_o mr._n rogers_n be_v silence_v from_o public_a work_n desire_v his_o hearer_n to_o spend_v that_o time_n they_o be_v want_v to_o come_v to_o his_o lecture_n in_o in_o serious_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n in_o their_o closet_n and_o he_o be_v confident_a satan_n will_v be_v a_o loser_n and_o their_o soul_n gainer_n by_o that_o providence_n and_o this_o i_o can_v affirm_v that_o if_o person_n will_v spend_v part_n of_o that_o time_n in_o secret_a prayer_n they_o take_v to_o run_v abroad_o to_o sermon_n in_o they_o will_v be_v better_a proficient_o not_o but_o that_o hear_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
earth_n yea_o sometime_o be_v lay_v aside_o these_o and_o rather_o use_v the_o former_a that_o all_o the_o glory_n may_v be_v his_o and_o that_o no_o flesh_n may_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n 1_o cor._n 1.29_o but_o such_o as_o i_o be_o or_o have_v be_v all_o devote_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o redeemer_n and_o welfare_n of_o soul_n octob._n 31._o 1668._o while_o i_o be_o oliver_n heywood_n book_n to_o be_v sell_v by_o thomas_n parkhurst_n at_o the_o golden-bible_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n a_o exposition_n of_o temptation_n on_o mat._n 4._o ver_fw-la 1._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o eleven_o by_o dr._n tho._n taylor_n fol._n daille_n on_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n contain_v 49._o sermon_n fol._n a_o practical_a exposition_n on_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n with_o the_o godly_a man_n choice_n on_o psa_n 4._o v._n 6_o 7_o 8._o by_o anthony_n burgess_n fol._n the_o view_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o hugh_n broughton_n fol._n these_o six_o treatise_n next_o follow_v be_v write_v by_o mr._n george_n swinnock_n 1._o the_o christian_a man_n call_v or_o a_o treatise_n of_o make_v religion_n one_o business_n in_o religious_a duty_n natural_a action_n his_o particular_a vocation_n his_o family_n direction_n and_o his_o own_o recreation_n to_o be_v read_v in_o family_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o edification_n the_o first_o part_n 2._o likewise_o a_o second_o part_n wherein_o christian_n be_v direct_v to_o perform_v their_o duty_n as_o husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o condition_n of_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a man_n call_v wherein_o the_o christian_a be_v direct_v how_o to_o make_v religion_n his_o business_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o all_o man_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o companion_n in_o his_o carriage_n in_o good_a company_n in_o bad_a company_n in_o solitariness_n or_o when_o he_o be_v alone_o on_o a_o weekday_n from_o morning_n to_o night_n in_o visit_v the_o sick_a on_o a_o dying-bed_n as_o also_o the_o mean_n how_o a_o christian_a may_v do_v this_o and_o some_o motive_n to_o it_o 4._o the_o door_n of_o salvation_n open_v by_o the_o key_n of_o regeneration_n 5._o heaven_n and_o hell_n epitomise_v and_o the_o true_a christian_a characterise_v 6._o the_o fade_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o flourish_a of_o faith_n or_o one_o cast_v for_o eternity_n with_o the_o only_a way_n to_o throw_v it_o well_o all_o these_o by_o george_n swinnock_n m._n a._n large_a octavo_n a_o exposition_n on_o the_o five_o first_o chapter_n of_o ezekiel_n with_o useful_a observation_n thereupon_o by_o will._n greenhil_n 4to_fw-la the_o gospel-covenant_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n open_v preach_v in_o new-england_n by_o peter_n bulkely_a 4to_o god_n holy_a mind_n touch_v matter_n moral_a which_o himself_n utter_v in_o ten_o word_n or_o ten_o commandment_n also_o a_o exposition_n on_o the_o lord_n prayer_n by_o edward_n elton_n b._n d._n 4to_o fiery_a jesuit_n or_o a_o historical_a collection_n of_o the_o rise_v increase_n doctrine_n and_o deed_n of_o the_o jesuit_n expose_v to_o view_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o london_n 4to_fw-la horologiographia_fw-la optica_fw-la dialling_a universal_a and_o particular_a speculative_a &_o practical_a by_o sylvanus_n morgan_n 4to_fw-la the_o rebuilding_n of_o london_n encourage_v and_o improve_v in_o several_a meditation_n by_o samuel_n roll_n the_o sure_a way_n to_o salvation_n or_o a_o treatise_n of_o the_o saint_n mystical_a union_n with_o christ_n wherein_o that_o great_a mystery_n and_o privilege_n be_v open_v in_o the_o nature_n property_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o by_o r._n steedman_n m._n a._n a_o defence_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o such_o croston_n god_n sovereignty_n display_v by_o will._n jeer_a the_o godly_a man_n ark_n or_o city_n of_o refuge_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o distress_n in_o five_o sermon_n with_o mrs._n moor_n evidence_n for_o heaven_n by_o edm._n calamy_n the_o almost_o christian_n discover_v or_o the_o false_a professor_n try_v and_o cast_v by_o mr._n mead._n spiritual_a wisdom_n improve_v against_o temptation_n by_o mr._n mead._n 1._o a_o divine_a cordial_n 2._o a_o word_n of_o comfort_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 3._o a_o plea_n for_o alm_n in_o a_o sermon_n at_o the_o spital_n 4._o the_o godly_a man_n picture_n draw_v with_o a_o scripture-pensil_n 5._o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n 6._o heaven_n take_v by_o storm_n 7._o the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n brief_o open_v these_o seven_o by_o mr._n tho._n watson_n