since_o he_o be_v of_o a_o plasant_a plant_n become_v no_o better_o than_o a_o briar_n a_o thorn_n dry_a stubble_n fit_a for_o the_o burn_a how_o well_o may_v guilty_a sinner_n call_v with_o they_o in_o the_o 6_o of_o the_o revelution_n v_o 16._o to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n but_o the_o belove_a and_o everblessed_n son_n of_o god_n in_o a_o most_o gracious_a compliance_n with_o and_o pursuance_n of_o his_o father_n will_n have_v restore_v unto_o man_n freedom_n of_o access_n to_o god_n jesus_n christ_n though_o he_o know_v full_a well_o how_o great_a the_o attempt_n be_v and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v stand_v he_o in_o do_v put_v his_o life_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o engage_v his_o heart_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n and_o be_v our_o peace_n have_v procure_v for_o we_o a_o liberty_n of_o approach_v too_o and_o of_o draw_v nigh_o go_v as_o near_o as_o we_o will_v even_o to_o his_o very_a throne_n heb._n 10._o 19_o 20._o have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o veil_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n christ_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o all_o he_o enter_v in_o triumph_n as_o one_o that_o have_v conquer_v all_o his_o enemy_n he_o enter_v with_o joy_n as_o one_o that_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n and_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o take_v there_o his_o everlasting_a rest_n and_o as_o you_o have_v it_o in_o the_o 9th_o of_o the_o hebrew_n v_o 12._o he_o enter_v not_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o calf_n and_o goat_n but_o by_o his_o own_o blood_n he_o carry_v that_o along_o with_o he_o and_o now_o by_o that_o blood_n we_o may_v enter_v too_o we_o may_v enter_v with_o safety_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n for_o a_o gracious_a person_n a_o believe_a soul_n though_o the_o 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thing_n of_o no_o more_o excellency_n than_o that_o of_o a_o beast_n a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a man_n or_o of_o a_o guilty_a and_o death-deserving_a criminal_a 3._o three_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o holy_a prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o eph._n 6._o 18._o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o watch_v thereunto_o with_o all_o perseverance_n and_o supplication_n for_o all_o saint_n your_o prayer_n must_v be_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v with_o your_o spirit_n prayer_n must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o lip-labour_n but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o word_n in_o prayer_n be_v but_o the_o carcase_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o fervour_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o affection_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o and_o also_o it_o must_v be_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o help_v his_o people_n infirmity_n and_o to_o make_v intercession_n in_o they_o prayer_n must_v be_v by_o the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o with_o the_o heat_n and_o earnestness_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n so_o than_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n or_o as_o jude_n say_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o happy_a they_o who_o have_v not_o fallible_a man_n to_o make_v their_o prayer_n for_o they_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v two_o other_o expression_n in_o the_o forementioned_a scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v a_o little_a notice_n of_o pray_v always_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o you_o be_v to_o be_v day_n and_o night_n at_o it_o as_o if_o pray_v be_v the_o whole_a of_o your_o duty_n for_o you_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o other_o work_n to_o do_v which_o must_v be_v careful_o attend_v and_o therefore_o the_o original_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o opportunity_n in_o every_o fit_a and_o proper_a season_n for_o prayer_n in_o every_o condition_n into_o which_o providence_n cast_v you_o and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n that_o call_v for_o it_o the_o other_o expression_n most_o pertinent_a to_o our_o present_a business_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n i._n e._n with_o ordinary_a prayer_n and_o with_o extraordinary_a too_o that_o which_o have_v fast_v join_v with_o it_o private_a prayer_n and_o public_a too_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n when_o the_o soul_n â—allies_v out_o on_o a_o sudden_a unto_o god_n give_v he_o a_o visit_n and_o away_o knock_v at_o his_o door_n put_v in_o a_o short_a petition_n and_o be_v go_v like_o one_o that_o be_v engage_v about_o some_o other_o business_n and_o can_v stay_v and_o also_o compose_v prayer_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n fix_v and_o abide_v some_o considerable_a time_n with_o god_n family-prayer_n and_o closet-prayer_n prayer_n in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o and_o alone_o by_o ourselves_o we_o may_v and_o must_v make_v use_n of_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o prayer_n as_o opportunity_n offer_v and_o occasion_n do_v require_v but_o to_o come_v more_o close_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n 4._o four_o secret_a prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o christian_n now_o that_o we_o call_v secret_a prayer_n when_o a_o person_n get_v alone_o by_o himself_o and_o make_v his_o request_n know_v to_o god_n when_o be_v sequester_v from_o all_o company_n whatsoever_o and_o withdraw_v from_o his_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n his_o most_o familiar_a and_o intimate_a friend_n and_o by_o himself_o in_o a_o most_o close_a and_o private_a retirement_n he_o send_v out_o his_o soul_n upon_o the_o wing_n of_o holy_a and_o servant_n desire_v and_o labour_n with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o fetch_v down_o his_o god_n to_o he_o by_o his_o gracious_a presence_n and_o to_o obtain_v of_o he_o those_o favour_n and_o blessing_n of_o which_o he_o find_v a_o sensible_a want_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o go_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o all_o and_o give_v his_o heavenly_a father_n a_o visit_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o no_o body_n may_v know_v of_o it_o noâ—_n that_o he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o what_o he_o do_v for_o he_o be_v free_a to_o own_o god_n for_o his_o sovereign_a lord_n christ_n for_o his_o dear_o belove_a prayer_n as_o his_o duty_n and_o work_n before_o all_o the_o world_n though_o he_o be_v reproach_v scorn_v and_o malign_v for_o it_o but_o because_o he_o will_v avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o a_o pharisaical_a vain_a glorious_a spirit_n and_o also_o that_o he_o may_v get_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o he_o can_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o impediment_n and_o diversion_n he_o enter_v into_o his_o chamber_n and_o there_o shut_v his_o door_n upon_o he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v shut_v out_o all_o that_o will_v interrupt_v and_o disturb_v that_o fellowship_n with_o his_o god_n which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o find_v a_o incomparable_a sweetness_n in_o as_o that_o he_o count_v it_o his_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n at_o other_o time_n he_o will_v make_v one_o of_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o praise_n with_o a_o multitude_n that_o keep_v holiday_n psal._n 42._o 4._o he_o love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n and_o to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n psal._n 27._o 4_o and_o also_o he_o know_v how_o to_o go_v out_o as_o isaac_n do_v into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v and_o in_o the_o night_n season_n to_o be_v abroad_o and_o consider_v with_o david_n the_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o he_o have_v create_v and_o so_o take_v
shall_v make_v to_o thyself_o no_o grave_v image_n thou_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o vain_a remember_v that_o thou_o keep_v holy_a the_o sabbath-day_n so_o here_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v christ_n will_v have_v every_o one_o that_o name_v his_o name_n that_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o be_v one_o of_o his_o people_n to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o this_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o this_o counsel_n as_o give_v and_o this_o charge_n as_o lay_v upon_o he_o thou_o thomas_n when_o thou_o pray_v do_v this_o and_o thou_o john_n when_o thou_o pray_v do_v this_o and_o so_o thou_o matthew_n and_o thou_o andrew_n and_o so_o every_o one_o that_o be_v then_o alive_a or_o that_o shall_v live_v in_o any_o age_n or_o place_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v speak_v to_o you_o and_o to_o i_o and_o to_o all_o do_v thou_o enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n thou_o alone_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o thou_o not_o upon_o other_o with_o thou_o but_o upon_o thou_o and_o so_o pray_v unto_o thy_o father_n get_v alone_o say_v christ_n and_o pray_v alone_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v no_o body_n by_o none_o to_o see_v thou_o none_o to_o overhear_v thou_o god_n and_o a_o holy_a soul_n be_v very_o good_a company_n when_o it_o go_v out_o with_o tear_n and_o he_o meet_v it_o with_o smile_n when_o it_o draw_v up_o its_o confession_n and_o he_o seal_v its_o pardon_n it_o breathe_v out_o holy_a desire_n and_o long_n and_o he_o afford_v it_o gracious_a answer_n and_o in_o they_o satisfaction_n it_o state_n its_o case_n tell_v its_o disease_n open_v its_o sore_n and_o he_o apply_v ease_v and_o heal_a remedy_n in_o a_o word_n when_o the_o soul_n fire_v its_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o in_o the_o holy_a flame_n thereof_o the_o bless_a angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v wonderful_o it_o be_v oftentimes_o good_a for_o the_o saint_n to_o go_v one_o with_o another_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o father_n they_o have_v be_v call_v upon_o to_o strive_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o that_o in_o family_n duty_n or_o in_o public_a ordinance_n or_o in_o case_n of_o common_a concernment_n but_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a who_o have_v not_o his_o own_o want_n and_o his_o own_o pressure_n and_o his_o own_o bitterness_n and_o upon_o these_o account_v it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o to_o go_v alone_o and_o thou_o can_v not_o tell_v o_o holy_a soul_n what_o special_a favour_n god_n may_v show_v thou_o what_o token_n of_o love_n he_o may_v put_v into_o thy_o hand_n when_o there_o be_v no_o body_n by_o when_o disconsolate_a hannah_n have_v be_v water_v her_o plant_n weep_v great_o alone_a pour_v out_o her_o soul_n in_o tear_n and_o prayer_n before_o the_o lord_n she_o have_v such_o a_o impress_n upon_o her_o spirit_n such_o a_o message_n of_o peace_n whisper_v to_o she_o as_o make_v her_o glad_a at_o heart_n and_o on_o a_o sudden_a dry_v up_o all_o her_o tear_n so_o that_o her_o countenance_n be_v no_o more_o sad_a thou_o if_o thou_o engage_a in_o this_o work_n in_o thy_o uprightness_n may_v believe_o and_o comfortable_o expect_v the_o same_o in_o god_n time_n however_o set_v this_o down_o with_o thyself_o and_o act_v according_o that_o secret_a prayer_n be_v thy_o unquestionable_a duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n 4._o last_o there_o be_v a_o very_a gracious_a promise_n make_v to_o secret_a prayer_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o assertion_n as_o worthy_a your_o take_a notice_n of_o that_o the_o great_a god_n do_v not_o make_v promise_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o require_v and_o which_o be_v not_o acceptable_a and_o please_a to_o he_o and_o which_o according_o be_v not_o duty_n in_o man_n promise_n do_v