all_o one_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o all_o one_o father_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o which_o on_o all_o occasion_n draw_v the_o soul_n to_o its_o father_n it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n when_o new_o convert_v behold_v he_o pray_v act._n 9.11_o other_o do_v not_o see_v it_o but_o i_o know_v it_o there_o he_o be_v in_o a_o corner_n sigh_v and_o seek_v i_o go_v ananias_n inquire_v for_o he_o he_o be_v now_o one_o of_o you_o a_o real_a convert_n for_o behold_v he_o pray_v a_o soul_n pray_v in_o secret_n be_v worthy_a observation_n there_o be_v a_o ecce_n put_v upon_o it_o behold_v he_o pray_v and_o why_o shall_v we_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v saint_n be_v unlike_o our_o brethren_n 3._o be_v you_o not_o herein_o unlike_o yourselves_o in_o former_a time_n when_o god_n do_v at_o first_o work_n upon_o your_o heart_n do_v you_o not_o then_o run_v to_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n do_v you_o not_o set_v yourselves_o intent_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n how_o often_o do_v god_n find_v you_o by_o yourselves_o sigh_v sorrow_a weep_a bleed_a breathe_v after_o god_n pour_v out_o your_o heart_n like_o water_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o your_o heavenly_a father_n pity_v you_o speak_v very_o kind_o to_o you_o wipe_v off_o your_o tear_n cheer_v your_o heart_n hear_v your_o prayer_n and_o make_v those_o day_n of_o grief_n time_n of_o love_n oh_o the_o sweet_a embrace_n that_o then_o be_v betwixt_o your_o soul_n and_o god_n have_v you_o forget_v such_o a_o chamber_n such_o a_o closet_n such_o a_o barn_n such_o a_o wood_n where_o you_o sometime_o walk_v and_o meditate_a sometime_o fall_v prostrate_a and_o weep_v before_o the_o lord_n till_o you_o have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o weep_v if_o you_o have_v forget_v those_o bless_a day_n your_o god_n have_v not_o he_o remember_v thou_o the_o kindness_n of_o thy_o youth_n the_o love_n of_o thy_o spousal_n when_o thou_o wente_v after_o he_o in_o a_o solitary_a wilderness_n jer._n 2.2_o can_v not_o thou_o remember_v the_o day_n when_o thou_o will_v rather_o have_v be_v with_o thy_o god_n in_o a_o private_a room_n than_o upon_o a_o prince_n throne_n yea_o thou_o think_v thou_o be_v to_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o cry_n and_o pray_v in_o secret_a thou_o be_v at_o it_o every_o day_n yea_o many_o time_n a_o in_o day_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o change_n that_o thou_o do_v so_o rare_o go_v to_o visit_v thy_o old_a friend_n in_o a_o corner_n be_v he_o change_v be_v he_o not_o so_o good_a and_o kind_a as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v have_v thou_o find_v any_o fault_n in_o god_n or_o be_v not_o thou_o blame-worthy_a what_o be_v become_v of_o thy_o ancient_a spirit_n of_o prayer_n why_o do_v thou_o forget_v thy_o sweet_a wrestling-place_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o inquire_v for_o these_o good_a old_a way_n of_o communion_n with_o thy_o god_n sect_n iii_o saint_n neglect_v further_o reprove_v 4._o let_v i_o further_o expostulate_v with_o god_n child_n that_o be_v rare_o exercise_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o secret-prayer_n do_v you_o not_o deprive_v yourselves_o of_o many_o sweet_a refreshment_n have_v not_o your_o soul_n have_v sweet_a experience_n of_o ravish_a income_n in_o secret_a duty_n how_o many_o pleasant_a morsel_n have_v you_o eat_v alone_o have_v not_o these_o steal_a water_n be_v sweet_a and_o will_v they_o not_o be_v so_o again_o if_o you_o will_v open_v the_o same_o sluice_n oh_o what_o hint_n of_o love_n may_v your_o soul_n have_v that_o no_o creature_n will_v know_v of_o secret_n influence_n be_v convey_v to_o soul_n in_o secret_a duty_n these_o you_o block_n up_o by_o neglect_n ah_o sir_n be_v the_o consolation_n of_o god_n small_a to_o you_o be_v communion_n with_o god_n of_o no_o worth_n why_o be_v you_o so_o unwilling_a to_o take_v pain_n to_o go_v to_o your_o father_n especial_o when_o you_o know_v he_o have_v a_o kindness_n for_o you_o have_v you_o ever_o lose_v by_o such_o duty_n will_v not_o your_o gain_n infinite_o countervail_v your_o pain_n ask_v those_o that_o use_v it_o most_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v the_o sweet_a time_n they_o spend_v yea_o can_v your_o own_o experience_n attest_v it_o do_v you_o ever_o lose_v your_o labour_n when_o you_o set_v yourselves_o about_o the_o work_n in_o good_a earnest_n have_v not_o this_o close_o and_o privy_a trade_n with_o god_n bring_v in_o much_o spiritual_a profit_n belove_a friend_n you_o little_o consider_v the_o good_a you_o miss_v of_o for_o want_v of_o perform_v this_o excellent_a duty_n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o 5._o do_v you_o not_o by_o neglect_n of_o secret_a prayer_n expose_v yourselves_o to_o many_o sad_a temptation_n watch_v and_o prayer_n be_v singular_a help_n against_o temptation_n mat._n 26.41_o i_o have_v hear_v that_o satan_n have_v open_o profess_v that_o he_o have_v watch_v when_o some_o of_o god_n child_n have_v go_v out_o without_o closet-prayer_n and_o that_o day_n he_o have_v get_v great_a advantage_n against_o they_o sometime_o by_o trip_v up_o their_o heel_n and_o cast_v they_o down_o from_o their_o excellency_n into_o some_o gross_a iniquity_n sometime_o torment_v their_o heart_n with_o blasphemous_a or_o soul-perplexing_a injection_n sometime_o god_n have_v leave_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o some_o afflictive_a snare_n lay_v by_o this_o subtle_a fowler_n which_o have_v cost_v they_o many_o bitter_a pang_n all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o have_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o neglect_v christian_n have_v you_o not_o find_v this_o too_o true_a by_o sad_a experience_n when_o you_o have_v go_v abroad_o without_o call_v on_o god_n have_v not_o god_n secret_o withdraw_v from_o you_o have_v not_o satan_n obtain_v his_o design_n upon_o you_o