the_o true_a bound_n of_o christian_a freedom_n or_o a_o discourse_n show_v the_o extent_n and_o restraint_n of_o christian_a liberty_n wherein_o the_o truth_n be_v settle_v many_o error_n confute_v out_o of_o john_n 8._o for_o 36._o comfortable_a crumb_n of_o refreshment_n by_o prayer_n meditation_n consolation_n and_o ejaculation_n with_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o sum_n of_o the_o bible_n aurifodina_n linguae_fw-la gallicae_n or_o the_o golden_a mine_n of_o the_o french_a language_n open_v by_o ed._n costlin_n gent._n sin_n sinfulness_n by_o ralph_n venning_n sober_a singularity_n by_o r._n steedman_n the_o parable_n of_o the_o great_a supper_n by_o john_n crump_n late_o of_o maidstone_n the_o christian_n daily_a monitor_n by_o joseph_n church_n a_o memento_n to_o young_a man_n and_o old_a by_o j._n maynard_n a_o little_a book_n for_o little_a child_n by_o tho._n white_n the_o history_n of_o moderation_n or_o the_o life_n death_n resurrection_n of_o moderation_n the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n explain_v and_o apply_v from_o ezek._n 33.11_o worthy_a walk_v by_o nat._n vincent_n method_n of_o meditation_n by_o tho._n white_n antidote_n against_o quakerism_n the_o content_n of_o the_o book_n sect._n 1_o the_o context_n clear_v 1_o sect._n 2._o the_o word_n explaind_v 4_o sect._n 3_o doctrine_n raise_v 7_o sect._n 4._o instance_n for_o closet-prayer_n 1_o abraham_n 12_o 2_o isaac_n ibid._n 3_o jacob_n 13_o 4_o moses_n 14_o 5_o david_n ibid._n sect._n 5._o more_o instance_n of_o 6_o elijah_n 15_o 7_o jeremiah_n 16_o 8_o daniel_n 17_o 9_o peter_n ibid._n 10_o jesus_n christ_n 18_o chap._n ii_o sect._n 1_o reason_n 1._o conveniency_n of_o privacy_n 20_o for_o 1_o expostulation_n 21_o 2_o act_n distraction_n ibid._n sect._n 2._o reas_n 2._o relation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o soul_n 24_o 1_o the_o heart_n free_a open_n to_o a_o father_n ibid._n 2_o god_n communicate_v himself_o to_o it_o ibid._n sect._n 3_o reas_n 3._o god_n see_v in_o secret_a i._n e._n 1_o he_o take_v notice_n whether_o thou_o pray_v 27_o 2_o he_o have_v see_v thy_o secret_a sin_n 28_o 3_o thou_o lose_v not_o thy_o labour_n 29_o 4_o thou_o own_v god_n omnipresence_n 30_o sect._n 4._o reas_n 4._o god_n reward_v open_o foâ—…_n way_n 31_o 1_o return_v visible_a answer_n 32_o 2_o discriminate_a providence_n 33_o sect._n 5._o 3._o increase_v of_o grace_n 35_o sect._n 6._o 4._o solemn_z own_v at_o the_o great_a day_n 36_o chap._n iii_o sect._n 1_o use_v 1_o of_o information_n concern_v place_n of_o prayer_n 42_o sect._n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n 1_o it_o be_v a_o immediate_a worship_n 45_o 2_o can_v be_v interrupt_v ib_n sect._n 3._o 3._o the_o power_n of_o prayer_n 48_o sect._n 4._o 4._o the_o property_n of_o a_o christian_n 50_o chap._n iu_o sect._n 1_o use_v of_o reprehension_n 1_o of_o wicked_a 53_o sect._n 2._o 2_o of_o godly_a for_o neglect_v this_o herein_o 56_o 1_o they_o be_v unlike_o jesus_n christ_n ibid._n 2vnlike_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n 57_o 3vnlike_a themselves_o former_o 58_o sect._n 3._o 4_o they_o lose_v much_o spiritual_a good_a 59_o 5_o expose_v themselves_o to_o temptation_n 60_o 6_o they_o express_v little_a love_n to_o god_n 61_o 7_o gross_a ingratitude_n to_o he_o ibid._n sect._n 4._o 8_o they_o contradict_v the_o spirit_n motion_n 63_o 9_o may_v be_v deprive_v of_o help_n 64_o 10_o what_o if_o christ_n surprise_v they_o in_o neglect_n 65_o chap._n v._o sect._n 1._o 3._o use_v of_o instruction_n about_o closet-prayer_n wherein_o be_v 1._o preparative_n to_o it_o 1_o look_v to_o your_o state_n 68_o 2_o lay_v aside_o other_o business_n 69_o sect._n 2._o 3_o set_a yourselves_o in_o god_n sight_n 70_o 4_o muster_n up_o your_o thought_n want_v 71_o sect._n 3._o 2_o essential_o require_v in_o secret_a prayer_n 1_o engage_v the_o heart_n in_o it_o 74_o 2_o beg_v the_o spirit_n assistance_n 77_o sect._n 4._o 3_o pray_v according_a to_o god_n will_v 78_o 4._o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 80_o chap._n vi_o sect._n 1._o 3_o circumstance_n about_o closet-prayer_n refer_v to_o place_v 8_o refer_v to_o posture_n 84_o refer_v to_o season_n 85_o refer_v to_o voice_n
and_o be_v safe_a 18.10_o prov._n 18.10_o a_o soul_n hide_v with_o god_n can_v be_v hurt_v by_o man_n if_o any_o be_v secure_v in_o a_o day_n of_o danger_n it_o be_v those_o that_o be_v most_o with_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n flood_n of_o great_a water_n shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o to_o pray_v saint_n psal_n 32.6_o hence_o say_v david_n ver_fw-la 7._o thou_o be_v my_o hide_v place_n thou_o shall_v preserve_v i_o from_o trouble_n some_o way_n or_o other_o god_n will_v attest_v and_o testify_v the_o integrity_n of_o his_o pray_a servant_n before_o the_o world_n 91.15_o see_v psal_n 31.19_o 20_o &_o 91.15_o thus_o he_o deal_v in_o the_o case_n of_o job_n god_n child_n may_v be_v long_o conceal_v from_o the_o view_n of_o man_n both_o as_o to_o their_o person_n and_o action_n but_o in_o god_n good_a time_n he_o bring_v they_o out_o with_o honour_n as_o he_o do_v with_o elijah_n sometime_o god_n give_v clear_a demonstration_n of_o his_o tender_a affection_n to_o his_o despise_a saint_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n rev._n 3.9_o i_o will_v make_v they_o to_o come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o to_o know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o this_o be_v not_o a_o religious_a adoration_n adblandiuntur_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seize_v