follow_v precept_n and_o be_v design_v for_o the_o strengthen_v of_o our_o heart_n and_o hand_n the_o encourage_v we_o to_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o sweeten_v those_o obediential_a act_n to_o we_o he_o be_v angry_a at_o those_o who_o offer_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n for_o which_o they_o have_v not_o his_o warrant_n hence_o such_o enquiry_n as_o this_o isa._n 1._o 12._o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n viz._n to_o come_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o hence_o also_o that_o complaint_n and_o charge_n that_o they_o burn_v their_o son_n and_o daughter_n in_o the_o fire_n make_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o they_o which_o as_o he_o say_v jer._n 7._o 31._o he_o command_v they_o not_o neither_o enter_v it_o into_o his_o heart_n david_n design_n be_v good_a and_o it_o please_v god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o heart_n so_o set_v for_o his_o honour_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o rebuke_n and_o check_v to_o he_o that_o god_n send_v he_o this_o message_n by_o nathan_n 2_o sam._n 7._o 7._o in_o all_o the_o place_n wherein_o i_o have_v walk_v with_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n speak_v i_o a_o word_n with_o any_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n who_o i_o command_v to_o feed_v my_o poople_n israel_n say_v why_o build_v you_o not_o i_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n from_o whence_o say_v peter_n martyr_n we_o learn_v that_o david_n fail_v in_o attempt_v such_o a_o thing_n when_o he_o have_v not_o a_o word_n for_o it_o from_o god_n from_o who_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o a_o peculiar_a command_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n and_o time_n and_o place_n those_o that_o run_v on_o such_o errand_n as_o god_n never_o send_v they_o on_o and_o presume_v to_o do_v such_o work_n as_o god_n never_o set_v they_o about_o or_o will_v venture_v to_o do_v his_o work_n in_o a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o can_v with_o any_o shadow_n of_o reason_n expect_v a_o reward_n from_o his_o hand_n let_v they_o get_v one_o where_o they_o can_v why_o shall_v god_n pay_v they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o be_v none_o of_o his_o work_n or_o for_o do_v it_o after_o their_o own_o fashion_n nadab_n and_o abihu_n do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o offer_v incense_n but_o they_o do_v it_o after_o their_o own_o fashion_n in_o make_v use_n of_o strange_a fire_n and_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o life_n they_o find_v god_n not_o a_o bountiful_a rewarder_n but_o a_o dreadful_a revenger_n when_o promise_n be_v make_v by_o god_n to_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v plain_o speak_v that_o thing_n to_o which_o those_o promise_n be_v make_v a_o duty_n now_o we_o find_v here_o in_o the_o text_n a_o great_a and_o gracious_a promise_n make_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n to_o secret_a prayer_n do_v this_o say_v he_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n and_o shut_v thy_o door_n about_o thou_o study_v all_o possible_a privacy_n and_o retirement_n let_v no_o body_n know_v of_o that_o which_o thou_o go_v about_o if_o thou_o can_v help_v it_o do_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o secret_a there_o be_v christ_n counsel_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v good_a because_o give_v by_o he_o in_o who_o be_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o who_o name_n be_v 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build_v you_o up_o and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o which_o be_v satisfy_v i_o rest_v your_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n samuel_n slater_n from_o my_o study_n novemb_n 24._o 1690_o matthew_n vi_o 6._o but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v thy_o door_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a these_o word_n be_v a_o little_a part_n of_o our_o dear_a saviour_n first_o sermon_n and_o the_o long_a that_o ever_o he_o preach_v full_a of_o excellent_a matter_n most_o worthy_a of_o the_o preacher_n most_o proper_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o hearer_n it_o abound_v with_o wholesome_a and_o excellent_a counsel_n and_o afford_v most_o precious_a and_o cordial_a comfort_n they_o that_o will_v taste_v his_o comfort_n must_v follow_v his_o counsel_n and_o as_o they_o desire_v that_o christ_n will_v admit_v they_o into_o heaven_n when_o they_o die_v they_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a while_o 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apartment_n god_n do_v so_o much_o loath_a hypocrite_n that_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v his_o child_n to_o resemble_v they_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o be_v hypocrite_n nay_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o be_v as_o hypocrite_n when_o thou_o giâ—est_v alm_n do_v not_o sound_v a_o trumpet_n as_o the_o hypocrite_n do_v instead_o of_o let_v the_o world_n do_v not_o let_v thy_o left_a hand_n know_v what_o thy_o â—ight_a hand_n do_v when_o thou_o pray_v thou_o shall_v not_o be_v as_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v for_o they_o love_v to_o pray_v stand_v in_o the_o synagogue_n they_o do_v not_o love_v to_o do_v good_a without_o have_v many_o witness_n of_o the_o good_a they_o do_v as_o if_o that_o duty_n be_v lose_v from_o which_o they_o do_v not_o reap_v the_o praise_n of_o men._n when_o thou_o fast_o be_v not_o as_o the_o hypocrite_n of_o a_o sad_a countenance_n they_o love_v to_o put_v on_o a_o sour_a face_n but_o never_o look_v after_o nor_o care_n for_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n thus_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n will_v not_o have_v his_o follower_n to_o conform_v to_o they_o do_v not_o fashion_v yourselves_o like_o they_o get_v not_o into_o their_o mode_n and_o dress_n though_o it_o seem_v great_a and_o handsome_a be_v you_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n in_o all_o thing_n keep_v as_o close_o to_o he_o as_o ever_o you_o can_v put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v you_o clothe_v all_o over_o with_o christ_n that_o as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o virtue_n may_v be_v see_v in_o you_o but_o be_v not_o like_o the_o hypocrite_n in_o any_o thing_n a_o hypocrite_n
hence_o when_o sickness_n arrest_v you_o and_o you_o find_v that_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v at_o your_o very_a door_n that_o will_v be_v a_o dismal_a time_n and_o it_o will_v cause_v many_o thought_n and_o tremble_n of_o heart_n and_o then_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o cordial_n and_o happy_a the_o man_n that_o have_v his_o comfortable_a reflection_n and_o prospect_n to_o support_v his_o spirit_n who_o can_v look_v back_o to_o his_o life_n pass_v with_o peace_n and_o look_v forward_o to_o eternity_n with_o hope_n when_o a_o child_n of_o god_n that_o have_v maintain_v a_o close_a and_o intimate_a communion_n with_o his_o god_n and_o give_v himself_o unto_o prayer_n come_v to_o lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n he_o be_v so_o rough_o handle_v by_o that_o last_o enemy_n that_o he_o can_v pray_v his_o heart_n be_v so_o faint_a within_o he_o and_o his_o pain_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o any_o leisure_n for_o that_o work_n in_o which_o he_o have_v find_v so_o much_o sweetness_n and_o for_o which_o he_o have_v so_o dear_a a_o love_n alas_o than_o his_o case_n his_o weakness_n his_o agony_n his_o tumbling_n and_o toss_n be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v pray_v as_o he_o be_v wont_a only_a sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o lift_v up_o a_o eye_n and_o give_v a_o look_n towards_o god_n holy_a temple_n and_o dart_v up_o a_o short_a ejaculation_n poor_a soul_n that_o be_v the_o utmost_a length_n he_o can_v go_v and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a grief_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v so_o straighten_a and_o confine_v holy_a asaph_n put_v this_o among_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o bitter_a complaint_n psal._n 77._o 4_o that_o he_o be_v so_o trouble_v that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v but_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o can_v relieve_v and_o comfort_v himself_o with_o his_o former_a pray_v and_o former_a walk_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n his_o former_a seek_v of_o god_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o when_o there_o be_v a_o message_n of_o death_n by_o the_o prophet_n bring_v to_o hezekiah_n he_o can_v send_v this_o short_a petition_n up_o again_o to_o heaven_n isa._n 38._o 3._o remember_v now_o o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n he_o can_v do_v but_o very_o little_a then_o his_o strength_n be_v go_v and_o his_o breath_n be_v short_a but_o he_o can_v with_o comfort_n remember_v and_o desire_v god_n himself_o to_o remember_v how_o he_o have_v walk_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o haltion_n and_o healthful_a day_n so_o when_o a_o gracious_a person_n be_v disable_v for_o his_o work_n he_o can_v think_v thus_o there_o be_v a_o stock_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n against_o such_o a_o time_n of_o need_n as_o this_o be_v and_o the_o thought_n thereof_o will_v be_v a_o singular_a support_n and_o comfort_n to_o he_o but_o what_o do_v you_o think_v will_v become_v of_o you_o at_o such_o a_o time_n you_o that_o have_v be_v all_o your_o day_n stranger_n to_o this_o work_n when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v you_o can_v pray_v your_o distemper_n and_o pain_n will_v not_o lâ—t_v you_o and_o you_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o go_v about_o it_o nor_o how_o to_o do_v one_o stroke_n at_o it_o and_o it_o will_v then_o be_v a_o sting_n and_o horror_n to_o you_o to_o think_v that_o when_o you_o be_v in_o health_n and_o strength_n and_o all_o thing_n well_o with_o you_o you_o will_v not_o pray_v you_o be_v call_v upon_o often_o by_o your_o godly_a minister_n and_o by_o your_o gracious_a friend_n and_o relation_n but_o you_o will_v not_o at_o a_o die_a hour_n you_o will_v have_v no_o fitness_n for_o that_o work_n and_o all_o the_o time_n that_o you_o live_v before_o you_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o but_o possible_o you_o will_v comfort_v yourselves_o with_o this_o that_o when_o you_o be_v sick_a and_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o inward_a disquiet_n and_o you_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o pray_v for_o yourselves_o than_o you_o or_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n for_o you_o will_v send_v for_o some_o godly_a minister_n or_o other_o and_o desire_v he_o to_o pray_v for_o you_o well_o suppose_v that_o be_v do_v and_o the_o minister_n send_v for_o comes_z if_o he_o know_v what_o a_o wretch_n thou_o have_v be_v and_o how_o much_o thou_o have_v neglect_v god_n and_o thy_o duty_n all_o thy_o day_n what_o straitning_n of_o soul_n must_v he_o of_o necessity_n be_v under_o as_o to_o thou_o with_o what_o holy_a confidence_n and_o hope_n may_v we_o go_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o a_o godly_a person_n when_o sick_a if_o we_o can_v say_v to_o god_n as_o they_o do_v to_o christ_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o lazarus_n john_n 11._o 3._o lord_n he_o who_o thou_o love_v be_v sick_a but_o what_o a_o damp_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o we_o when_o we_o think_v we_o be_v go_v to_o god_n for_o a_o sick_a and_o die_a man_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o neglect_a god_n and_o hate_v he_o and_o live_v without_o he_o and_o in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o i_o fear_v i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o many_o among_o we_o that_o befool_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o this_o that_o if_o they_o can_v get_v a_o minister_n to_o pray_v by_o