have_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v grow_v out_o of_o frame_n some_o lust_n increase_v grace_n decay_v and_o your_o soul_n at_o the_o brink_n of_o some_o astonish_a fall_n when_o you_o have_v go_v out_o in_o the_o morning_n without_o a_o good_a breakfast_n with_o god_n have_v you_o not_o be_v apt_a to_o gather_v wind_n and_o vanity_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o your_o soul_n health_n if_o you_o engage_v not_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o go_v with_o you_o what_o security_n have_v you_o for_o that_o day_n if_o god_n leave_v you_o the_o devil_n may_v do_v what_o he_o listen_v with_o you_o and_o hamper_v you_o in_o a_o thousand_o snare_n and_o sin_n 6._o do_v not_o your_o neglect_n of_o secret_a prayer_n argue_v little_a love_n to_o god_n or_o delight_v to_o be_v in_o his_o company_n when_o person_n have_v a_o dear_a affection_n to_o each_o other_o they_o love_v to_o be_v together_o love_v delight_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n yea_o when_o person_n love_v entire_o they_o withdraw_v from_o other_o company_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v each_o other_o with_o more_o endear_a familiarity_n the_o presence_n of_o a_o three_o mix_v the_o stream_n of_o communication_n and_o mar_v their_o intimate_a communion_n and_o if_o you_o do_v passionate_o love_v the_o lord_n will_v you_o not_o withdraw_v from_o other_o that_o your_o soul_n may_v enjoy_v some_o fresh_a and_o refresh_a intercourse_n with_o your_o best_a belove_a how_o can_v you_o say_v you_o love_v he_o when_o you_o have_v no_o mind_n of_o his_o company_n if_o you_o do_v indeed_o love_v he_o 3.5_o cant._n 3.5_o you_o will_v hold_v he_o and_o not_o let_v he_o go_v meum_fw-la amor_fw-la meus_fw-la pondus_fw-la meum_fw-la until_o you_o have_v with_o the_o spouse_n bring_v he_o into_o the_o chamber_n of_o intimate_a communion_n and_o solitary_a recess_n love_n be_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o draw_v it_o to_o the_o object_n belove_v if_o your_o heart_n be_v ravish_v with_o he_o you_o will_v take_v more_o pleasure_n in_o converse_v with_o he_o you_o will_v bless_v god_n for_o a_o opportunity_n of_o enjoy_v he_o but_o this_o strangeness_n speak_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o this_o noble_a grace_n and_o will_v you_o be_v esteem_v such_o as_o love_v not_o god_n what_o a_o sad_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o be_v low_a and_o scant_o in_o love_n to_o god_n under_o such_o strong_a engagement_n to_o love_n poor_a soul_n have_v not_o those_o silken_a silver_n cord_n of_o love_n which_o have_v be_v cast_v about_o thou_o draw_v thou_o near_o and_o bind_v thou_o fast_o to_o thy_o god_n than_o thus_o have_v not_o such_o bellows_o and_o incentives_n kindle_v and_o increase_v thy_o spark_n of_o love_n into_o a_o flame_n lament_v thy_o sin_n and_o shame_n thyself_o before_o thy_o god_n for_o this_o decay_n of_o love_n and_o dangerous_a neglect_n 7._o do_v not_o you_o by_o these_o omission_n declare_v yourselves_o ingrateful_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v god_n
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
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 form_n of_o godliness_n many_o will_v be_v find_v orthodox_n in_o their_o judgement_n and_o external_o conformable_a in_o their_o practice_n yet_o without_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o life_n in_o the_o day_n of_o account_n witness_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n thousand_o do_v final_o miscarry_v beside_o the_o gross_o profane_a some_o go_v to_o hell_n with_o a_o candle_n in_o their_o hand_n christ_n colour_n in_o their_o hat_n his_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o religion_n every_o one_o be_v not_o a_o saint_n that_o look_v like_o one_o a_o paint_a picture_n make_v a_o fair_a show_n but_o want_v life_n a_o formalist_n will_v be_v comely_a indeed_o if_o animate_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o leaven_n of_o hippocras_n spoil_v many_o good_a duty_n this_o be_v that_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n that_o sour_v their_o prayer_n and_o render_v they_o distasteful_a to_o god_n they_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
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
the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n although_o mental_a ejaculation_n be_v fit_a enough_o in_o both_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o convenient_a to_o kneel_v down_o or_o use_v outward_a gesture_n of_o secret_a prayer_n there_o 7._o closet-prayer_n must_v be_v with_o all_o secrecy_n and_o solitariness_n in_o a_o closet_n door_n shut_v as_o we_o must_v not_o blow_v a_o trumpet_n when_o we_o give_v alm_n so_o we_o must_v not_o hold_v out_o a_o flag_n when_o we_o go_v to_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v carnal_a counsel_n the_o brethren_n of_o christ_n give_v he_o joh._n 7.4_o show_v thyself_o to_o the_o world_n the_o reason_n be_v give_v v._o 5._o for_o neither_o do_v his_o brethren_n believe_v in_o he_o a_o sad_a sign_n of_o carnality_n 8._o god_n alone_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o prayer_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n as_o he_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o of_o prayer_n for_o he_o alone_o can_v help_v therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v none_o else_o see_v our_o state_n or_o can_v satisfy_v soul_n isa_n 63.16_o doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n though_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o 9_o in_o all_o our_o address_n to_o god_n we_o must_v own_o god_n as_o our_o father_n as_o have_v adopt_v we_o in_o christ_n because_o he_o therefore_o we_o i_o ascend_v say_v christ_n to_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n joh._n 20.17_o indeed_o by_o nature_n we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n but_o by_o grace_n child_n of_o his_o love_n so_o that_o they_o may_v say_v as_o isa_n 64.8_o but_o now_o o_o lord_n thou_o