ad_fw-la pedeâ—_n alicujus_fw-la subjectionis_fw-la causa_fw-la provolvere_fw-la qualiter_fw-la catelli_fw-la heris_fw-la suis_fw-la adblandiuntur_fw-la but_o a_o civil_a reverence_n due_a to_o real_a saint_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o repentance_n or_o special_a respect_n as_o dog_n fawn_v upon_o their_o master_n lay_v themselves_o at_o their_o foot_n as_o the_o word_n import_v natural_a conscience_n sometime_o do_v homage_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o the_o saint_n however_o this_o be_v a_o well-known_a truth_n that_o as_o god_n have_v bring_v forth_o wicked_a man_n secret_a work_n of_o darkness_n into_o open_a light_n to_o their_o confusion_n in_o this_o world_n so_o he_o have_v clear_o discover_v his_o saint_n upright_a service_n in_o secret_a corner_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o safety_n in_o the_o nick_n of_o time_n jaddus_n hear_v of_o alexander_n approach_n to_o jerusalem_n set_v himself_o to_o pray_v then_o put_v on_o his_o priestly_a garment_n and_o meet_v the_o conqueror_n who_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n before_o he_o parmenio_n ask_v he_o why_o he_o adore_v the_o jew_n highpriest_n 5._o see_v clark_n general_a martyrol_n fol._n 5._o when_o as_o other_o man_n adore_v he_o alexander_n answer_v i_o do_v not_o adore_v he_o but_o that_o god_n who_o the_o highpriest_n worship_v for_o in_o my_o sleep_n i_o see_v he_o in_o such_o a_o habit_n when_o i_o be_v in_o macedonia_n but_o example_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v frequent_a everywhere_o what_o strange_a effect_n prayer_n have_v bring_v forth_o both_o for_o defence_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o offence_n to_o their_o enemy_n so_o that_o the_o clear_a evidence_n hereof_o have_v wrest_v from_o many_o stout_a opposer_n that_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o scot_n that_o she_o fear_v more_o the_o prayer_n of_o john_n knox_n than_o a_o army_n of_o ten_o thousand_o fight_a man_n but_o this_o be_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o last_o reason_n god_n open_o reward_v by_o manifest_a deliverance_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n sect_n v._o the_o three_o way_n of_o reward_v secret_a prayer_n be_v increase_v of_o grace_n 3._o god_n reward_v secret_a prayer_n open_o by_o confer_v upon_o secret_a wrestler_n more_o eminent_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o other_o they_o that_o be_v most_o constant_a in_o secret_a prayer_n shall_v be_v most_o eminent_a in_o open_a prayer_n such_o as_o with_o moses_n converse_v with_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n shall_v have_v shine_a face_n the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v upon_o they_o when_o a_o soul_n have_v be_v with_o its_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n the_o effect_n be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o other_o shall_v take_v knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v be_v with_o jesus_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o converse_v with_o god_n be_v of_o a_o transform_a nature_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o but_o we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n appointment_n be_v as_o glass_n through_o which_o we_o may_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n now_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o glass_n broad_a and_o narrow_a the_o broad_a glass_n be_v public_a ordinance_n and_o the_o narrow_a glass_n be_v these_o private_a duty_n in_o both_o these_o a_o soul_n may_v seek_v and_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o so_o become_v like_o he_o for_o see_v here_o be_v assimilate_v as_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n hereafter_o be_v glorify_v oh_o it_o be_v a_o beautify_v and_o beatifical_a fight_n to_o see_v god_n fullness_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o glory_n peace_n and_o joy_n be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o gloss_n and_o varnish_n of_o this_o fullness_n of_o grace_n now_o the_o more_o a_o soul_n enjoy_v god_n the_o more_o godlike_a and_o heaven-like_a he_o be_v for_o his_o grace_n shine_v bright_a and_o he_o be_v still_o mount_v high_a and_o private_a or_o secret_a duty_n be_v notable_a way_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n yea_o sometime_o a_o soul_n may_v miss_v of_o christ_n in_o public_a ordinance_n and_o find_v he_o in_o secret_a so_o some_o interpret_v that_o place_n in_o cant._n 3.24_o loc_n see_v mr._n cotton_n in_o loc_n the_o soul_n have_v seek_v she_o belove_v in_o the_o bed_n of_o temple-worship_n and_o public_a ordinance_n in_o the_o street_n and_o broad_a way_n of_o synagogue_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n still_o she_o find_v not_o her_o belove_a then_o she_o seek_v he_o in_o conference_n and_o occasional_a meeting_n with_o the_o watchman_n but_o she_o can_v yet_o hear_v no_o tiding_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o say_v she_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a that_o i_o pass_v from_o they_o but_o i_o find_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v observe_v it_o this_o be_v not_o when_o she_o be_v past_o all_o mean_n in_o a_o way_n of_o neglect_n of_o or_o be_v above_o ordinance_n for_o she_o be_v seek_v he_o still_o which_o imply_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n only_o she_o have_v past_o the_o public_a without_o find_v and_o now_o she_o