they_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v give_v they_o the_o sacrament_n too_o oh_o than_o all_o be_v well_o and_o their_o soul_n go_v immediate_o to_o heaven_n without_o any_o stop_n by_o the_o way_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o glory_n be_v open_v to_o they_o and_o entrance_n grant_v but_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o will_v not_o do_v and_o that_o these_o man_n build_v their_o high_a hope_n upon_o a_o sandy-foundation_n that_o will_v fail_v they_o and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o great_a encouragement_n or_o what_o sufficient_a ground_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v carry_v they_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o our_o prayer_n safe_a to_o heaven_n who_o will_v not_o themselves_o take_v one_o right_a step_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v thither_o will_v never_o be_v humble_a petitioner_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n or_o for_o the_o life_n and_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n that_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o exceed_v worthy_a of_o your_o observation_n and_o repeat_v thought_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o one_a of_o samuel_n chap._n 12._o after_o that_o good_a man_n have_v faithful_o reprove_v the_o people_n for_o their_o great_a wickedness_n in_o ask_v a_o king_n and_o likewise_o put_v they_o into_o a_o great_a consternation_n by_o a_o storm_n of_o thunder_n and_o rain_n in_o the_o time_n of_o wheat-harvest_n which_o be_v unusual_a in_o that_o country_n they_o become_v humble_a suitor_n to_o he_o say_v in_o verse_n 19_o pray_v for_o by_o servant_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o we_o die_v not_o that_o request_n he_o be_v most_o free_o wilâ—ing_v to_o grant_v god_n forbid_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v sin_v in_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o they_o and_o will_v continue_v to_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o now_o mark_v and_o remember_v that_o which_o follow_v in_o vers_fw-la 24._o only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o truth_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n which_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o my_o duty_n you_o be_v a_o people_n that_o i_o dear_o love_v and_o hearty_o wish_v welfare_n and_o prosperity_n to_o i_o will_v speak_v for_o you_o and_o plead_v for_o you_o and_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o you_o but_o do_v not_o you_o lay_v too_o great_a stress_n upon_o my_o prayer_n look_v to_o it_o that_o you_o be_v not_o find_v sin_v against_o god_n while_o i_o be_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o you_o leave_v you_o do_v yourselves_o more_o mischief_n than_o i_o can_v do_v you_o good_a my_o prayer_n will_v not_o prevail_v on_o your_o behalf_n unless_o you_o will_v resolve_v to_o fear_n god_n yourselves_o and_o to_o seek_v and_o serve_v he_o yourselves_o and_o pray_v and_o honour_n and_o obey_v he_o yourselves_o by_o warrant_n of_o that_o scripture_n i_o do_v now_o say_v to_o you_o when_o you_o be_v sick_a and_o in_o distress_n and_o fear_v you_o shall_v die_v you_o will_v call_v the_o minister_n to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v it_o when_o you_o send_v for_o we_o we_o will_v come_v only_o i_o wish_v that_o we_o may_v be_v send_v for_o soon_o than_o we_o be_v by_o some_o of_o you_o viz._n while_o you_o be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o yourselves_o and_o in_o
he_o be_v careful_a of_o and_o busy_a at_o his_o home-trade_n psal._n 55._o 17._o evening_n morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o he_o at_o that_o rate_n of_o work_v he_o can_v neither_o live_v nor_o lie_v up_o as_o he_o will_v therefore_o you_o read_v in_o psal._n 119._o 164._o it_o be_v his_o constant_a practice_n to_o be_v at_o his_o praise_n of_o god_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n three_o i_o will_v ask_v thou_o this_o question_n what_o do_v thou_o think_v of_o god_n what_o figure_n do_v he_o make_v i_o know_v notwithstanding_o his_o unmatchable_a excellency_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n he_o be_v very_o low_a in_o the_o thought_n of_o many_o yea_o most_o but_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v to_o thou_o who_o be_v a_o professor_n and_o pretend_v to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o a_o love_n to_o he_o but_o prithee_o what_o room_n do_v thou_o give_v he_o where_o do_v thou_o place_v he_o do_v thou_o deal_v becoming_o with_o he_o do_v thou_o value_v and_o esteem_v he_o as_o a_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v value_v do_v thou_o believe_v that_o he_o alone_o be_v more_o than_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o man_n on_o earth_n put_v together_o do_v thou_o think_v that_o to_o have_v his_o eye_n upon_o thou_o be_v a_o far_o great_a matter_n than_o to_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o best_a and_o great_a person_n upon_o earth_n upon_o thou_o it_o real_o be_v so_o for_o what_o be_v all_o the_o world_n to_o god_n what_o be_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o god_n what_o be_v their_o love_v thou_o if_o he_o hate_v thou_o what_o be_v their_o like_n thou_o if_o he_o loathe_v thou_o what_o be_v their_o approve_v and_o justify_v thou_o if_o he_o reject_v and_o condemn_v thou_o but_o i_o ask_v now_o what_o thy_o thought_n be_v and_o again_o i_o ask_v do_v thou_o think_v that_o to_o have_v his_o presence_n with_o thou_o be_v more_o than_o to_o be_v in_o the_o most_o frequent_a and_o numerous_a assembly_n the_o most_o throng_a congregation_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v so_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n alone_o shall_v be_v more_o aw_v and_o it_o be_v more_o delight_v than_o that_o of_o any_o other_o now_o if_o thou_o have_v this_o high_a esteem_n for_o god_n if_o thou_o make_v this_o account_n of_o his_o presence_n then_o remember_v that_o he_o see_v in_o secret_a so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o text._n his_o eye_n run_v to_o and_o fro_o in_o the_o earth_n not_o only_o in_o the_o highway_n and_o broad_a street_n but_o they_o look_v into_o nook_n and_o corner_n also_o he_o do_v not_o only_o walk_v in_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n but_o step_n into_o chamber_n and_o closet_n too_o as_o in_o ezek._n 9_o 8._o he_o order_v the_o prophet_n to_o dig_v in_o the_o wall_n and_o command_v he_o to_o go_v in_o and_o see_v the_o abomination_n that_o be_v do_v there_o and_o verse_n 12._o he_o speak_v of_o what_o the_o ancient_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n do_v in_o the_o dark_a every_o one_o in_o the_o chamber_n of_o his_o imagery_n idolater_n act_v their_o idolatry_n and_o ungodly_a man_n their_o wickedness_n as_o close_o as_o they_o can_v they_o have_v darkness_n and_o wall_n to_o conceal_v it_o but_o to_o god_n the_o darkness_n be_v as_o the_o light_n and_o the_o night_n shine_v as_o the_o day_n and_o in_o the_o wall_n there_o be_v a_o hole_n through_o which_o god_n eye_n look_v and_o discover_v all_o and_o he_o that_o can_v find_v a_o hole_n in_o the_o wall_n have_v also_o a_o window_n in_o the_o chamber_n now_o if_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n will_v make_v thou_o pray_v in_o thy_o family_n if_o they_o have_v such_o a_o powerful_a influence_n on_o thou_o as_o to_o fetch_v thou_o out_o of_o thy_o house_n and_o draw_v thou_o to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n iâ—_n the_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n give_v i_o a_o reason_n if_o thou_o have_v one_o worth_n the_o give_n why_o the_o all-seeing_a eye_n of_o the_o glorious_a and_o holy_a god_n shall_v not_o make_v thou_o pray_v in_o thy_o chamber_n by_o thyself_o since_o he_o do_v most_o curious_o observe_v thou_o there_o though_o no_o body_n else_o do_v i_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o tell_v thou_o whether_o thou_o will_v believe_v and_o consider_v it_o or_o not_o i_o must_v leave_v to_o thyself_o that_o if_o thou_o do_v neglect_v secret_a prayer_n it_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o thou_o undervalue_v god_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o base_a slight_n put_v upon_o god_n and_o those_o that_o despise_v he_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v four_o let_v i_o once_o more_o inquire_v of_o thou_o what_o agreement_n be_v there_o between_o thou_o and_o thy_o conscience_n when_o you_o do_v not_o seek_v god_n do_v you_o find_v and_o enjoy_v peace_n within_o be_v conscience_n quiet_a do_v it_o not_o quarrel_v with_o you_o and_o make_v you_o feel_v its_o anger_n i_o remember_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o rom._n 14._o 22._o happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v that_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v whatever_o other_o say_v against_o he_o he_o be_v not_o self-condemned_n so_o i_o may_v say_v happy_a be_v the_o man_n who_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o omit_v thou_o never_o pray_v in_o secret_a but_o be_v thou_o not_o in_o that_o want_v to_o thy_o duty_n be_v not_o thou_o injurious_a both_o to_o god_n and_o thy_o own_o soul_n do_v thou_o not_o withhold_v from_o he_o that_o which_o be_v his_o due_n do_v not_o thy_o conscience_n tell_v thou_o thou_o be_v want_v to_o thy_o duty_n do_v it_o not_o vote_n for_o it_o do_v it_o not_o upbraid_v thou_o with_o the_o neglect_n do_v it_o not_o sometime_o flee_v in_o thy_o face_n and_o charge_v it_o upon_o thou_o and_o put_v thou_o into_o a_o little-ease_n i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n for_o the_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v thy_o duty_n and_o have_v not_o thy_o conscience_n go_v along_o with_o those_o thing_n and_o subscribe_v to_o they_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o what_o account_n will_v thou_o be_v able_a to_o give_v unto_o thy_o supreme_a lord_n for_o thy_o not_o give_v ear_n to_o his_o vicegerent_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v and_o set_v up_o in_o thy_o bosom_n how_o will_v thou_o answer_v he_o when_o he_o shall_v say_v why_o do_v thou_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o thy_o conscience_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o do_v that_o which_o thy_o conscience_n tell_v thou_o thou_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v how_o do_v thou_o think_v to_o come_v off_o what_o plea_n will_v thou_o use_v at_o the_o last_o and_o great_a day_n when_o thy_o heavenly_a master_n shall_v say_v i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o i_o they_o have_v not_o be_v fill_v up_o here_o have_v be_v a_o huge_a chasâ—e_n a_o great_a vacancy_n i_o have_v be_v forget_v and_o neglect_v by_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v alone_o thou_o will_v not_o do_v i_o service_n when_o thou_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v thou_o will_v rather_o sit_v still_o nod_v in_o thy_o chair_n than_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o give_v i_o a_o visit_n we_o be_v command_v always_o to_o ahound_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15._o verse_n last_o how_o dare_v thou_o then_o to_o omit_v so_o considerable_a so_o sweet_a and_o so_o necessary_a a_o part_n thereof_o especial_o when_o thy_o conscience_n persuade_v and_o call_v thou_o to_o it_o conscience_n will_v be_v hear_v soon_o or_o late_a in_o one_o way_n or_o other_o if_o you_o will_v not_o hear_v its_o soft_a counsel_n you_o shall_v its_o loud_a thunder_n if_o you_o will_v not_o follow_v its_o direction_n it_o will_v pursue_v you_o with_o its_o terror_n in_o a_o word_n if_o you_o will_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n you_o shall_v feel_v the_o fury_n of_o it_o and_o when_o you_o feel_v it_o you_o will_v find_v it_o intollâ—rable_a have_v thus_o order_v out_o those_o reproof_n which_o i_o judge_v necessary_a upon_o occasion_n of_o this_o text_n and_o beg_v they_o may_v take_v place_n and_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o blessing_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a before_o god_n in_o one_o of_o these_o respect_n or_o other_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v unto_o you_o in_o a_o way_n of_o hearty_a and_o serious_a exhortation_n i_o do_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o love_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n entreat_v and_o beseech_v you_o who_o be_v yet_o altogether_o or_o too_o great_a stranger_n to_o it_o to_o set_v forthwith_o upon_o this_o excellent_a duâ—y_n of_o secret_a prayer_n and_o oh_o that_o by_o the_o