be_v our_o father_n oh_o plead_v and_o improve_v this_o relation_n 10._o god_n be_v omnipresent_v 47._o hinc_fw-la omnipraesen_n est_fw-la quia_fw-la nullum_fw-la est_fw-la ubi_fw-la unde_fw-la est_fw-la exclusus_fw-la neque_fw-la alicubi_fw-la est_fw-la inclusus_fw-la ames_n med._n theol._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 4._o 47._o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n can_v contain_v he_o 1_o king_n 8.27_o he_o fill_v all_o place_n with_o his_o immense_a and_o infinite_a essence_n heaven_n be_v his_o throne_n the_o earth_n be_v his_o footstool_n he_o be_v exclude_v from_o no_o place_n include_v in_o none_o for_o he_o be_v without_o all_o limitation_n dimension_n or_o termination_n 11._o god_n be_v omniscient_a thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a the_o dark_a night_n or_o secret_a closet_n or_o most_o hide_a thought_n of_o a_o reserve_a heart_n can_v neither_o hide_v or_o be_v hide_v from_o god_n all-seeing_a eye_n heb._n 4.13_o god_n behold_v all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n with_o one_o simple_a single_a act_n of_o his_o understanding_n without_o composition_n discourse_n or_o representation_n of_o species_n 12._o every_o believe_a prayer_n have_v a_o sure_a reward_n he_o will_v reward_v thou_o open_o not_o a_o good_a word_n to_o god_n or_o work_v for_o god_n shall_v be_v lose_v to_o he_o that_o sow_v righteousness_n shall_v be_v a_o sure_a reward_n prov._n 11.18_o and_o we_o know_v every_o right_a prayer_n be_v a_o real_a seed_n psal_n 126.6_o and_o it_o will_v rise_v in_o a_o full_a and_o plentiful_a crop_n another_o day_n 13._o the_o reward_n of_o secret_a prayer_n shall_v be_v open_a and_o manifest_a they_o have_v already_o a_o reward_n and_o gift_n in_o secret_a communion_n with_o god_n be_v a_o abundant_a recompense_n in_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n psal_n 19.11_o but_o this_o be_v a_o praemium_fw-la ante_fw-la praemium_fw-la reward_v before_o the_o reward_n the_o other_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n before_o angel_n and_o men._n 14._o a_o christian_n reward_n be_v from_o god_n thy_o father_n will_v reward_v thou_o not_o man_n scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v their_o reward_n from_o man_n from_o man_n they_o expect_v it_o saint_n expect_v their_o reward_n from_o god_n and_o god_n give_v it_o they_o man_n reward_v they_o evil_a for_o their_o good_a will_n and_o they_o expect_v no_o better_o if_o better_a come_v from_o man_n they_o own_v it_o as_o a_o gratuity_n send_v from_o their_o father_n it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o religion_n to_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o heb._n 11.6_o and_o as_o god_n give_v a_o reward_n so_o he_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o saint_n gen._n 15.1_o yea_o a_o exceed_a great_a reward_n it_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o hyperbole_n it_o can_v have_v a_o sufficient_a emphasis_n to_o enjoy_v god_n be_v a_o reward_n sufficient_a in_o and_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n these_o doctrine_n will_v afford_v large_a discourse_n but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v the_o subject_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o i_o shall_v raise_v one_o from_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v this_o doct._n that_o closet-prayer_n be_v a_o christian_a duty_n secret_a prayer_n be_v a_o evangelical_n exercise_n every_o child_n of_o god_n may_v and_o must_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n as_o a_o christian_n must_v pray_v all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n so_o in_o all_o place_n 1_o tim._n 2.8_o i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o and_o if_o every_o where_o then_o in_o their_o closet_n this_o divine_a incense_n shall_v perfume_v every_o room_n and_o shall_v ascend_v to_o heaven_n from_o chamber_n as_o well_o as_o church_n any_o place_n now_o be_v fit_a for_o a_o divine_a oratory_n title_n psal_n 109.4_o psal_n 30._o title_n god_n and_o a_o believe_a soul_n may_v meet_v in_o a_o corner_n a_o saint_n shall_v give_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o dedicate_v his_o house_n to_o god_n he_o shall_v as_o it_o be_v consecrate_v every_o room_n in_o his_o house_n to_o be_v a_o place_n of_o private_a devotion_n abraham_n rear_v a_o altar_n to_o god_n wherever_o he_o come_v so_o must_v a_o christian_a make_v every_o place_n where_o he_o can_v get_v close_o to_o the_o duty_n a_o place_n of_o prayer_n mr._n mede_n have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v from_o josh_n 24.26_o that_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a and_o christian_n in_o gospel-time_n have_v their_o proseuchae_n or_o pray_v place_n which_o he_o thus_o describe_v as_o to_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a proseucha_fw-la say_v he_o 279._o mede_n diatribae_fw-la pag._n 279._o be_v a_o plot_n of_o ground_n encompass_v with_o a_o wall_n or_o some_o other_o like_o mound_n or_o enclosure_n and_o open_v above_o much_o like_a to_o our_o court_n the_o use_n proper_o for_o prayer_n as_o the_o name_n proseucha_fw-la import_v and_o these_o be_v without_o the_o city_n as_o synagogue_n be_v within_o of_o this_o as_o he_o think_v be_v those_o in_o act._n 21.31_o and_o luk._n 6.12_o where_o jesus_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o continue_v all_o night_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o proseucha_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o the_o place_n of_o prayer_n or_o proseucha_fw-la of_o god_n now_o although_o i_o shall_v say_v little_a of_o the_o notion_n yet_o i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o will_v prove_v any_o relative_a holiness_n of_o place_n nor_o yet_o do_v i_o believe_v or_o find_v but_o that_o the_o saint_n have_v other_o pray_v place_n as_o in_o house_n and_o elsewhere_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v even_o in_o dwell_v house_n act._n 12.12_o but_o as_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n