be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o private_a help_n the_o after-duty_n of_o meditation_n self-examination_n secret_a prayer_n and_o therein_o the_o soul_n find_v god_n not_o that_o this_o reflect_v disparagement_n on_o the_o public_a ordinance_n but_o to_o show_v that_o god_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o to_o be_v a_o engagement_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o god_n appointment_n and_o when_o the_o soul_n thus_o find_v god_n in_o a_o corner_n it_o carry_v away_o something_o of_o god_n that_o cast_v a_o sweet_a perfume_n upon_o his_o person_n and_o act_n that_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o other_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o such_o a_o soul_n as_o isaac_n speak_v of_o his_o son_n jacob_n gen._n 27.27_o see_v the_o smell_n of_o my_o son_n be_v as_o the_o smell_n of_o a_o field_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v so_o when_o a_o serious_a christian_a come_v down_o from_o his_o closet_n where_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o his_o god_n oh_o what_o a_o sweet_a perfume_n of_o well-scented_n grace_n do_v he_o cast_v forth_o the_o savour_n of_o religion_n be_v upon_o he_o some_o breathe_a odour_n of_o holiness_n break_v from_o his_o lip_n hand_n and_o foot_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n do_v manifest_v itself_o in_o his_o expression_n action_n conversation_n where_o have_v such_o a_o one_o be_v sure_o he_o have_v be_v converse_v with_o god_n there_o be_v the_o lively_a image_n and_o inscription_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o and_o while_o that_o bless_a frame_n continue_v he_o be_v not_o like_o himself_o as_o he_o excel_v carnal_a man_n at_o all_o time_n so_o now_o he_o excel_v himself_o yea_o observe_v it_o a_o soul_n converse_v much_o with_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n and_o secret_a prayer_n grow_v tall_a by_o head_n and_o shoulder_n than_o other_o ordinary_a christian_n as_o all_o godly_a man_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o their_o neighbour_n so_o a_o soul_n that_o wait_v much_o on_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o most_o of_o his_o godly_a neighbour_n and_o it_o appear_v so_o at_o present_a by_o his_o gift_n in_o pray_v and_o may_v appear_v in_o his_o support_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o day_n of_o suffer_v oh_o what_o a_o mighty_a man_n in_o closet-prayer_n be_v magnanimous_a luther_n and_o what_o noble_a achievement_n do_v he_o go_v
way_n to_o hire_v soul_n to_o approach_v to_o he_o by_o hold_v out_o promise_v of_o reward_n as_o we_o do_v offer_v apple_n fruit_n etc._n etc._n to_o child_n to_o entice_v they_o to_o we_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o bait_n to_o cozen_v and_o ensnare_v we_o but_o real_a offer_n of_o kindness_n to_o we_o whereof_o we_o may_v partake_v and_o wherewith_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a suppose_v a_o prince_n desire_v a_o beggar_n company_n with_o expression_n of_o dear_a affection_n and_o promise_n of_o many_o kindness_n be_v it_o not_o gross_a ingratitude_n if_o she_o fling_v away_o and_o scorn_v the_o motion_n or_o suppose_v a_o potent_a person_n send_v to_o a_o poor_a man_n a_o love_a message_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v consider_v his_o case_n and_o have_v appoint_v time_n and_o place_n that_o they_o two_o together_o may_v confer_v about_o the_o necessary_a concernment_n of_o this_o poor_a man_n he_o shall_v have_v free_a admission_n and_o liberty_n without_o disturbance_n to_o present_v his_o petition_n and_o ask_v what_o he_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v none_o shall_v be_v present_a but_o only_o they_o two_o shall_v converse_v familiar_o together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o poor_a man_n but_o instead_o of_o a_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o this_o kindness_n the_o poor_a man_n pick_v quarrel_n with_o the_o messenger_n or_o message_n grow_v sullen_a and_o perverse_a run_v away_o and_o say_v i_o need_v neither_o his_o counsel_n nor_o assistance_n let_v he_o bestow_v his_o kindness_n where_o he_o will_v i_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o he_o be_v not_o this_o gross_a ingratitude_n and_o how_o will_v it_o be_v take_v the_o case_n be_v thou_o soul_n that_o neglecte_v secret_a duty_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n give_v thou_o notice_n to_o meet_v he_o in_o such_o a_o room_n to_o negotiate_v free_o the_o main_a concernment_n of_o thy_o precious_a soul_n and_o thou_o be_v coy_a and_o shy_a and_o will_v not_o come_v near_o he_o but_o either_o plain_o deny_v or_o 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do_v when_o your_o company_n be_v go_v a_o time_n may_v come_v when_o you_o may_v be_v leave_v alone_o as_o christ_n say_v he_o be_v you_o have_v need_n engage_v the_o father_n to_o be_v with_o you_o that_o you_o may_v say_v as_o the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 1.3_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n it_o be_v true_a communion_n of_o saint_n be_v desirable_a but_o external_a communion_n be_v not_o always_o attainable_a you_o may_v be_v thrust_v out_o by_o divine_a providence_n now_o it_o will_v be_v sad_a to_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n when_o person_n be_v alone_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a expression_n of_o some_o that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o live_v it_o such_o and_o such_o christian_a friend_n