love_n to_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o secret_a do_v speak_v a_o real_a love_n to_o god_n though_o a_o person_n may_v pray_v in_o secret_a and_o yet_o be_v unsound_a and_o rot_a yet_o a_o person_n have_v a_o heart_n sound_v in_o god_n statute_n who_o so_o pray_v in_o secret_a as_o not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o work_n do_v unless_o he_o be_v with_o god_n in_o it_o i._n e._n sensible_o find_v god_n come_v to_o he_o with_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o sweet_a discovery_n of_o his_o covenant-love_n or_o at_o least_o his_o soul_n work_v out_o to_o god_n in_o holy_a desire_n and_o long_n three_o thou_o can_v not_o but_o be_v conscious_a to_o thyself_o of_o a_o great_a many_o secret_a sin_n with_o which_o thou_o be_v chargeable_a before_o god_n and_o be_v there_o not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n why_o thou_o shall_v perform_v secret_a duty_n where_o thou_o do_v commit_v secret_a sin_n and_o that_o those_o place_n shall_v be_v witness_n of_o thy_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o love_n to_o he_o which_o have_v be_v frequent_a witness_n of_o thy_o neglect_n of_o god_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o there_o be_v indeed_o those_o who_o commit_v uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n and_o act_v â—n_v with_o high_a impudence_n they_o do_v so_o dear_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o ashamed_a of_o it_o but_o can_v without_o a_o blush_n do_v the_o devil_n drudgery_n the_o dirty_a and_o base_a of_o his_o work_n hence_o as_o in_o one_o place_n this_o be_v the_o complaint_n they_o draw_v iniquity_n with_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o with_o cart-rope_n so_o in_o another_o place_n viz._n isa._n 3._o 9_o the_o complaint_n be_v thus_o they_o declare_v their_o sin_n as_o sodom_n and_o hide_v it_o not_o no_o not_o they_o but_o like_a some_o who_o think_v they_o can_v mend_v what_o a_o better_a than_o they_o have_v make_v they_o carry_v their_o black_a spot_n in_o their_o very_a face_n and_o glory_n in_o their_o shame_n phil._n 3._o 19_o former_o indeed_o man_n be_v more_o modest_a they_o cast_v a_o mantle_n over_o their_o nakedness_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o dark_a paul_n say_v in_o his_o time_n they_o that_o be_v drink_v be_v drink_v in_o the_o night_n but_o now_o wickedness_n be_v grow_v more_o common_a and_o man_n more_o audacious_a and_o they_o do_v not_o avoid_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n nor_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n the_o open_a street_n and_o the_o noonday_n be_v think_v now_o as_o convenient_a time_n and_o place_n as_o any_o other_o they_o be_v grow_v so_o desperate_a that_o they_o care_v not_o what_o they_o do_v they_o will_v run_v upon_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o cannon_n the_o boss_n of_o god_n buckler_n and_o so_o impudent_a that_o they_o care_v not_o who_o see_v they_o as_o 2_o sam._n 16._o 22._o there_o be_v a_o tent_n spread_v for_o absalon_n upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o house_n and_o absalon_n go_v in_o unto_o his_o father_n concubine_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o israel_n yea_o these_o wretch_n when_o they_o have_v act_v to_o their_o utmost_a and_o sin_v as_o they_o can_v do_v not_o yet_o so_o tire_v and_o weary_v themselves_o in_o the_o devil_n service_n but_o that_o they_o will_v find_v something_o to_o do_v at_o home_n and_o give_v some_o stroke_n there_o to_o the_o further_o please_v of_o their_o tyrannical_a lord_n and_o gratify_v their_o insatiate_a lust._n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o uncleanness_n tell_v we_o of_o eye_n that_o can_v cease_v to_o sin_n can_v brook_v a_o intermission_n they_o be_v not_o at_o rest_n any_o long_a than_o they_o be_v at_o work_n they_o be_v look_v round_o about_o for_o new_a object_n and_o every_o such_o object_n inflame_v they_o and_o by_o it_o away_o they_o be_v carry_v to_o fresh_a transport_n of_o defile_v folly_n and_o madness_n but_o i_o have_v dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o these_o vassal_n of_o satan_n and_o swear_v votary_n of_o the_o flesh_n let_v we_o turn_v our_o thought_n another_o way_n and_o consider_v whether_o the_o child_n of_o god_n themselves_o have_v not_o their_o secret_a vanity_n folly_n and_o extravagancy_n when_o do_v thou_o so_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o his_o deed_n to_o be_v find_v in_o thy_o hand_n what_o stream_n have_v flow_v from_o thou_o which_o have_v run_v clear_a nay_o what_o drop_v that_o be_v perfect_o pure_a name_v that_o place_n if_o thou_o can_v in_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o do_v more_o than_o enough_o to_o pollute_v thy_o soul_n to_o wound_v thy_o conscience_n to_o offend_v and_o provoke_v thy_o god_n ask_v thy_o own_o conscience_n o_o christian_n and_o let_v that_o tell_v thou_o have_v not_o god_n see_v thy_o pride_n in_o thy_o closet_n and_o thy_o worldly-mindedness_a have_v he_o not_o be_v privy_a and_o eye-witness_n to_o thy_o unbelief_n and_o shameful_a distrust_n of_o his_o fatherly_a love_n and_o care_n have_v he_o not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o thy_o froward_a passion_n and_o swell_a discontent_n when_o at_o any_o time_n his_o providence_n ruâ—_a cross_n to_o thy_o humour_n or_o seem_o to_o thy_o interest_n have_v he_o not_o hear_v thy_o murmur_n and_o repine_n when_o thou_o can_v not_o get_v the_o good_a thing_n thou_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o or_o do_v lose_v what_o rhou_n have_v set_v thy_o heart_n too_o much_o upon_o possible_o many_o of_o these_o thing_n thou_o have_v forget_v but_o god_n have_v they_o seal_v up_o in_o a_o bag_n they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n i_o have_v often_o consider_v those_o expression_n of_o holy_a david_n who_o be_v a_o precious_a saint_n though_o his_o great_a miscarriage_n speak_v he_o far_o from_o a_o perfect_a one_o and_o i_o do_v advise_v you_o to_o consider_v they_o too_o and_o hearty_o wish_v you_o will_v psal._n 19_o 12._o who_o can_v understand_v his_o error_n cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a fault_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o understand_v himself_o perfect_o it_o be_v a_o mercy_n for_o he_o to_o understand_v his_o way_n but_o he_o can_v understand_v all_o his_o deviation_n as_o a_o christian_n do_v not_o understand_v his_o progress_n so_o not_o his_o wander_n and_o as_o for_o his_o fault_n there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o so_o secret_a that_o though_o he_o be_v very_o circumspect_a and_o wary_a though_o he_o do_v with_o utmost_a diligence_n study_v himself_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o know_v they_o they_o be_v secret_a some_o of_o they_o to_o he_o he_o do_v not_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sin_n they_o seem_v lawful_a unto_o he_o when_o they_o be_v not_o so_o his_o way_n be_v right_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n but_o not_o in_o god_n eye_n which_o be_v pure_a than_o he_o some_o of_o they_o he_o do_v not_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o such_o be_v our_o foolish_a incogitancy_n that_o many_o action_n pass_v from_o we_o which_o we_o do_v not_o serious_o ponder_v before_o we_o do_v they_o neither_o do_v we_o with_o any_o due_a deliberation_n reflect_v upon_o they_o when_o do_v again_o a_o man_n have_v other_o fault_n open_a to_o he_o they_o stare_v he_o in_o the_o face_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n do_v roundly_o tell_v he_o of_o they_o but_o there_o be_v a_o veil_n of_o darkness_n draw_v over_o they_o so_o that_o they_o be_v secret_a to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o some_o be_v such_o master_n in_o the_o black-art_n that_o they_o can_v lead_v a_o very_a bad_a life_n and_o yet_o keep_v a_o very_a good_a name_n oh_o what_o abomination_n do_v the_o ancient_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n do_v in_o the_o dark_a ezek._n 8._o every_o man_n in_o the_o chamber_n of_o his_o imagery_n will_v you_o be_v persuade_v to_o sit_v down_o a_o little_a and_o take_v a_o review_n of_o your_o life_n and_o consider_v what_o iniquity_n you_o commit_v in_o the_o chamber_n of_o your_o privacy_n how_o many_o be_v they_o and_o how_o great_a you_o yourselves_o know_v most_o of_o that_o though_o i_o know_v nothing_o your_o own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v you_o what_o no_o body_n else_o can_v i_o advise_v and_o beseech_v you_o to_o consult_v they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o speak_v all_o they_o have_v to_o say_v do_v not_o stop_v their_o mouth_n nor_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o let_v we_o now_o bring_v this_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o of_o weight_n and_o cogency_n in_o the_o argument_n have_v you_o your_o secret_a sin_n and_o will_v you_o not_o have_v your_o secret_a duty_n have_v you_o your_o secret_a provocation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o sit_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v your_o secret_a supplication_n will_v you_o
and_o dread_a upon_o thy_o spirit_n with_o as_o great_a humility_n and_o reverence_n in_o thy_o carriage_n and_o deportment_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n upon_o thou_o though_o thou_o may_v in_o thy_o retirement_n be_v more_o free_a and_o open_a in_o give_v a_o account_n of_o thyself_o and_o thy_o condition_n thy_o burden_n want_n and_o desire_n because_o no_o body_n see_v thou_o yet_o thou_o must_v not_o be_v rude_a unmannerly_a and_o saucy_a because_o god_n see_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o corner_n god_n be_v in_o heaven_n upon_o a_o throne_n of_o glory_n attend_v by_o innumerable_a angle_n who_o in_o his_o presence_n cover_v their_o face_n with_o their_o wing_n as_o know_v their_o distance_n their_o inability_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o behold_v he_o remember_v thou_o have_v to_o do_v with_o majesty_n yea_o with_o a_o infinite_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n and_o shall_v not_o his_o excellency_n make_v you_o afraid_a and_o his_o dread_a fall_n upon_o you_o job_n 13._o 11._o and_o indeed_o then_o be_v we_o most_o excellent_a when_o we_o do_v most_o fear_n god_n excellency_n david_n begin_v psalm_n 8._o with_o the_o admiration_n of_o god_n excellency_n o_o lord_n our_o lord_n how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o name_n in_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o then_o in_o the_o same_o psalm_n he_o fall_v to_o humble_v and_o vilify_a thought_n and_o expression_n of_o man._n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o abraham_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n yet_o how_o low_o be_v he_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o how_o much_o fill_v with_o a_o awe_n of_o god_n when_o he_o alone_o stand_v before_o he_o plead_v for_o wicked_a sodom_n observe_v how_o he_o carry_v and_o what_o he_o say_v genesis_n 18._o 27._o behold_v now_o i_o have_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o speak_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o vers_fw-la 30._o o_o let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a and_o i_o will_v speak_v and_o yet_o again_o verse_n 32._o o_o let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a and_o i_o will_v speak_v yet_o but_o this_o once_o by_o all_o this_o you_o see_v how_o much_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o offend_a god_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n