it_o must_v not_o be_v so_o narrow_o confine_v but_o we_o may_v go_v to_o any_o closet_n or_o private_a room_n where_o our_o soul_n may_v meet_v with_o god_n and_o as_o one_o say_v we_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o find_v that_o the_o grot_n and_o cave_n lie_v as_o open_v to_o the_o celestial_a influence_n 201._o the_o life_n of_o dr._n hammond_n in_o a_o letter_n p._n 201._o as_o the_o fair_a and_o most_o beautiful_a temple_n sect_n iu_o instance_n of_o several_a in_o scripture_n that_o use_v closet-prayer_n the_o doctrine_n need_v no_o explication_n but_o confirmation_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v from_o scripture-instance_n and_o reason_n we_o have_v several_a example_n of_o patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n that_o use_v this_o duty_n of_o solitary_a or_o secret_a prayer_n 1._o abraham_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a converse_v much_o with_o his_o god_n alone_o particular_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n gen._n 18.22_o when_o the_o man_n i._n e._n the_o create_a angel_n that_o seem_v man_n be_v go_v towards_o sodom_n abraham_n stand_v yet_o before_o the_o lord_n or_o jehovah_n i._n e._n jesus_n christ_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n stand_v be_v a_o pray_a posture_n therefore_o put_v for_o prayer_n hence_o abraham_n draw_v near_o and_o plead_v with_o god_n for_o sodom_n that_o be_v his_o errand_n to_o god_n at_o that_o time_n no_o doubt_v he_o have_v use_v this_o course_n frequent_o in_o other_o case_n hence_o arise_v that_o intimacy_n betwixt_o god_n and_o abraham_n so_o that_o god_n
talk_v with_o he_o 17.3_o gen._n 15.12_o chap._n 17.3_o come_v to_o he_o and_o he_o again_o discourse_v familiar_o with_o god_n 2._o isaac_n the_o son_n of_o the_o promise_n a_o very_a contemplative_a man_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v gen._n 24.63_o utoâ—antes_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d locutus_fw-la est_fw-la ore_fw-la vel_fw-la coâ—de_fw-la cogitavit_fw-la proprie_fw-la significat_fw-la submissa_fw-la voce_fw-la loqui_fw-la utoâ—antes_fw-la that_o isaac_n go_v out_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o field_n at_o eventide_n the_o word_n signify_v as_o well_o to_o pray_v as_o meditate_v it_o be_v likely_a he_o do_v both_o in_o some_o solitary_a walk_n where_o he_o converse_v with_o his_o god_n the_o chaldee_n translate_v it_o by_o pray_v but_o the_o greek_a by_o exercise_v himself_o i._n e._n both_o in_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n and_o true_o there_o be_v a_o near_a affinity_n betwixt_o these_o two_o sweet_a duty_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a for_o a_o devout_a soul_n to_o fall_v out_o of_o the_o one_o into_o the_o other_o in_o its_o retirement_n soliloquie_n in_o the_o heart_n help_v to_o a_o colloquie_n with_o god_n loc_n locus_fw-la precibus_fw-la ubique_fw-la commodus_fw-la maxim_n in_o solitudine_fw-la ubi_fw-la sensus_fw-la de_fw-la piis_fw-la meditationibus_fw-la minus_fw-la a_o vocantur_fw-la pareus_n in_o loc_n but_o here_o observe_v isaac_n oratory_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o field_n which_o he_o use_v for_o more_o privacy_n there_o say_v pareus_n he_o continual_o pour_v out_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o at_o this_o time_n more_o earnest_o for_o the_o happy_a success_n of_o his_o servant_n a_o singular_a example_n of_o piety_n a_o place_n it_o be_v every_o way_n fit_a for_o prayer_n especial_o in_o solitude_n where_o the_o sense_n be_v less_o draw_v off_o from_o pious_a meditation_n some_o think_v he_o be_v return_v from_o his_o devotion_n and_o then_o it_o be_v worth_a note_v what_o a_o speedy_a reward_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o prayer_n be_v grant_v will_v all_o young_a man_n take_v the_o like_a course_n for_o a_o wife_n they_o may_v meet_v seasonable_o with_o a_o rebeckah_n in_o mercy_n 3._o jacob_n be_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o this_o choice_a exercise_n few_o like_o he_o he_o be_v put_v to_o flee_v but_o they_o can_v not_o drive_v he_o from_o his_o god_n they_o have_v their_o meeting-place_n and_o intercourse_n where_o none_o see_v particular_o that_o remarkable_a time_n gen._n 32.24_o jacob_n be_v leave_v alone_o and_o there_o wrestle_v a_o man_n with_o he_o until_o the_o break_n of_o the_o day_n it_o be_v likely_a jacob_n have_v send_v his_o household_n away_o on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v wrestle_v with_o god_n alone_o i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v whether_o jacob_n have_v any_o extraordinary_a natural_a strength_n of_o body_n i_o be_o sure_a he_o have_v abundance_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n of_o grace_n nor_o shall_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o hebrew_n subtle_a dispute_v concern_v this_o man_n hosea_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o angel_n yet_o withal_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o his_o strength_n he_o have_v power_n with_o god_n hos_n 12.3_o 4._o therefore_o this_o be_v god_n himself_o the_o create_v 48.16_o gen._n 48.16_o not_o a_o create_a angel_n even_o jesus_n christ_n the_o angel_n that_o redeem_v he_o from_o all_o evil_a who_o malachi_n call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n mal._n 3.1_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o elohim_n who_o jacob_n overcome_v in_o this_o stupendous_a monomachia_fw-la or_o conflict_n but_o how_o do_v he_o thus_o prevail_v the_o text_n say_v with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n he_o weep_v and_o make_v supplication_n now_o he_o have_v get_v god_n to_o a_o side_n as_o it_o be_v and_o none_o come_v to_o distract_v he_o or_o to_o part_v this_o strong_a and_o bless_a duel_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o his_o hold_n and_o not_o let_v god_n go_v till_o he_o bless_v he_o and_o good_a jacob_n come_v off_o a_o noble_a conqueror_n and_o from_o that_o purchase_v