or_o godly_a relation_n be_v take_v away_o why_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n be_v they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n be_v your_o spiritual_a life_n maintain_v by_o the_o leaden_a pipe_n or_o by_o the_o live_a spring_n that_o stream_n through_o they_o alas_o sir_n if_o you_o more_o understand_v and_o use_v this_o art_n of_o draw_v influence_n from_o god_n immediate_o through_o christ_n by_o secret_a prayer_n you_o will_v not_o be_v so_o discourage_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n you_o will_v say_v indeed_o it_o be_v true_a my_o loss_n be_v great_a such_o a_o one_o have_v a_o notable_a gift_n in_o prayer_n and_o speak_v my_o very_a heart_n to_o god_n but_o though_o he_o be_v go_v be_v my_o god_n go_v be_v prayer_n go_v though_o i_o can_v get_v such_o move_a expression_n as_o such_o have_v yet_o i_o open_v my_o heart_n to_o god_n as_o i_o can_v in_o secret_a former_o and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o refuge_n now_o the_o same_o road_n unto_o this_o city_n and_o sanctuary_n i_o go_v in_o and_o therefore_o all_o my_o comfort_n be_v not_o go_v bless_a be_v my_o god_n but_o a_o poor_a soul_n that_o have_v lean_v upon_o the_o staff_n of_o other_o inlargement_n will_v be_v shrewd_o put_v to_o it_o when_o that_o staff_n be_v go_v and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a 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will_v you_o be_v put_v to_o when_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o have_v not_o personal_o and_o private_o be_v seek_v god_n though_o you_o may_v be_v right_a and_o safe_a for_o the_o main_a yet_o your_o spirit_n will_v be_v much_o perplex_v and_o you_o will_v suffer_v shrewd_a rebuke_n from_o your_o own_o conscience_n for_o your_o omission_n and_o will_v be_v put_v to_o that_o last_o prayer_n of_o a_o die_a saint_n eminent_a in_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n forgive_v i_o my_o sin_n of_o omission_n and_o possible_o may_v want_v that_o spiritual_a solace_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n that_o pray_v soul_n may_v have_v oh_o what_o a_o bless_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v if_o our_o dear_a
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 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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 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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
rule_n 3._o for_o the_o season_n the_o apostle_n say_v pray_v continual_o or_o without_o cease_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o as_o it_o be_v canonical_a hour_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o a_o christian_n discretion_n must_v interpose_v only_o in_o this_o case_n take_v the_o fit_a season_n for_o secret_a prayer_n as_o when_o you_o be_v most_o at_o leisure_n from_o worldly_a business_n most_o free_a from_o company_n lest_o in_o danger_n of_o drowsiness_n oh_o christian_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a put_v not_o off_o your_o secret_a devotion_n too_o long_o till_o you_o go_v to_o bed_n than_o you_o be_v fit_a for_o rest_n and_o sleep_v than_o for_o wrestle_v with_o god_n on_o your_o knee_n and_o then_o for_o the_o frequency_n no_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v david_n and_o daniel_n pray_v three_o time_n a_o day_n 6.10_o psal_n 55.17_o dan._n 6.10_o mourning_n noon_n and_o night_n noontime_n be_v the_o six_o hour_n which_o be_v also_o a_o time_n of_o prayer_n act._n 10.9_o other_o also_o observe_v the_o nine_o hour_n which_o be_v three_o a_o clock_n in_o the_o afternoon_n act._n 3.1_o 274._o dr._n ham._n pract_n cat._n l._n 3._o sect._n 2._o p._n 274._o certain_o the_o three_o hour_n i._n e._n nine_o in_o the_o morning_n be_v a_o hour_n of_o prayer_n act_n 2.15_o and_o so_o be_v evening_n six_o at_o night_n say_v some_o david_n add_v a_o seven_o in_o psal_n 119.164_o seven_o time_n a_o day_n will_v i_o praise_v thou_o which_o may_v only_o denote_v frequency_n in_o the_o duty_n some_o of_o these_o may_v seem_v extraordinary_a case_n the_o ordinary_a season_n the_o saint_n have_v take_v 141.2_o exod._n 29.38_o 39_o psal_n 5.3_o &_o 88.13_o &_o 141.2_o have_v be_v morning_n and_o evening_n according_a to_o the_o jew_n sacrifice_n of_o a_o lamb_n at_o those_o season_n in_o the_o morning_n our_o spirit_n be_v fresh_a and_o lively_a at_o evening_n we_o may_v find_v the_o bypass_a matter_n of_o the_o day_n a_o fit_a occasion_n for_o prayer_n and_o praise_n it_o will_v do_v well_o to_o take_v isaac_n season_n for_o devotion_n even_o about_o sunset_a or_o the_o shut_n in_o of_o the_o day_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o too_o peremptory_o impose_v in_o these_o undetermined_a circumstance_n only_o take_v that_o general_a rule_n 1_o pet._n 4.7_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o three_o 4._o for_o the_o voice_n the_o articulate_a sound_n of_o word_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o prayer_n and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o convenient_a in_o closet-prayer_n which_o shall_v be_v manage_v private_o betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n approve_v the_o heart_n to_o god_n as_o sole_a witness_n of_o his_o sincerity_n except_o through_o some_o ecstasy_n and_o strong_a motion_n of_o the_o affection_n the_o soul_n desire_n break_v out_o in_o the_o lip_n beyond_o its_o first_o intention_n i_o know_v mr._n john_n carter_n that_o eminent_a man_n of_o god_n do_v purposely_o use_v his_o