expect_v from_o his_o creature_n yea_o from_o his_o dear_a child_n he_o stand_v upon_o his_o honour_n and_o look_v to_o be_v treat_v like_o himself_o levit._fw-la 10._o 3._o moses_n say_v unto_o aaron_n this_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n speak_v i_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o all_o they_o that_o come_v nigh_o i_o see_v then_o that_o you_o have_v grace_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n as_o know_v that_o your_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n heb._n 12._o 28_o 29._o nadab_n and_o abihu_n find_v he_o so_o when_o destroy_v by_o fire_n that_o come_v from_o his_o presence_n upon_o their_o not_o observe_v his_o order_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n they_o bring_v with_o they_o strange_a fire_n and_o meet_v with_o devour_a fire_n therefore_o do_v you_o fear_v before_o he_o when_o you_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o though_o nobody_o be_v by_o remember_v and_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v by_o as_o to_o hear_v your_o prayer_n so_o curious_o to_o observe_v both_o the_o frame_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o your_o deportment_n before_o he_o as_o he_o be_v of_o pitiful_a eye_n so_o of_o pure_a and_o pierce_a eye_n which_o can_v endure_v to_o behold_v iniquity_n and_o from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v all_o be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o he_o with_o who_o you_o have_v to_o do_v second_o when_o thou_o set_v about_o the_o work_n of_o secret-prayer_n study_n and_o endeavour_v secrecy_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o be_v as_o secret_a as_o ever_o thou_o can_v do_v not_o tell_v other_o the_o business_n thou_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n what_o though_o none_o know_v of_o it_o let_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o thou_o that_o thy_o father_n do_v for_o that_o be_v enough_o he_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v thy_o witness_n and_o to_o do_v for_o thou_o all_o that_o thou_o desire_v never_o go_v to_o it_o with_o a_o design_n nor_o in_o such_o manner_n that_o other_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o for_o thy_o commendation_n a_o christian_a indeed_o may_v do_v alm_n and_o pray_v so_o as_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o let_v his_o light_a shine_n before_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o allure_a of_o other_o and_o draw_v they_o to_o the_o like_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n but_o to_o give_v other_o by_o any_o mean_n a_o item_n of_o our_o private_a duty_n in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o applause_n that_o we_o may_v have_v praise_n with_o man_n and_o be_v by_o they_o account_v in_o the_o number_n of_o serious_a strict_a and_o eminent_a christian_n be_v too_o low_a a_o pitch_n for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o fly_v it_o be_v pharisaical_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a and_o sure_o i_o be_o you_o 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speak_v will_v not_o serve_v there_o must_v be_v cry_v and_o that_o aloud_o sometime_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o soul_n fire_v and_o inflame_v with_o holy_a long_n and_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o help_n to_o the_o raise_n up_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o affection_n only_o when_o thou_o do_v make_v use_n of_o it_o get_v as_o far_o as_o thou_o can_v out_o of_o the_o hear_n of_o other_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v as_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o conveniency_n for_o that_o neither_o within_o door_n nor_o without_o then_o go_v to_o god_n as_o he_o come_v to_o elijah_n in_o a_o soft_a and_o still_a voice_n thy_o father_n can_v hear_v thy_o whisper_n for_o thou_o always_o speak_v in_o his_o ear_n yea_o more_o roman_n 8._o 27._o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o have_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o speak_v of_o groan_n that_o can_v not_o be_v utter_v desire_n that_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n which_o it_o know_v not_o how_o to_o express_v but_o though_o thou_o can_v utter_v neither_o sigh_n nor_o groan_n nor_o word_n god_n know_v your_o mind_n what_o your_o spirit_n be_v work_v out_o after_o when_o you_o say_v nothing_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o you_o will_v have_v all_o my_o desire_n be_v before_o thou_o he_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o thy_o sigh_n yea_o thy_o very_a tear_n be_v to_o he_o articulate_v when_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o thy_o mouth_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o woman_n say_v any_o thing_n who_o wash_v christ_n foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n but_o in_o those_o tear_n and_o action_n christ_n see_v love_n and_o thankfulness_n much_o be_v forgive_v she_o therefore_o she_o love_v much_o yea_o he_o do_v know_v what_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o by_o your_o very_a look_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o the_o flood_n compass_v jonah_n about_o and_o all_o the_o billow_n and_o wave_n pass_v over_o he_o and_o he_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o be_v in_o a_o perish_a condition_n he_o resolve_v upon_o give_v god_n a_o look_n before_o he_o be_v quite_o lose_v jonah_n 2._o 4._o then_o i_o say_v i_o be_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o sight_n yet_o i_o will_v look_v again_o towards_o thy_o holy_a temple_n and_o that_o look_v save_v he_o verse_n 6._o thou_o have_v bring_v up_o my_o life_n from_o corruption_n o_o lord_n my_o god_n he_o look_v pitiful_o up_o to_o god_n and_o god_n look_v gracious_o down_o upon_o he_o do_v thou_o so_o act_v the_o saint_n as_o careful_o to_o avoid_v every_o
and_o compendious_a way_n mingle_v with_o it_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o provide_v for_o your_o own_o peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o you_o do_v humble_o and_o free_o load_v yourselves_o with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o sin_n you_o be_v guilty_a of_o you_o may_v find_v they_o lie_v more_o light_n upon_o you_o conscience_n when_o you_o bind_v they_o upon_o yourselves_o you_o may_v find_v god_n lose_v they_o and_o take_v they_o off_o by_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o full_a pardon_n till_o david_n come_v to_o this_o poor_a man_n he_o be_v in_o a_o most_o dismal_a condition_n psal._n 32._o 3._o while_o he_o keep_v silence_n his_o bone_n wax_v old_a through_o his_o roar_v all_o the_o day_n he_o keep_v silence_n i._n e._n he_o do_v not_o confess_v sin_n and_o then_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o spend_v all_o his_o time_n in_o roar_v because_o of_o the_o torment_n and_o anguish_n which_o he_o feel_v and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o do_v not_o carry_v towards_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o ingenuity_n god_n carry_v towards_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o severity_n vers._n 24._o day_n and_o night_n thy_o hand_n be_v heavy_a upon_o i_o my_o moisture_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o drought_n of_o summer_n he_o be_v sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o that_o hand_n and_o break_v almost_o to_o shiver_n and_o dry_v up_o like_o a_o potsherd_n but_o now_o see_v what_o a_o comfortable_a change_n be_v wrought_v and_o how_o god_n appear_v to_o his_o joy_n when_o he_o break_v off_o that_o sinful_a silence_n yea_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n of_o do_v it_o ver._n 5._o i_o acknowledge_v my_o sin_n unto_o thou_o and_o my_o iniquity_n have_v i_o not_o hide_v i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o forgave_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n so_o then_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o remove_v judgement_n to_o pacify_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n to_o quiet_a the_o conscience_n to_o recover_v the_o sense_n 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god_n people_n sit_v this_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o a_o serious_a christâ—an_n come_v to_o hear_v for_o life_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o life_n and_o work_v out_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o yet_o they_o sleep_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o observer_n when_o they_o have_v some_o on_o all_o side_n to_o give_v they_o a_o awaken_n jog_v and_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o do_v it_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o duty_n and_o of_o love_n it_o be_v a_o friendly_a jog_v and_o the_o party_n to_o who_o you_o give_v it_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v it_o thankful_o at_o your_o hand_n as_o a_o kindness_n he_o do_v not_o know_v how_o much_o he_o may_v lose_v by_o a_o little_a nap_n some_o precious_a truth_n may_v then_o be_v speak_v and_o pass_v in_o which_o he_o be_v great_o concern_v and_o by_o which_o he_o may_v have_v be_v great_o benefit_v but_o it_o be_v go_v and_o lose_v as_o to_o he_o he_o sleep_v it_o away_o but_o when_o thou_o be_v all_o alone_a thou_o have_v none_o 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not_o keep_v its_o way_n nor_o dwell_v upon_o its_o proper_a object_n david_n can_v say_v my_o heart_n be_v fix_v o_o god_n my_o heart_n be_v fix_v but_o can_v he_o say_v so_o always_o or_o can_v thou_o no_o though_o it_o be_v fix_v in_o its_o choice_n of_o god_n in_o its_o affection_n to_o he_o in_o its_o resolution_n for_o he_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o that_o fixation_n of_o thought_n and_o meditation_n upon_o he_o nor_o that_o fixedness_n of_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v thou_o think_v thou_o carry_v thy_o heart_n with_o thou_o to_o thy_o duty_n but_o do_v thou_o not_o often_o find_v it_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o slip_n and_o be_v go_v before_o thou_o have_v do_v therefore_o look_v to_o it_o keep_v thy_o eye_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o may_v keep_v its_o place_n and_o to_o its_o business_n but_o then_o again_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n have_v its_o cooling_n as_o well_o as_o its_o wander_n as_o it_o shall_v keep_v its_o way_n so_o it_o shall_v careful_o keep_v its_o heat_n be_v much_o therefore_o and_o frequent_a in_o stir_v up_o thyself_o when_o thou_o go_v by_o thyself_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o god_n beware_v of_o all_o deadness_n and_o dulness_n when_o thou_o be_v go_v to_o serve_v a_o live_a god_n when_o firebrand_n be_v together_o they_o will_v help_v one_o another_o and_o burn_v to_o the_o last_o but_o he_o that_o will_v keep_v a_o single_a one_o alive_a have_v need_n to_o tend_v it_o careful_o and_o be_v often_o blow_v it_o yea_o and_o add_v some_o fuel_n too_o watchfulness_n be_v as_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o duty_n as_o any_o the_o christian_n have_v to_o do_v he_o must_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v not_o go_v about_o it_o unreasonable_o that_o he_o may_v not_o lose_v a_o fit_a opportunity_n but_o set_v up_o his_o sail_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o that_o he_o also_o may_v make_v use_n of_o all_o advantage_n for_o the_o tune_n of_o his_o instrument_n and_o get_v his_o heart_n into_o a_o right_a frame_n and_o he_o must_v watch_v likewise_o in_o prayer_n that_o when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o work_n he_o may_v not_o idle_a in_o it_o and_o so_o lose_v his_o duty_n by_o lose_v himself_o for_o want_v of_o look_v to_o alas_o what_o be_v prayer_n without_o the_o heart_n unprofitable_a to_o man_n abominable_a to_o god_n it_o be_v like_o a_o carcase_n when_o the_o soul_n have_v once_o forsake_v it_o a_o stink_a and_o offensive_a thing_n who_o will_v make_v a_o present_a of_o it_o to_o a_o great_a king_n six_o when_o thou_o be_v upon_o thy_o knee_n engage_v in_o secret_a prayer_n unto_o god_n be_v sure_a that_o thou_o double_v thy_o diligence_n and_o put_v thy_o strength_n forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a when_o a_o great_a many_o be_v lift_v at_o a_o hairy_a weight_n every_o one_o may_v spare_v himself_o and_o put_v forth_o the_o less_o strength_n because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o number_n to_o assist_v but_o when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o single_a person_n tug_v at_o it_o he_o have_v need_v strain_n and_o labour_v hard_a else_o he_o must_v leave_v it_o where_o and_o as_o he_o find_v it_o when_o we_o be_v join_v together_o with_o other_o in_o prayer_n when_o with_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o assembly_n of_o saint_n there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o supplicant_n a_o great_a many_o besiege_n the_o throne_n of_o grace_n wrestle_v with_o god_n and_o pull_v down_o the_o blessing_n which_o be_v desire_v and_o then_o we_o may_v speak_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o david_n do_v psal._n 7._o 6_o 7._o arise_v o_o lord_n in_o thy_o anger_n lift_v up_o