the_o famous_a name_n of_o israel_n oh_o unequal_a match_n oh_o unparalleled_a conquest_n the_o seemingly-adverse_a combatant_n be_v jacob_n only_a assistant_n and_o the_o conquer_a be_v the_o invincible_a jehovah_n and_o no_o other_o second_o or_o spectator_n but_o the_o infinite_a god_n and_o worm_n jacob._n 4._o moses_n be_v a_o choice_a man_n of_o god_n who_o the_o scripture_n characterize_v as_o a_o non-such_a deut._n 34.10_o there_o arise_v not_o a_o prophet_n since_o in_o israel_n like_v unto_o moses_n who_o the_o lord_n know_v face_n to_o face_n and_o this_o intimate_a acquaintance_n be_v obtain_v maintain_v and_o exercise_v by_o this_o secret_a converse_v with_o god_n how_o often_o do_v we_o find_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o servant_n moses_n together_o and_o none_o with_o they_o yea_o moses_n only_a must_v come_v near_o and_o the_o rest_n must_v worship_v afar_o off_o 14.12_o exod._n 14.12_o and_o what_o business_n have_v these_o familiar_a friend_n one_o with_o another_o why_o sometime_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o moses_n sometime_o moses_n speak_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n see_v both_o together_o in_o exod._n 32.9_o 10_o 11._o a_o strange_a scripture_n god_n and_o moses_n have_v be_v converse_v with_o each_o other_o in_o the_o mount_n forty_o day_n god_n tell_v moses_n the_o people_n have_v make_v they_o a_o melt_a calf_n and_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o will_v consume_v they_o and_o bid_v moses_n let_v he_o alone_o as_o though_o moses_n have_v bind_v the_o hand_n of_o omnipotency_n nay_o then_o think_v moses_n if_o my_o poor_a people_n be_v in_o this_o hazard_n since_o i_o be_o with_o god_n i_o will_v ply_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o improve_v my_o interest_n for_o they_o and_o then_o he_o fall_v close_o to_o the_o work_n and_o beseech_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o say_v at_o this_o time_n he_o alone_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n 106.25_o psal_n 106.25_o and_o prevail_v by_o his_o intercession_n to_o turn_v away_o god_n wrath_n from_o israel_n here_o be_v a_o work_n and_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o secret_a prayer_n 5._o david_n the_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n be_v a_o man_n much_o skill_v in_o secret_a or_o closet_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n hence_o some_o of_o his_o psalm_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v first_o compose_v in_o cave_n wilderness_n and_o solitary_a place_n psal_n 142._o title_n be_v maschil_n of_o david_n a_o prayer_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o cave_n and_o this_o be_v for_o instruction_n to_o we_o so_o maschil_n signify_v yea_o he_o purposely_o compile_v the_o 102._o psal_n as_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o that_o may_v be_v in_o his_o case_n that_o be_v solitary_a as_o a_o pelican_n in_o the_o wilderness_n a_o owl_n in_o the_o desert_n or_o a_o sparrow_n alone_o upon_o the_o house_n top_n v._o 6_o 7._o then_o they_o be_v to_o pray_v as_o he_o do_v and_o to_o pour_v out_o their_o complaint_n before_o the_o lord_n yea_o upon_o a_o declaration_n of_o god_n covenant_n design_n of_o mercy_n to_o david_n and_o his_o house_n the_o good_a man_n go_v either_o into_o some_o private_a room_n in_o his_o own_o house_n or_o into_o the_o tent_n before_o the_o ark_n and_o there_o set_v himself_o first_o to_o meditate_v then_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o do_v both_o as_o that_o scripture_n clear_o intimate_v 2_o sam._n 7.17_o 27._o and_o oh_o what_o memorable_a fruit_n of_o secret_a prayer_n have_v david_n frequent_o sure_o he_o feel_v the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o both_o in_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o political_a affair_n therefore_o he_o commend_v it_o to_o all_o psal_n 4._o commune_fw-la with_o your_o own_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n or_o in_o your_o bedchamber_n and_o there_o also_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o righteousness_n and_o put_v your_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 4.5_o sect_n v._o five_o more_o instance_n produce_v 6._o another_o example_n from_o scripture_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n be_v the_o famous_a man_n of_o god_n elijah_n who_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n and_o be_v mighty_a in_o prayer_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n james_n testify_v of_o he_o chap._n 5_o 17_o 18._o that_o he_o can_v shut_v and_o open_a heaven_n he_o have_v as_o it_o be_v get_v the_o key_n of_o the_o cloud_n to_o open_v the_o window_n of_o heaven_n that_o it_o may_v rain_v or_o not_o rain_n according_a to_o his_o word_n but_o how_o come_v he_o by_o this_o power_n why_o certain_o he_o have_v great_a acquaintance_n with_o his_o god_n in_o secret_a take_v one_o instance_n what_o his_o practice_n be_v 1_o king_n 17.19_o to_o ver_fw-la 24._o it_o be_v the_o memorable_a history_n of_o raise_v the_o widow_n woman_n dead_a son_n it_o be_v a_o great_a undertake_n none_o but_o god_n can_v raise_v the_o dead_a god_n be_v to_o be_v implore_v by_o earnest_a prayer_n no_o