voice_n in_o secret_a prayer_n for_o these_o two_o reason_n life_n mr._n clark_n in_o his_o life_n 1_o because_o he_o sound_v it_o a_o help_n to_o his_o affection_n 2._o because_o it_o be_v a_o example_n to_o his_o family_n i_o must_v not_o therefore_o lay_v any_o necessity_n in_o these_o variable_a circumstance_n only_o i_o humble_o conceive_v it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o closet-prayer_n to_o perform_v it_o so_o as_o none_o else_o may_v take_v notice_n thereof_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o mention_v a_o few_o passage_n out_o of_o cyprian_a to_o this_o purpose_n 410._o no_o ut_fw-la impudentis_fw-la eye_n clamoribus_fw-la strepere_fw-la itae_fw-la contra_fw-la congruit_fw-la verocundo_fw-la modestis_fw-la precibus_fw-la or_o be_v quia_fw-la deus_fw-la non_fw-la vocis_fw-la sed_fw-la cordis_fw-la auditor_n est_fw-la et_fw-la paulo_n post_fw-la quod_fw-la anni_fw-la in_o primo_fw-la regno_fw-la they_o libro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la typum_fw-la portans_fw-la custodit_fw-la &_o seruat_fw-la quae_fw-la dominum_fw-la non_fw-la clamosa_fw-la petitione_n sed_fw-la tacit_a &_o modeste_fw-la intrae_fw-la ipsas_fw-la pectoris_fw-la latebras_fw-la precabatuâ—_n loquebatur_fw-la prece_fw-la occulta_fw-la sed_fw-la man_n feâ—a_fw-la fide_fw-la cypr._n serm._n de_fw-fr orat._n dom._n p._n 409._o 410._o it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o unmannerly_a impudence_n to_o make_v a_o noise_n with_o loud_a clamour_n but_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o a_o modest_a spirit_n to_o pray_v with_o silent_a groan_n for_o god_n be_v the_o hearer_n not_o of_o the_o voice_n but_o of_o the_o heart_n he_o make_v hannah_n a_o type_n of_o the_o church_n who_o pray_v not_o with_o clamorous_a petition_n but_o with_o work_a affection_n within_o the_o lurk_a hole_n as_o it_o be_v of_o her_o breast_n she_o speak_v with_o hide_a prayer_n but_o manifest_a faith_n so_o he_o thus_o much_o for_o circumstance_n of_o closet-prayer_n wherein_o i_o be_o more_o short_a and_o rich_a in_o impose_v any_o thing_n on_o the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v free_a in_o his_o word_n only_o in_o general_n take_v notice_n that_o though_o accidental_a circumstance_n that_o concern_v a_o duty_n be_v mutable_a yet_o by_o the_o wise_a order_n of_o those_o circumstance_n they_o will_v become_v singular_a help_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o a_o duty_n sect_n ii_o duty_n concomitant_a to_o closet-prayer_n 4._o the_o last_o sort_n of_o duty_n and_o direction_n concern_v closet-prayer_n be_v such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v after_o the_o duty_n be_v perform_v which_o i_o call_v consequent_a or_o concomitant_a duty_n these_o be_v four_o viz._n 1._o observe_v god_n appearance_n 2._o walk_v suitable_o 3._o wait_v for_o return_n 4._o communicate_v experience_n 1._o when_o you_o have_v be_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o closet-prayer_n observe_v how_o god_n have_v be_v deal_v with_o your_o heart_n that_o you_o may_v be_v suitable_o dispose_v and_o affect_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v with-drawn_a himself_o from_o you_o leave_v you_o under_o hardness_n deadness_n distraction_n uncomfortablenesse_n you_o be_v to_o mourn_v for_o it_o inquire_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o reflect_v upon_o yourselves_o see_v what_o guilt_n there_o be_v upon_o conscience_n which_o separate_v betwixt_o god_n and_o your_o soul_n and_o then_o if_o time_n permit_v fall_v to_o it_o again_o lament_v the_o sin_n be_v ingenuous_a in_o confession_n make_v strong_a resolution_n remove_v all_o obstruction_n that_o god_n and_o your_o soul_n may_v not_o be_v at_o any_o distance_n reckon_v straight_o and_o make_v up_o your_o account_n part_v friend_n that_o you_o may_v meet_v friend_n the_o next_o time_n you_o go_v to_o he_o if_o you_o find_v that_o god_n have_v help_v melt_v and_o gracious_o manifest_v himself_o to_o your_o soul_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o it_o record_v that_o for_o time_n to_o come_v slight_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o god_n own_v he_o in_o praise_v he_o for_o these_o sweet_a manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n learn_v this_o lesson_n even_o of_o hagar_n the_o bondwoman_n when_o she_o be_v in_o a_o solitary_a wilderness_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n comfort_v she_o tell_v her_o god_n have_v hear_v her_o affliction_n she_o be_v with_o child_n her_o seed_n shall_v be_v multiply_v she_o in_o a_o answerable_a return_n to_o god_n for_o his_o kindness_n set_v a_o asterism_n of_o observation_n upon_o the_o place_n as_o a_o memorial_n of_o god_n see_v and_o look_v after_o she_o so_o the_o well_o be_v call_v beer-la-hai-roi_a i._n e._n the_o well_o of_o he_o that_o live_v and_o see_v i_o gen._n 16.13_o 14._o thus_o do_v you_o think_v and_o think_v again_o oh_o who_o or_o what_o be_o i_o that_o god_n shall_v look_v after_o i_o or_o take_v notice_n of_o i_o in_o this_o desolate_a state_n and_o place_n i_o shall_v remember_v this_o time_n of_o love_n while_o i_o live_v in_o such_o a_o room_n i_o meet_v with_o god_n such_o a_o chamber_n or_o câ—oset_n be_v a_o bethel_n a_o mount_n nebo_n a_o sycomore-tree_n where_o i_o behold_v my_o jesus_n and_o take_v a_o bless_a view_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n thus_o christian_n reflect_v upon_o and_o recollect_v your_o experience_n in_o god_n presence_n which_o may_v be_v of_o use_n unto_o you_o all_o your_o day_n 2._o let_v your_o carriage_n at_o all_o time_n be_v suitable_a to_o your_o closet_n prayer_n let_v it_o appear_v that_o you_o be_v whole_o devote_v to_o god_n cross_v not_o your_o prayer_n with_o your_o practice_n pray_v much_o &_o live_v well_o let_v it_o appear_v you_o have_v be_v with_o god_n that_o you_o have_v be_v draw_v your_o influence_n from_o the_o springhead_n walk_v with_o man_n as_o those_o that_o walk_v with_o god_n let_v the_o smell_n and_o savour_n of_o your_o heavenly_a conversing_n break_v forth_o in_o your_o gracious_a expression_n and_o exemplary_a conversation_n live_v not_o after_o the_o ordinary_a rate_n of_o professor_n as_o your_o heart_n be_v god-ward_n so_o let_v your_o light_n be_v men-ward_n that_o