thyself_o because_o of_o the_o rage_n of_o my_o enemy_n awake_v for_o i_o to_o the_o judgement_n which_o thou_o have_v command_v so_o shall_v the_o congragation_n of_o the_o people_n compass_v thou_o about_o 〈◊〉_d for_o their_o sake_n therefore_o return_v thou_o on_o high_a yea_o when_o there_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o god_n people_n compass_v he_o about_o we_o may_v say_v lord_n for_o their_o sake_n show_v thyself_o be_v exalt_v in_o thy_o strength_n and_o in_o thy_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n yet_o know_v this_o be_v no_o argument_n why_o any_o one_o single_a member_n of_o that_o church_n or_o congregation_n shall_v be_v remiss_a and_o abate_v of_o his_o zeal_n and_o endeavour_n for_o we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 15._o 30._o when_o we_o be_v together_o in_o prayer_n we_o must_v strive_v together_o in_o prayer_n the_o word_n be_v very_o emphatical_a when_o we_o be_v together_o we_o must_v not_o be_v in_o prayer_n only_o but_o in_o a_o agony_n too_o we_o must_v not_o only_o seek_v mercy_n but_o strive_v for_o it_o strive_v mighty_o as_o wrestler_n do_v and_o champion_n in_o the_o field_n it_o be_v say_v beza_n a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o military_a affair_n and_o signify_v such_o fervency_n and_o zeal_n as_o be_v use_v in_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n there_o must_v be_v a_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n strength_n and_o a_o put_v forth_o of_o we_o a_o act_n to_o the_o utmost_a though_o we_o be_v together_o and_o that_o a_o great_a number_n together_o yet_o we_o must_v every_o one_o strive_v else_o it_o will_v be_v our_o shame_n as_o in_o a_o school_n if_o all_o the_o boy_n be_v study_v and_o con_v their_o lesson_n any_o one_o shall_v not_o mind_v it_o but_o be_v toy_v and_o loiter_v or_o as_o in_o a_o workhouse_n many_o shall_v be_v labour_v hard_o till_o the_o sweat_n run_v off_o their_o face_n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o industrious_a company_n there_o shall_v be_v one_o sleep_v and_o there_o another_o trifle_n and_o also_o it_o 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deny_v you_o nothing_o thou_o may_v be_v send_v away_o with_o a_o severe_a rebuke_n from_o god_n thou_o wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v with_o a_o flea_n in_o thy_o ear_n no_o no_o with_o a_o sting_n in_o thy_o conscience_n buâ—_n now_o if_o there_o be_v such_o joint_a endeavour_n require_v such_o utmost_a strive_n when_o you_o go_v before_o god_n with_o your_o unite_a force_n sure_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o you_o shall_v be_v cold_a and_o freeze_v why_o you_o shall_v trifle_v and_o be_v careless_a when_o you_o be_v alone_o and_o in_o secret_a with_o god_n no_o no_o than_o it_o do_v near_o concern_v you_o to_o summon_v all_o the_o power_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o muster_v all_o your_o force_n and_o to_o put_v all_o your_o affection_n into_o a_o lively_a and_o fervant_fw-la frame_n and_o every_o grace_n to_o its_o post_n and_o business_n be_v you_o have_v to_o do_v all_o your_o work_n yourselves_o get_v as_o much_o strength_n from_o heaven_n as_o you_o can_v and_o employ_v all_o you_o get_v whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v thou_o own_o single_a hand_n be_v sure_a that_o thou_o do_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n christian_n you_o must_v seek_v mercy_n diligent_o if_o you_o will_v be_v successful_a in_o your_o seek_n seven_o let_v not_o thy_o secret_a prayer_n shut_v prayer_n out_o of_o thy_o family_n do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o that_o performance_n as_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o this_o neglect_n and_o omission_n neither_o think_v to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n now_o with_o that_o which_o will_v not_o pass_v for_o a_o good_a plea_n when_o thou_o shall_v come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o a_o holy_a god_n it_o be_v indeed_o thy_o duty_n to_o pray_v alone_o and_o if_o thou_o do_v do_v it_o thou_o do_v well_o yet_o thou_o must_v not_o only_o pray_v alone_o but_o with_o other_o also_o yea_o this_o be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n incumbent_a upon_o you_o who_o be_v governor_n of_o family_n you_o shall_v see_v to_o it_o that_o your_o house_n be_v church_n not_o bethaven_n house_n of_o vanity_n but_o bethel_n the_o house_n of_o god_n we_o read_v of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o precilla_n and_o aquila_n 16_o rom._n 5._o and_o a_o church_n which_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o nymphus_fw-la coloss._n 4._o 15._o and_o a_o church_n that_o be_v in_o philemon_n house_n philemon_z 2._o it_o be_v a_o common_a say_v and_o a_o true_a one_o that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n in_o his_o own_o house_n you_o do_v well_o enough_o remember_v your_o be_v king_n and_o as_o such_o do_v insist_v much_o upon_o your_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o know_v how_o to_o lord_n it_o enough_o only_o by_o the_o way_n take_v this_o short_a advice_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o so_o rule_n as_o king_n as_o not_o to_o degenerate_v into_o tyrant_n you_o be_v head_n and_o to_o be_v honour_v for_o such_o but_o let_v not_o your_o crown_n be_v thorn_n rend_v and_o tear_v afflict_a and_o vex_v those_o that_o live_v under_o your_o shadow_n and_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o withal_o do_v not_o forget_v that_o you_o be_v to_o be_v prophet_n too_o teach_v and_o instruct_v those_o that_o be_v under_o your_o charge_n and_o care_n gen._n 8._o 19_o i_o know_v abraham_n that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o and_o you_o be_v to_o be_v priest_n also_o pray_v for_o your_o family_n and_o with_o they_o what_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o this_o what_o more_o decent_a and_o comely_a do_v you_o not_o live_v together_o do_v you_o not_o love_v together_o do_v you_o not_o eat_v and_o drink_v together_o do_v you_o not_o rejoice_v and_o make_v merry_a together_o and_o i_o appeal_v to_o your_o own_o judgement_n conscience_n what_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o ought_v not_o these_o person_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o aught_o they_o not_o to_o pray_v together_o and_o to_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n together_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v your_o communion_n a_o holy_a communion_n to_o sweeten_v your_o comfort_n and_o converse_n and_o to_o sanctify_v all_o your_o enjoyment_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 4_o 5._o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n for_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n prayer_n family-prayer_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o family-enjoyment_n without_o it_o you_o sit_v down_o at_o unsanctified_a table_n and_o you_o lie_v down_o in_o unsanctified_a bed_n and_o i_o do_v hearty_o commend_v to_o your_o consideration_n and_o imitation_n the_o holy_a and_o brave_a resolution_n of_o joshua_n he_o be_v a_o great_a man_n a_o prince_n captain-general_n and_o leader_n of_o israel_n do_v you_o see_v how_o much_o he_o be_v fix_v in_o this_o gracious_a purpose_n josh._n 24._o 15._o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n not_o only_o i_o but_o we_o not_o only_a we_o apart_o but_o also_o we_o together_o and_o let_v every_o one_o of_o you_o lay_v aside_o your_o vain_a pretence_n and_o weak_a reason_n against_o a_o great_a duty_n never_o pretend_v modesty_n in_o the_o case_n thou_o be_v ashamed_a to_o pray_v before_o other_o but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o fig-leaf_n as_o can_v cover_v thy_o nakedness_n be_v ashamed_a of_o thy_o folly_n and_o sin_n of_o thy_o vain_a word_n and_o frothy_a talk_n but_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o thy_o work_n be_v ashamed_a that_o thou_o do_v it_o no_o better_o but_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o do_v it_o be_v
thou_o ashamed_a to_o pray_v but_o have_v thou_o not_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o thy_o not_o pray_v know_v for_o a_o certain_a that_o be_v a_o sinful_a modesty_n which_o do_v unfit_a and_o indispose_v thou_o for_o any_o part_n of_o thy_o duty_n do_v not_o say_v thou_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o thou_o be_v not_o furnish_v with_o gift_n for_o such_o a_o work_n but_o let_v i_o ask_v thou_o who_o fault_n be_v that_o who_o will_v thou_o blame_v for_o that_o god_n for_o not_o give_v they_o or_o thyself_o for_o not_o get_v they_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v be_v both_o thy_o 〈◊〉_d and_o thy_o shame_n and_o therefore_o thy_o shame_n because_o thy_o sin_n do_v thou_o know_v how_o to_o beg_v thy_o bread_n and_o do_v thou_o not_o know_v how_o to_o beg_v thy_o life_n do_v thou_o know_v how_o to_o ask_v a_o kindness_n of_o man_n and_o not_o how_o to_o ask_v mercy_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v blush_v to_o say_v so_o thou_o will_v be_v count_v a_o wise_a man_n but_o in_o this_o thou_o do_v charge_v thyself_o with_o egregious_a folly_n but_o i_o desire_v thou_o to_o begin_v i_o fear_v thou_o have_v nottried_a be_v persuade_v to_o try_v now_o we_o have_v a_o proverb_n among_o we_o pertinent_a to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n use_v leg_n and_o have_v leg_n pray_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o get_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n practise_v be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o learning_n then_o shall_v we_o know_v if_o we_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n hosea_n 6._o 3._o and_o then_o shall_v we_o seek_v if_o we_o follow_v on_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n then_o shall_v we_o pray_v if_o we_o follow_v on_o to_o pray_v thou_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o go_v at_o first_o when_o thou_o be_v a_o infant_n can_v not_o set_v one_o foot_n before_o another_o but_o by_o thy_o frequent_a try_v thou_o can_v do_v it_o in_o time_n yea_o knowledge_n and_o strength_n comingâ—on_n thou_o can_v go_v and_o run_v and_o leap_v too_o by_o do_v thy_o duty_n thou_o will_v attain_v to_o a_o ability_n and_o fitness_n to_o do_v it_o eight_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o the_o time_n when_o thou_o will_v set_v about_o this_o secret_a prayer_n let_v it_o be_v do_v as_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n so_o in_o the_o proper_a season_n it_o be_v true_a whensoever_o the_o wind_n blow_v we_o shall_v set_v up_o our_o sail_n open_v when_o christ_n knock_v and_o answer_v when_o he_o call_v and_o go_v about_o that_o which_o he_o set_v thou_o to_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o observant_a of_o the_o spirit_n be_v motion_n and_o comply_v with_o they_o just_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o live_a creature_n and_o the_o wheel_n ezek._n 1._o 20._o