place_n so_o fit_a for_o that_o great_a duty_n as_o a_o closet_n or_o some_o close_o chamber_n therefore_o he_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o his_o god_n in_o good_a hard_a earnest_n about_o this_o important_a business_n say_v the_o text_n he_o carry_v he_o up_o into_o a_o loft_n where_o he_o abide_v and_o lay_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o bed_n and_o then_o he_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 19_o 20._o it_o be_v not_o the_o first_o time_n elijah_n have_v there_o wrestle_v with_o god_n if_o it_o be_v his_o lodging_n room_n it_o be_v his_o pray_a room_n and_o here_o god_n hear_v he_o and_o wrought_v the_o miracle_n what_o he_o do_v for_o elijah_n he_o can_v and_o will_v do_v for_o we_o if_o he_o see_v fit_a for_o elijah_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n and_o subject_a to_o like_a passion_n as_o we_o be_v 7._o jeremiah_n be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n he_o be_v a_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n sanctify_v from_o his_o mother_n womb_n yet_o he_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o discouragement_n that_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o leave_v his_o people_n 2._o jer._n 9.1_o 2._o and_o he_o wish_v for_o a_o lodging-place_n in_o the_o wilderness_n i._n e._n some_o solitary_a retirement_n that_o there_o he_o may_v take_v his_o fill_n of_o weep_v however_o he_o resolve_v at_o present_a that_o wherever_o he_o be_v he_o will_v get_v retire_v and_o say_v he_o my_o soul_n shall_v weep_v in_o secret_a place_n for_o your_o pride_n jer._n 13.17_o yet_o more_o punctual_o to_o the_o business_n of_o secret_a prayer_n see_v jer._n 15.17_o say_v he_o i_o sit_v alone_o because_o of_o thy_o hand_n but_o what_o do_v he_o alone_a do_v he_o only_o poor_a and_o muse_v upon_o the_o church_n sin_n and_o suffering_n no_o he_o have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o his_o god_n ver_fw-la 18._o why_o be_v my_o pain_n perpetual_a and_o god_n then_o have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o he_o by_o way_n of_o gracious_a answer_n ver_fw-la 19_o if_o thou_o return_v then_o will_v i_o bring_v thou_o again_o and_o thou_o shall_v stand_v before_o i_o this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o his_o secret_a prayer_n a_o restauration_n of_o he_o to_o and_o his_o confirmation_n in_o his_o office_n and_o function_n and_o to_o the_o public_a exercise_n thereof_o this_o be_v worth_a pray_v for_o 8._o daniel_n be_v a_o famous_a pattern_n of_o the_o resolute_a and_o courageous_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n against_o all_o opposition_n although_o he_o may_v have_v plead_v if_o ever_o any_o there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v be_v slay_v in_o the_o street_n or_o den_n for_o my_o work_n in_o my_o chamber_n yet_o he_o fear_v nothing_o he_o venture_v upon_o a_o severe_a law_n his_o prince_n displeasure_n the_o loss_n of_o his_o preferment_n the_o rage_n of_o his_o competitor_n and_o the_o lion_n hungry_a stomach_n rather_o than_o he_o will_v omit_v or_o intermit_v his_o accustom_a course_n of_o chamber-worship_n he_o will_v endure_v the_o lion_n cruelty_n rather_o than_o neglect_v a_o know_a duty_n nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o gratify_v his_o proud_a adversary_n that_o he_o will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o abate_v his_o wont_a frequency_n or_o visibility_n in_o the_o duty_n but_o his_o window_n be_v open_a towards_o jerusalem_n be_v kneel_v upon_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v dan_o 6.10_o but_o do_v daniel_n hold_v out_o a_o flag_n or_o blow_v a_o trumpet_n by_o set_v open_a his_o window_n to_o declare_v to_o man_n what_o he_o be_v a_o go_v to_o do_v be_v not_o this_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o text_n be_v we_o here_o command_v to_o shut_v our_o door_n and_o may_v daniel_n open_v his_o window_n be_v not_o that_o all_o one_o sure_o that_o good_a man_n do_v not_o open_v his_o window_n out_o of_o hypocrisy_n and_o vainglory_n but_o to_o show_v his_o resolution_n courage_n and_o constancy_n out-daring_a these_o impious_a impudent_a command_n of_o man_n he_o do_v not_o fear_v to_o be_v see_v now_o in_o so_o plain_a a_o case_n what_o spirit_n be_v they_o of_o that_o will_v rather_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o roar_a lion_n and_o incur_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v more_o terrible_a than_o a_o thousand_o hungry_a lion_n than_o solemn_o perform_v this_o useful_a duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n let_v careless_a soul_n consider_v this_o 9_o peter_n a_o famous_a apostle_n shall_v be_v another_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n act._n 9.40_o when_o tabytha_n or_o dorcas_n lay_v dead_a in_o a_o upper_a chamber_n and_o the_o widow_n stand_v weep_v by_o she_o and_o he_o be_v to_o raise_v she_o he_o put_v they_o all_o forth_o and_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v and_o turn_v he_o to_o the_o body_n say_v tabytha_n arise_v and_o she_o open_v her_o eye_n see_v here_o another_o miracle_n like_o elijah_n upon_o secret_a prayer_n but_o this_o be_v upon_o a_o extraordinary_a case_n do_v peter_n use_v to_o pray_v alone_o yes_o turn_v but_o to_o the_o next_o chapter_n act._n 10.9_o peter_n go_v up_o upon_o the_o housetop_n to_o pray_v about_o the_o six_o hour_n which_o be_v about_o noon_n another_o pray_a season_n 55.17_o psal_n 55.17_o certain_o he_o miss_v not_o morning_n and_o night_n for_o such_o devotion_n he_o go_v to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o flat-rooft_a house_n which_o be_v a_o private_a place_n and_o equivalent_a to_o a_o closet_n there_o peter_n pray_v and_o in_o that_o prayer_n he_o fall_v into_o a_o trance_n and_o in_o that_o trance_n he_o have_v a_o vision_n concern_v the_o call_n in_o of_o the_o gentile_n a_o glorious_a mystery_n and_o transcendent_a mercy_n towards_o we_o poor_a outcast_n 6._o rom._n 16.25_o col_fw-fr 1.26_o 27._o eph._n 2.4_o 6._o a_o mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v hide_v fromage_n &_o generation_n this_o bless_a mystery_n that_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v fellow-heir_n and_o of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o partaker_n of_o his_o promise_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n yet_o this_o transcendent_a design_n of_o love_n be_v manifest_v to_o a_o choice_n apostle_n while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n this_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o worth_a observation_n 10._o the_o last_o instance_n be_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n our_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n be_v very_o conversant_a in_o this_o duty_n mark_n 1.35_o in_o the_o morning_n rise_v up_o a_o