god_n 3._o obj._n but_o i_o be_o a_o servant_n and_o must_v obey_v my_o master_n i_o be_o keep_v too_o hardly_o at_o work_n to_o get_v time_n for_o secret_a prayer_n i_o be_o call_v to_o work_v betimes_o dog_v to_o it_o all_o the_o day_n answ_n though_o you_o be_v servant_n to_o do_v man_n work_n yet_o not_o slave_n to_o their_o lust_n in_o that_o respect_n you_o must_v not_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n if_o you_o be_v servant_n you_o be_v the_o lord_n freeman_n if_o free_a yet_o you_o be_v christ_n servant_n 1_o cor._n 7.22_o 23._o remember_v you_o have_v a_o master_n in_o heaven_n no_o mortal_a creature_n can_v discharge_v you_o from_o your_o attendance_n on_o god_n you_o must_v do_v god_n work_v as_o well_o as_o your_o master_n and_o your_o master_n work_n for_o god_n sake_n 7._o eph._n 6.6_o 7._o oh_o sir_n do_v not_o neglect_v your_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o pleasure_v man_n can_v your_o superior_a answer_n for_o your_o neglect_n or_o interpose_v betwixt_o flame_a wrath_n and_o your_o sin_v soul_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a some_o lie_v the_o blame_n on_o master_n when_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o deceive_v not_o thyself_o by_o accuse_v other_o to_o clear_v thyself_o this_o be_v adam_n fault_n think_v not_o that_o another_o rigour_n can_v excuse_v thy_o neglect_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v never_o a_o servant_n so_o strict_o watch_v but_o may_v steal_v some_o time_n from_o his_o master_n for_o his_o god_n and_o yet_o do_v he_o no_o wrong_n only_o see_v that_o you_o be_v prudent_a in_o choose_v such_o season_n as_o may_v not_o just_o provoke_v your_o master_n or_o prejudice_v his_o occasion_n and_o be_v often_o in_o your_o calling_n lift_v up_o your_o heart_n to_o god_n be_v content_a with_o your_o condition_n have_v you_o more_o liberty_n it_o may_v be_v your_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v in_o so_o good_a a_o frame_n but_o let_v i_o bespeak_v master_n indulgence_n to_o poor_a and_o pious_a servant_n oh_o hinder_v they_o not_o in_o any_o good_a work_n rather_o put_v they_o upon_o it_o encourage_v they_o in_o it_o bless_v god_n that_o you_o have_v pray_v servant_n this_o be_v a_o hopeful_a presage_n of_o good_a success_n let_v not_o your_o servant_n fare_v the_o worse_o but_o the_o better_a for_o be_v god_n servant_n 4._o obj._n but_o i_o have_v no_o closet_n to_o pray_v in_o no_o convenient_a room_n for_o secret_a prayer_n i_o have_v a_o little_a house_n a_o busy_a full_a family_n and_o can_v retire_v myself_o answ_n a_o good_a good_a heart_n will_v find_v room_n either_o within_o door_n or_o without_o a_o gracious_a soul_n will_v seek_v out_o place_n to_o pray_v in_o any_o sorry_a cote_n will_v be_v a_o bethel_n where_o it_o can_v enjoy_v its_o god_n or_o if_o he_o can_v get_v to_o it_o under_o the_o roof_n he_o will_v with_o good_a isaac_n walk_v out_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v and_o to_o pray_v can_v heathen_n and_o idolatrous_a jew_n plant_v grove_n for_o their_o superstition_n in_o a_o apish_a imitation_n of_o abraham_n practice_n and_o can_v a_o bird_n of_o paradise_n take_v its_o flight_n out_o of_o some_o wood_n or_o arbour_n into_o heaven_n but_o most_o need_v not_o make_v this_o silly_a slight_a excuse_n they_o have_v good_a roof_n to_o be_v in_o and_o need_v not_o worship_n god_n sub_fw-la dio_n in_o the_o open_a air_n few_o of_o we_o but_o we_o have_v convenient_a room_n but_o most_o of_o we_o want_v affectionate_a heart_n to_o visit_v god_n therein_o but_o christian_n make_v good_a use_n of_o your_o house_n to_o serve_v god_n therein_o else_o they_o may_v just_o spew_v you_o out_o and_o leave_v you_o harbourless_o and_o then_o what_o a_o dreadful_a sting_n and_o guilt_n will_v follow_v you_o whither-soev_a you_o go_v oh_o consider_v london_n flame_n and_o ruin_n your_o house_n be_v no_o better_o build_v nor_o more_o secure_v from_o the_o like_a catastrophe_n do_v not_o weaken_v their_o foundation_n by_o wilful_a neglect_n or_o scandalous_a sin_n 5._o obj._n but_o i_o know_v some_o good_a christian_n that_o never_o use_v it_o yea_o that_o maintain_v it_o in_o their_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a except_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n what_o say_v you_o to_o that_o i_o answ_n i_o never_o yet_o meet_v with_o such_o person_n that_o have_v the_o face_n of_o religion_n that_o ever_o speak_v against_o the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v meet_v with_o some_o who_o be_v urge_v to_o family-prayer_n have_v put_v it_o off_o with_o this_o evasion_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v in_o their_o closet_n how_o well_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n know_v but_o if_o any_o professor_n judgement_n