whithersoever_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o go_v the_o live_a creature_n go_v thither_o be_v their_o spirit_n to_o go_v and_o the_o wheel_n be_v lift_v up_o over_o against_o they_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a creature_n or_o of_o life_n be_v in_o the_o wheel_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o all_o our_o wheel_n shall_v move_v as_o that_o spring_n draw_v therefore_o when_o he_o put_v thou_o upon_o prayer_n do_v not_o consult_v with_o this_o nor_o that_o but_o apply_v to_o it_o immediate_o but_o withal_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o know_v how_o to_o order_v motion_n regular_o and_o seasonable_o eccl._n 3._o 1._o to_o every_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o season_n and_o a_o time_n to_o every_o purpose_n under_o the_o heaven_n a_o time_n to_o plant_v and_o a_o time_n to_o pluck_v up_o a_o time_n to_o kill_v and_o a_o time_n to_o heal_v a_o time_n to_o weep_v and_o a_o time_n to_o laugh_v a_o time_n to_o mourn_v and_o a_o time_n to_o dance_v etc._n etc._n but_o man_n know_v not_o his_o time_n eccles._n 9_o 12._o often_o he_o do_v not_o therefore_o he_o do_v often_o meet_v with_o trouble_n snare_n and_o loss_n now_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n know_v these_o time_n exact_o and_o move_v according_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o unseasonable_a impulse_n and_o motion_n reject_v they_o as_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n nor_o his_o spirit_n always_o take_v a_o fit_a time_n make_v it_o thy_o business_n to_o nick_v it_o god_n have_v in_o his_o mercy_n give_v thou_o time_n enough_o for_o all_o thy_o work_n and_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o have_v give_v thou_o choice_a opportunity_n for_o every_o part_n of_o it_o thou_o have_v thy_o season_n for_o labour_n and_o for_o rest_n season_n for_o buy_v and_o for_o sell_v a_o season_n for_o pray_v and_o for_o hear_v now_o look_v thou_o careful_o to_o it_o that_o thou_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o its_o season_n that_o be_v the_o excellent_a property_n of_o he_o who_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v a_o bless_a man_n he_o be_v and_o he_o shall_v be_v like_o a_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n that_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o his_o season_n psal._n 1._o 3._o we_o can_v well_o do_v two_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o that_o god_n who_o understand_v our_o frame_n have_v order_v out_o according_o concern_v we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n thy_o duty_n at_o one_o time_n now_o it_o be_v thy_o business_n to_o understand_v what_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v and_o so_o to_o do_v it_o in_o short_a let_v not_o thy_o secret_a prayer_n hinder_v thou_o from_o wait_v upon_o public_a ordinance_n and_o public_a worship_n on_o god_n holiday_n the_o church_n be_v meet_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n thou_o ought_v to_o meet_v with_o they_o if_o able_a because_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o body_n thou_o sin_v if_o thou_o be_v pray_v at_o home_n when_o thou_o shall_v be_v hear_v abroad_o so_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o time_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o thy_o general_a call_v as_o a_o christian_a and_o for_o the_o business_n of_o thy_o particular_a call_v too_o and_o he_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o mind_n both_o it_o be_v not_o his_o will_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v cruel_a to_o the_o body_n or_o unnatural_a to_o thy_o family_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v tender_a over_o thy_o soul_n he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o house_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v we_o in_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 8._o he_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n i._n e._n practical_o and_o in_o his_o deed_n and_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n who_o do_v from_o a_o natural_a instinct_n take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o thou_o who_o sit_v under_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v the_o law_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o open_v to_o thou_o be_v far_o worse_o than_o the_o heathen_n because_o thou_o do_v neglect_v that_o duty_n which_o they_o perform_v who_o have_v no_o other_o light_n to_o direct_v they_o than_o that_o of_o nature_n know_v o_o man_n thou_o sin_v if_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o closet_n when_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o be_v in_o thy_o shop_n or_o thou_o o_o woman_n when_o thou_o ought_v to_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o thy_o family_n and_o thou_o o_o servant_n when_o thou_o shall_v be_v do_v thy_o master_n or_o thy_o mistress_n business_n thy_o time_n to_o be_v sure_a be_v none_o of_o thou_o own_o thou_o must_v not_o injure_v they_o to_o serve_v he_o he_o hate_v robbery_n for_o burn_a offering_n come_v christian_n learn_v a_o piece_n of_o holy_a wisdom_n do_v righteousness_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n keep_v all_o the_o wheel_n go_v and_o all_o in_o their_o order_n the_o right_a time_v of_o what_o you_o do_v be_v put_v of_o a_o glory_n upon_o what_o you_o do_v if_o all_o man_n will_v keep_v their_o place_n and_o wise_o time_n their_o action_n we_o shall_v have_v better_a man_n and_o a_o better_a world_n than_o now_o we_o have_v eccles._n 3._o 11._o god_n have_v make_v every_o thing_n beautiful_a in_o his_o time_n how_o beautiful_a be_v frost_n in_o winter_n and_o heat_n in_o summer_n joy_n and_o comfort_n if_o need_v be_v yea_o and_o heaviness_n by_o reason_n of_o manisold_a temptation_n if_o need_v be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v do_v with_o the_o great_a exactness_n as_o to_o every_o circumstance_n in_o a_o proper_a time_n and_o in_o a_o lovely_a order_n so_o let_v you_o be_v do_v too_o to_o the_o best_a of_o your_o knowledge_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o your_o power_n i_o astly_a when_o thou_o be_v in_o secret_a at_o thy_o prayer_n unto_o god_n carry_v in_o thy_o head_n and_o heart_n the_o case_n of_o other_o and_o be_v a_o humble_a supplicant_n unto_o a_o god_n in_o their_o behalf_n though_o thou_o shall_v pray_v alone_o yet_o not_o
thing_n 1._o safety_n 2._o comfort_n 1._o first_o secret_a prayer_n be_v a_o choice_n and_o excellent_a mean_n of_o security_n will_v a_o man_n be_v safe_a when_o he_o be_v alone_o then_o let_v he_o pray_v when_o he_o be_v alone_a on_o this_o side_n of_o heaven_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o place_n to_o be_v sound_n in_o which_o a_o person_n may_v rational_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o quit_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o danger_n i_o hear_v one_o once_o witty_o say_v he_o do_v not_o upon_o the_o road_n fear_v highwayman_n so_o long_o as_o be_v be_v alone_o but_o there_o be_v other_o enemy_n from_o who_o we_o may_v apprehend_v mischief_n when_o we_o be_v most_o alone_o the_o subtle_a serpent_n wriggle_v himself_o into_o paradise_n itself_o and_o there_o he_o do_v mortal_o sting_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o undo_v they_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n in_o they_o holy_a paul_n be_v perfect_o safe_a while_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o three_o heaven_n the_o malicious_a tempter_n can_v not_o come_v at_o he_o there_o since_o he_o be_v cast_v down_o from_o that_o bless_a place_n he_o never_o yet_o can_v and_o for_o the_o future_a he_o never_o shall_v make_v a_o reentry_n nor_o be_v his_o arm_n strong_a enough_o to_o shoot_v a_o arrow_n or_o throw_v a_o fiery_a dart_n so_o high_a but_o no_o soon_o be_v that_o eminent_a apostle_n come_v down_o again_o but_o he_o be_v desperate_o set_v upon_o worse_o than_o the_o philistine_n be_v upon_o he_o there_o be_v a_o thorn_n stick_v in_o his_o flesh_n which_o can_v not_o but_o put_v he_o to_o pain_n and_o a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n be_v send_v to_o buffet_v he_o who_o without_o peradventure_o give_v he_o no_o small_a blow_n one_o will_v conclude_v a_o person_n safe_a enough_o when_o nobody_o be_v with_o he_o as_o there_o be_v none_o to_o help_v so_o there_o be_v none_o to_o hurt_v yet_o even_o then_o he_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n for_o though_o there_o be_v no_o man_n with_o he_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o devil_n with_o he_o yea_o more_o than_o one_o possible_o more_o than_o a_o legion_n it_o may_v have_v be_v rational_o conclude_v that_o david_n walk_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o his_o house_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o his_o lifeguard_n about_o he_o who_o be_v that_o shall_v or_o can_v do_v the_o king_n a_o mischief_n there_o yet_o even_o there_o a_o naked_a woman_n conquer_v that_o man_n of_o war_n and_o a_o malicious_a devil_n let_v fly_v one_o of_o his_o envenom_a arrow_n and_o wound_v he_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n by_o the_o eye_n it_o have_v be_v well_o for_o that_o good_a man_n if_o instead_o of_o gaze_v about_o and_o view_v every_o object_n that_o present_v he_o have_v be_v look_v up_o to_o his_o god_n and_o pray_v in_o secret_a know_v and_o consider_v o_o thou_o poor_a soul_n the_o devil_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o thou_o not_o out_o of_o any_o love_n he_o bear_v thou_o for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o devil_n they_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v devil_n before_o they_o can_v have_v any_o kindness_n for_o man_n but_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o you_o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n have_v to_o his_o prey_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o bloody_a design_n he_o be_v restless_a though_o he_o can_v do_v himself_o no_o good_a he_o reckon_v it_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o do_v thou_o a_o mischief_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o only_o walk_v with_o thou_o up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o street_n and_o from_o this_o private_a or_o public_a house_n to_o that_o nor_o only_o follow_v thou_o to_o the_o public_a congregation_n there_o to_o divert_v thy_o thought_n or_o deaden_a thy_o affection_n or_o direct_v thy_o eye_n to_o some_o vain_a and_o wanton_a object_n or_o pick_v up_o the_o seed_n which_o be_v sow_v that_o though_o it_o be_v cast_v in_o at_o the_o ear_n yet_o it_o may_v never_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o the_o heart_n to_o root_v there_o and_o bring_v forth_o precious_a fruit_n in_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n but_o he_o will_v also_o dog_v you_o into_o your_o chamber_n and_o intrude_v into_o your_o closet_n when_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v he_o will_v get_v in_o you_o can_v while_o here_o get_v clear_a of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o the_o old_a serpent_n and_o wherever_o he_o be_v you_o may_v be_v sure_a he_o come_v for_o no_o good_a he_o be_v whole_o set_v upon_o mischief_n that_o be_v his_o constant_a employ_v his_o belove_a work_n his_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o it_o he_o follow_v it_o close_o and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n therefore_o my_o advice_n be_v that_o thou_o will_v make_v prayer_n thy_o closet-business_n that_o when_o this_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o thou_o find_v thou_o alone_o he_o may_v not_o have_v a_o advantage_n against_o thou_o when_o in_o ephes._n 6._o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v tell_v you_o of_o the_o enemy_n you_o must_v contend_v with_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_a flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o also_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n he_o advise_v you_o to_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n and_o over_o and_o