great_a while_n before_o day_n he_o go_v out_o and_o depart_v into_o a_o solitary_a place_n and_o there_o pray_v our_o precious_a redeemer_n go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o the_o day_n time_n he_o usual_o spend_v in_o preach_v confer_v heal_a disease_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o night_n he_o spend_v in_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o such_o other_o holy_a exercise_n he_o have_v scarce_o time_n to_o eat_v or_o sleep_v for_o do_v his_o father_n work_n he_o spend_v not_o one_o moment_n of_o time_n unprofitable_o in_o a_o above_o thirty_o year_n how_o early_o do_v he_o rise_v and_o earnest_o do_v he_o follow_v his_o business_n for_o communion_n with_o his_o father_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n yea_o luk._n 6.12_o he_o continue_v all_o night_n in_o prayer_n to_o god_n i._n e._n in_o a_o mountain_n 26.36_o mar._n 26.36_o in_o secret_a prayer_n and_o frequent_o elsewhere_o we_o shall_v find_v he_o alone_o and_o in_o this_o work_n and_o wherefore_o be_v all_o this_o be_v it_o not_o principal_o for_o our_o sake_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o imitation_n yes_o certain_o he_o design_v our_o good_a in_o all_o he_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v pray_v and_o reap_v the_o profit_n of_o his_o prayer_n and_o purchase_n 425._o nec_fw-la verbis_fw-la tantum_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o factis_fw-la dominus_fw-la orare_fw-la nos_fw-la docuit_fw-la ipse_fw-la orans_fw-la frequentorâ—_n &_o deprecans_fw-la &_o quid_fw-la facere_fw-la noâ—_n oportet_fw-la exempli_fw-la svi_fw-la contestatione_fw-la demonstrans_fw-la cyp._n serm._n de_fw-fr orat_fw-la dom._n p._n 425._o hear_v we_o cyprian_n sweet_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o deed_n himself_o pray_v frequent_o and_o deprecate_v and_o so_o demonstrate_v what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v by_o the_o witness_n give_v of_o his_o own_o example_n thus_o he_o most_o divine_n hold_v the_o obligatory_a power_n of_o scripture-example_n in_o thing_n not_o forbid_v especial_o be_v so_o laudable_a a_o practice_n and_o employ_v in_o other_o scripture_n all_o the_o former_a instance_n seem_v cogent_a argument_n but_o the_o last_o concern_v jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o positive_a precept_n and_o command_n but_o there_o be_v few_o or_o none_o that_o have_v the_o face_n of_o christian_n dare_v deny_v this_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o i_o fear_v many_o that_o will_v go_v for_o christian_n live_v in_o the_o ordinary_a neglect_n of_o it_o
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 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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 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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
temple_n alas_o poor_a jonah_n know_v not_o now_o which_o way_n the_o temple_n stand_v he_o have_v but_o a_o short_a prospect_n in_o that_o dark_a and_o narrow_a prison_n yes_o faith_n can_v set_v jonah_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o mountain_n of_o israel_n that_o thence_o he_o may_v see_v as_o far_o as_o mount_n zion_n and_o reach_v as_o high_a as_o heaven_n he_o pray_v yea_o cry_n god_n hear_v and_o deliver_v as_o low_a as_o he_o be_v he_o knock_v at_o heaven_n gate_n and_o his_o prayer_n do_v pierce_v the_o cloud_n it_o make_v bold_a and_o step_n in_o my_o prayer_n say_v he_o come_v in_o unto_o thou_o into_o thy_o holy_a temple_n jonah_n 2.2_o 7._o oh_o the_o strange_a and_o swift_a motion_n of_o a_o believe_a prayer_n let_v the_o pray_a soul_n be_v where_o it_o will_v the_o prayer_n will_v come_v to_o god_n ear_n and_o get_v a_o answer_n 2._o a_o child_n of_o god_n that_o can_v speak_v a_o word_n may_v put_v up_o a_o acceptable_a prayer_n suppose_v the_o tongue_n which_o be_v the_o organ_n of_o speech_n be_v cut_v out_o yet_o a_o saint_n can_v thereby_o be_v obstruct_v in_o his_o access_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o as_o amesius_n say_v oratio_fw-la formaliter_fw-la est_fw-la actus_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la prayer_n be_v formal_o the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n desire_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o prayer_n which_o god_n may_v hear_v though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v for_o he_o know_v the_o heart_n psal_n 10.17_o lord_n thou_o have_v hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o humble_a a_o saint_n desire_v be_v a_o real_a prayer_n if_o the_o desire_n be_v right_a word_n be_v but_o the_o outward_a garb_n habit_n or_o clothes_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o prayer_n the_o carcase_n or_o shell_n of_o the_o duty_n ardent_a desire_n be_v the_o life_n kernel_n 2.4_o exod._n 14.15_o 1_o sam._n 1.13_o neh._n 2.4_o marrow_n of_o the_o performance_n hence_o we_o find_v that_o moses_n hannah_n and_o nehemiah_n be_v say_v to_o pray_v when_o scripture_n do_v not_o express_v a_o word_n they_o speak_v nor_o be_v it_o probable_a they_o do_v make_v a_o articulate_a sound_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o indulge_v carnal_a man_n in_o their_o lazy_a conceit_a ejaculation_n luth._o deus_fw-la exaudit_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la preces_fw-la indicativas_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o optativas_fw-la luth._o as_o though_o they_o can_v pray_v well_o enough_o and_o never_o speak_v or_o while_o they_o be_v work_v walk_a talk_v let_v i_o hint_n a_o word_n by_o the_o way_n to_o these_o consider_v silly_a soul_n god_n have_v give_v thou_o a_o body_n and_o thou_o must_v offer_v it_o to_o god_n as_o a_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n thou_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o pray_v and_o praise_n god_n with_o thy_o tongue_n which_o be_v thy_o glory_n yea_o let_v i_o tell_v thou_o if_o thou_o have_v those_o member_n of_o body_n and_o a_o opportunity_n to_o pray_v thus_o