be_v so_o far_o bribe_v to_o plead_v for_o the_o flesh_n in_o this_o neglect_n the_o lord_n rebuke_v they_o and_o forgive_v they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v this_o be_v a_o lamentation_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_a any_o truth_n so_o sacred_a or_o duty_n so_o spiritual_a but_o it_o have_v be_v contradict_v in_o these_o licentious_a day_n some_o have_v plead_v against_o family-prayer_n catechise_v christian-meeting_n and_o what_o not_o but_o they_o can_v produce_v no_o solid_a argument_n do_v not_o you_o follow_v their_o example_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n precept_n and_o precedent_n many_o be_v produce_v for_o confirmation_n most_o whereof_o be_v not_o only_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n but_o be_v a_o ordinary_a practice_n and_o can_v you_o find_v the_o day_n that_o afford_v not_o some_o special_a matter_n to_o occasion_v you_o to_o make_v address_n to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n if_o you_o be_v sensible_a and_o observant_a sure_o you_o will_v see_v great_a need_n for_o such_o retirement_n in_o ordinary_a practice_n remember_v this_o that_o you_o follow_v no_o man_n but_o as_o he_o follow_v christ_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a our_o precious_a saviour_n use_v this_o practice_n sect_n iii_o more_o objection_n answer_v 6._o obj._n but_o i_o find_v not_o my_o heart_n affect_v or_o prepare_v be_v it_o not_o a_o tempt_a of_o god_n to_o go_v when_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o move_v i_o i_o answ_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a mistake_n to_o think_v you_o may_v not_o go_v to_o duty_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n move_v you_o for_o it_o may_v be_v long_o before_o it_o stir_v the_o spirit_n blow_v where_o and_o when_o it_o list_v you_o be_v therefore_o to_o lay_v yourselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n call_v in_o its_o aid_n which_o ordinary_o come_v when_o soul_n do_v their_o duty_n holy_a performance_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o walk_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o air_n where_o he_o breathe_v and_o be_v sure_a he_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o walk_v but_o you_o can_v expect_v he_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o plain_a duty_n try_v this_o way_n put_v god_n to_o it_o plead_v his_o promise_n you_o can_v think_v to_o be_v warm_a if_o you_o run_v from_o the_o fire_n if_o you_o have_v not_o a_o appetite_n to_o pray_v you_o must_v pray_v for_o a_o appetite_n for_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n never_o fit_v but_o always_o unfit_v for_o a_o duty_n if_o you_o will_v heed_v your_o trifle_a spirit_n and_o accept_v every_o excuse_n which_o they_o make_v you_o shall_v never_o pray_v if_o you_o play_v the_o truant_n one_o time_n you_o will_v have_v less_o mind_n to_o go_v to_o god_n the_o next_o time_n guilt_n make_v you_o afraid_a and_o you_o dare_v not_o come_v near_o that_o god_n who_o you_o have_v wrong_v as_o adam_n run_v from_o god_n and_o peter_n will_v thrust_v christ_n from_o he_o when_o conscious_a of_o guilt_n how_o dare_v you_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n who_o you_o have_v slight_v beside_o you_o will_v find_v that_o neglect_n of_o duty_n do_v not_o make_v the_o next_o performance_n more_o easy_a but_o more_o difficult_a it_o will_v as_o one_o say_v require_v more_o time_n and_o pain_n for_o you_o to_o tune_v your_o instrument_n than_o for_o another_o to_o play_v his_o lesson_n and_o be_v it_o not_o more_o likely_a god_n shall_v come_v to_o you_o in_o painstaking_a than_o total_a omission_n do_v you_o not_o read_v in_o the_o psalm_n how_o often_o david_n begin_v faint_o and_o end_v triumphant_o try_v the_o lord_n and_o see_v if_o he_o be_v not_o better_o than_o you_o expect_v 7._o obj._n i_o but_o say_v a_o poor_a soul_n i_o meet_v with_o temptation_n when_o i_o go_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a satan_n assault_v i_o i_o be_o timorous_a and_o dare_v not_o be_v alone_o or_o in_o the_o dark_a but_o be_o affright_v answ_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o duty_n be_v good_a because_o so_o bad_a a_o spirit_n oppose_v it_o the_o more_o satan_n see_v a_o duty_n be_v for_o the_o soul_n advantage_n
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 prevent_v satan_n accusation_n because_o we_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o remission_n annex_v thereunto_o rom._n 8.33_o and_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o justify_v person_n he_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o take_v your_o confession_n and_o dash_v they_o in_o your_o tooth_n since_o that_o be_v both_o the_o mean_n and_o evidence_n of_o pardon_n but_o if_o you_o fear_v that_o you_o may_v do_v as_o hannah_n in_o prayer_n speak_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o then_o satan_n can_v tell_v what_o you_o say_v but_o your_o god_n do_v however_o neglect_v not_o the_o duty_n for_o this_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o satan_n will_v catch_v more_o advantage_n by_o omission_n or_o negligent_a performance_n than_o by_o a_o ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n of_o heart-sin_n though_o he_o do_v hear_v you_o sir_n awake_v to_o righteousness_n rouse_v up_o yourselves_o to_o the_o work_n put_v not_o off_o god_n or_o conscience_n with_o a_o negative_a answer_n you_o may_v as_o well_o 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