above_o he_o direct_v you_o to_o this_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a work_n of_o prayer_n as_o know_v that_o both_o your_o security_n and_o victory_n depend_v as_o much_o upon_o that_o as_o any_o thing_n your_o armour_n will_v not_o do_v without_o your_o god_n and_o he_o you_o can_v expect_v without_o prayer_n if_o then_o you_o will_v not_o fall_v both_o into_o temptation_n and_o by_o it_o your_o care_n and_o work_n must_v be_v to_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o doubt_n but_o prayer_n have_v lay_v many_o a_o restraint_n upon_o the_o devil_n and_o keep_v he_o off_o from_o meddle_v with_o a_o child_n of_o god_n when_o his_o finger_n have_v itch_v at_o he_o and_o blunt_v his_o tool_n often_o and_o often_o so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v the_o work_n he_o intend_v with_o they_o and_o break_v the_o neck_n of_o many_o a_o curse_a design_n which_o he_o be_v most_o industrious_o carry_v on_o 2._o second_o secret_a prayer_n be_v a_o special_a way_n for_o the_o make_n of_o your_o retirement_n comfortable_a and_o pleasant_a to_o you_o solitariness_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o have_v melancholy_a for_o its_o usual_a companion_n and_o a_o life_n of_o loneliness_n and_o retirement_n be_v reckon_v a_o very_a disconsolate_a life_n the_o prophet_n make_v this_o a_o part_n of_o his_o bitter_a complaint_n psal._n 102._o 7._o that_o he_o be_v as_o a_o sparrow_n alone_o upon_o the_o house_n top_n and_o solomon_n say_v eccles._n 4._o 10._o woe_n be_v to_o he_o that_o be_v alone_o hence_o one_o say_v he_o that_o love_v to_o be_v alone_o be_v either_o a_o beast_n or_o a_o god_n but_o secret-prayer_n be_v a_o excellent_a way_n to_o sweeten_v solitariness_n and_o take_v off_o the_o uncomfortableness_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o do_v but_o in_o thy_o uprightness_n apply_v thyself_o hearty_o to_o this_o work_n when_o thou_o be_v without_o any_o company_n thou_o shall_v not_o be_v without_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v but_o with_o hagar_n in_o the_o wilderness_n find_v a_o spring_n open_v to_o thou_o that_o be_v a_o great_a say_n of_o one_o nunquam_fw-la minus_fw-la solus_fw-la quam_fw-la cum_fw-la maxim_n solus_fw-la i_o be_o never_o less_o alone_o than_o when_o i_o be_o most_o alone_o he_o do_v never_o find_v less_o want_n of_o company_n than_o when_o he_o have_v none_o then_o a_o man_n enjoy_v his_o god_n and_o himself_o and_o he_o that_o have_v indeed_o that_o enjoyment_n need_v no_o body_n john_n 16._o 32._o our_o saviour_n speak_v thus_o to_o his_o disciple_n the_o hour_n come_v yea_o be_v now_o come_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v scatter_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o and_o shall_v leave_v i_o alone_o and_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a because_o the_o father_n be_v with_o i_o not_o alone_a when_o alone_o i_o shall_v be_v altogether_o without_o you_o but_o not_o without_o my_o father_n who_o do_v more_o infinite_o more_o than_o fill_v up_o those_o vacancy_n as_o at_o noonday_n we_o do_v not_o want_v the_o star_n though_o they_o be_v all_o obscure_v and_o disappear_v because_o we_o have_v the_o glorious_a light_n and_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n who_o do_v abundant_o supply_v their_o absence_n david_n tell_v we_o in_o psalm_n 145._o 18._o which_o be_v a_o psalm_n of_o praise_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n sincere_a prayer_n will_v fetch_v god_n down_o from_o heaven_n to_o stand_v at_o thy_o right_a hand_n our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v more_o ready_a than_o the_o most_o affectionate_a tender-hearted_a mother_n upon_o earth_n to_o arise_v and_o come_v in_o at_o the_o cry_n
not_o seek_v his_o face_n where_o you_o sin_n to_o his_o face_n oh_o look_v careful_o to_o it_o that_o as_o there_o be_v secret_a fault_n so_o there_o be_v secret_a prayer_n and_o tear_n as_o secret_a sin_n so_o secret_a service_n four_o there_o be_v special_a and_o momentous_a cause_n and_o reason_n for_o secret_a prayer_n sure_o there_o be_v not_o that_o man_n nor_o woman_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o have_v something_o or_o other_o which_o he_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n have_v a_o mantle_n of_o privacy_n throw_v over_o something_a or_o other_o which_o he_o may_v be_v free_a and_o willing_a to_o whisper_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o prudent_a intimate_a friend_n and_o lock_v up_o in_o his_o bosom_n but_o he_o will_v not_o have_v it_o divulge_v and_o come_v abroad_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o every_o body_n now_o let_v i_o ask_v thou_o have_v thou_o nothing_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n in_o his_o ear_n something_o which_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v any_o 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state_v by_o other_o in_o all_o the_o particularity_n of_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o prov._n 14._o 10._o the_o heart_n know_v his_o own_o bitterness_n and_o a_o stranger_n intermeddle_v not_o with_o his_o joy_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o lock_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n that_o no_o body_n else_o have_v a_o key_n to_o let_v he_o into_o they_o i_o think_v it_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o a_o poor_a disease_a patient_n to_o tell_v his_o physician_n how_o he_o feel_v himself_o indeed_o if_o he_o be_v so_o disturb_v in_o his_o reason_n or_o so_o much_o enfeeble_v that_o he_o can_v do_v it_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o some_o other_o to_o do_v it_o that_o have_v be_v about_o he_o and_o curious_a in_o his_o observation_n but_o i_o be_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o wise_a physician_n will_v like_v that_o account_n best_o which_o come_v from_o his_o patient_n be_v own_o mouth_n suppose_v he_o capable_a of_o give_v one_o do_v thou_o go_v and_o do_v so_o to_o thy_o great_a and_o everblessed_n physician_n the_o holy_a god_n and_o to_o that_o end_n study_v both_o his_o word_n and_o thy_o heart_n that_o by_o study_v his_o word_n thou_o may_v come_v to_o know_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o by_o study_v thy_o own_o heart_n thou_o may_v know_v how_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o and_o then_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o again_o will_v publick-prayer_n at_o all_o time_n become_v thou_o and_o in_o every_o one_o of_o thy_o concernment_n have_v thou_o so_o much_o of_o a_o unspotted_a innocency_n or_o such_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o confidence_n as_o that_o thou_o will_v not_o blush_v to_o tell_v the_o whole_a story_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o life_n upon_o the_o housetop_n have_v thou_o be_v so_o undefiled_a in_o the_o way_n that_o thou_o need_v not_o care_v who_o know_v what_o thou_o have_v be_v and_o what_o thou_o have_v do_v indeed_o when_o a_o proud_a and_o self-conceited_a pharisee_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o display_v his_o glory_n and_o to_o trumpet_n out_o his_o own_o commendation_n to_o tell_v god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o phoenix_n a_o kind_n of_o none-such_a in_o the_o world_n one_o that_o be_v so_o free_a from_o common_a defilement_n so_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o act_n of_o goodness_n that_o his_o fellow_n be_v scarce_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o find_v he_o ambitious_a of_o have_v auditor_n enough_o and_o to_o see_v he_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o with_o his_o hand_n by_o his_o side_n strut_a it_o to_o the_o temple_n where_o he_o do_v expect_v a_o great_a confluence_n of_o people_n who_o may_v go_v and_o inform_v other_o what_o great_a thing_n they_o have_v hear_v concern_v he_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o so_o raise_v to_o he_o thousand_o of_o admiring_n among_o such_o as_o will_v be_v credulous_a and_o believe_v he_o upon_o his_o bare_a word_n but_o methinks_v when_o a_o poor_a publican_n that_o groan_v under_o a_o heavy_a burden_n of_o sin_n and_o guilt_n who_o know_v himself_o unable_a to_o answer_v for_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o who_o have_v have_v often_o and_o often_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o himself_o pronounce_v by_o his_o own_o awaken_v and_o wound_v conscience_n when_o i_o say_v he_o be_v to_o draw_v up_o a_o indictment_n against_o himself_o and_o to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o righteous_a judge_n and_o then_o have_v so_o do_v to_o beg_v upon_o his_o knee_n and_o plead_v hard_a for_o his_o life_n lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n he_o may_v stand_v a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o get_v alone_o by_o himself_o as_o a_o person_n ashamed_a and_o even_o confound_v when_o thou_o go_v to_o acquaint_v god_n with_o thy_o disease_n foul_a loathsome_a disease_n of_o soul_n and_o to_o open_v thy_o artery_n sore_n and_o those_o wound_n in_o thy_o conscience_n which_o as_o poor_a david_n find_v and_o own_a stink_n and_o be_v corrupt_a it_o speak_v a_o humble_a modesty_n and_o do_v high_o become_v thou_o to_o do_v it_o between_o he_o and_o thou_o alone_o now_o christian_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o deal_v particular_o with_o thou_o and_o to_o come_v as_o close_o as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o propound_v some_o few_o question_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o desire_v thou_o to_o propound_v they_o to_o thyself_o when_o i_o have_v do_v 1._o have_v thou_o not_o some_o secret_a sin_n to_o confess_v to_o god_n have_v thou_o be_v all_o thy_o day_n so_o sober_a and_o righteous_a and_o godly_a so_o circumspect_a and_o exact_a that_o no_o action_n of_o thou_o trouble_v thou_o or_o will_v reflect_v dishhonour_n upon_o thou_o or_o in_o the_o least_o put_v thou_o out_o of_o countenance_n be_v there_o no_o blot_n in_o thy_o escutchion_n no_o dead_a fly_n in_o thy_o box_n of_o ointment_n be_v there_o not_o some_o thing_n do_v by_o thou_o which_o nobody_o do_v know_v of_o and_o which_o thou_o will_v not_o for_o more_o than_o i_o will_v say_v have_v any_o body_n know_v of_o let_v this_o bring_v thou_o to_o secret_a prayer_n for_o they_o must_v be_v confess_v indeed_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o some_o case_n thou_o do_v not_o need_v to_o do_v it_o unto_o man_n there_o be_v no_o necessâ—â—y_n for_o thou_o to_o proclaim_v and_o publish_v thy_o own_o shame_n auriculaâ—â—onfeâ—â—â—on_n which_o the_o popish_a priest_n do_v require_v be_v a_o abomination_n but_o a_o confession_n there_o must_v be_v else_o the_o wound_n of_o conscience_n will_v not_o be_v heal_v the_o oppress_a spirit_n will_v not_o be_v relieve_v the_o sâ—ain_n will_v not_o be_v take_v out_o the_o sin_n will_v not_o be_v pardon_v the_o promise_n be_v he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n shall_v find_v mercy_n as_o much_o as_o he_o need_v or_o can_v desire_v and_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n give_v we_o this_o assurance_n i_o john_n 1._o 9_o that_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n god_n be_v just_a and_o faithful_a to_o forgive_v we_o â—u_n sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n bless_a be_v god_n for_o those_o word_n from_o all_o pardon_v mercy_n and_o justify_v grace_n will_v make_v through_o work_n wherever_o it_o come_v it_o take_v away_o iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n all_o sort_n and_o size_n sin_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o degree_n but_o where_o do_v this_o take_v place_n only_o in_o they_o that_o confess_v where_o there_o be_v no_o confession_n you_o can_v with_o reason_n hope_v for_o a_o remission_n add_v this_o you_o may_v very_o well_o spread_v before_o god_n those_o sin_n which_o you_o have_v commit_v in_o secret_a because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o your_o power_n to_o hide_v they_o from_o he_o they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o