solemn_o with_o thy_o tongue_n upon_o thy_o knee_n and_o do_v never_o do_v it_o i_o question_v whether_o thou_o pray_v at_o all_o or_o no_o since_o thou_o live_v in_o the_o apparent_a neglect_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n what_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o saint_n real_a though_o sometime_o without_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v to_o commend_v the_o duty_n and_o comfort_v those_o saint_n that_o may_v be_v put_v to_o these_o exigency_n that_o though_o they_o can_v speak_v yet_o they_o may_v pray_v and_o be_v hear_v and_o answer_v sect_n iii_o show_v the_o power_n of_o prayer_n i_o may_v from_o hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o discover_v the_o strength_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o closet-prayer_n though_o but_o a_o poor_a single_a person_n get_v upon_o his_o knee_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o have_v no_o creature_n to_o help_v he_o yet_o he_o can_v even_o undertake_v to_o grapple_v with_o the_o omnipotent_a and_o eternal_a god_n yea_o by_o his_o strength_n may_v have_v power_n with_o god_n as_o we_o hear_v of_o jacob_n who_o by_o single_a wrestle_n with_o he_o hand_n to_o fist_n as_o it_o be_v wrestle_v a_o blessing_n from_o he_o one_o poor_a single_a elijah_n can_v stand_v against_o at_o least_o four_o hundred_o prophet_n of_o baal_n 18.36_o 1_o king_n 18.36_o and_o prevail_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o live_a god_n by_o prayer_n yea_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o elijah_n though_o but_o a_o mortal_a man_n yet_o he_o shut_v up_o and_o open_v heaven_n that_o it_o rain_v and_o rain_v not_o according_a to_o his_o prayer_n hence_o he_o infer_v a_o universal_a maxim_n that_o the_o effectual_a servant_n prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o and_o illustrate_v it_o by_o that_o notable_a instance_n james_n 5.16_o 17_o 18._o but_o some_o may_v object_v elijah_n be_v a_o great_a prophet_n a_o extraordinary_a person_n he_o may_v prevail_v when_o we_o can_v he_o answer_v he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n a_o man_n subject_n to_o like_a passion_n as_o we_o be_v a_o sinful_a creature_n he_o prevail_v not_o for_o any_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o but_o through_o faith_n in_o the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o may_v we_o there_o be_v not_o the_o mean_a child_n of_o god_n but_o have_v the_o same_o plea_n 42._o mr._n gurnal_a on_o eph._n 6.10_o p._n 42._o god_n have_v strength_n enough_o to_o give_v say_v one_o but_o he_o have_v no_o strength_n to_o deny_v here_o the_o almighty_a himself_o with_o reverence_n be_v it_o speak_v be_v weak_a even_o a_o child_n the_o weak_a in_o grace_n of_o his_o family_n that_o can_v but_o say_v father_n be_v able_a to_o overcome_v he_o for_o prayer_n be_v in_o a_o sort_n omnipotent_a it_o can_v conquer_v the_o invincible_a jehovah_n omnipotentem_fw-la vincit_fw-la invincibilem_fw-la ligat_fw-la omnipotentem_fw-la and_o bind_v the_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v of_o a_o omnipotent_a god_n so_o that_o god_n be_v fain_o to_o cry_v out_o to_o wrestle_a moses_n let_v i_o alone_o it_o be_v say_v of_o luther_n that_o man_n can_v do_v with_o god_n even_o what_o he_o will_v prayer_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o command_v compulsive_a power_n that_o be_v a_o strange_a text_n isa_n 45.11_o ask_v i_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v concern_v my_o son_n and_o concern_v the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n command_v you_o i_o so_o some_o take_v it_o you_o shall_v find_v i_o as_o ready_a to_o do_v you_o service_n as_o if_o you_o have_v i_o at_o command_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v wary_o receive_v not_o as_o though_o god_n be_v force_v to_o any_o thing_n against_o his_o will_n but_o when_o god_n people_n pray_v aright_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o will_n 5.14_o 1_o joh._n 5.14_o he_o hear_v they_o and_o this_o he_o attribute_n to_o prayer_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o that_o duty_n and_o encouragement_n of_o pray_v soul_n that_o be_v a_o notable_a text_n to_o show_v the_o readiness_n of_o god_n to_o answer_v prayer_n joh._n 16.26_o 27._o i_o say_v not_o unto_o you_o that_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n for_o you_o for_o the_o father_n himself_o love_v you_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n do_v not_o simple_o deny_v that_o he_o will_v intercede_v for_o they_o but_o show_v how_o ready_a god_n be_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n to_o grant_v the_o saint_n petition_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v put_v to_o any_o great_a trouble_n about_o it_o but_o shall_v be_v quick_o dispatch_v in_o their_o errand_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o as_o 4._o as_o exiguus_fw-la gemitus_fw-la in_o auribus_fw-la dei_fw-la fortissimas_fw-la est_fw-la clamour_n &_o ita_fw-la coelum_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la replet_n ut_fw-la praeter_fw-la eum_fw-la deus_fw-la nihil_fw-la audiat_fw-la atcompescit_fw-la omnes_fw-la omnium_fw-la aliarum_fw-la rerum_fw-la clamores_fw-la luth._o tom_n 4._o luther_n speak_v a_o poor_a groan_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o do_v so_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o god_n can_v hear_v nothing_o beside_o it_o and_o silence_v all_o other_o tumult_n to_o hearken_v to_o it_o of_o what_o a_o easy_a quick_a access_n my_o bless_a lord_n be_v thou_o how_o sudden_o may_v our_o request_n thy_o ear_n invade_v to_o show_v that_o state_n dislike_v not_o easiness_n if_o i_o but_o lift_v my_o eye_n my_o suit_n be_v make_v thou_o can_v no_o more_o not_o hear_v than_o thou_o can_v die_v see_v more_o in_o herbert_n poem_n pag._n 95._o sect_n iv_o show_v the_o property_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a once_o more_o i_o may_v show_v the_o duty_n and_o property_n of_o a_o sincere_a christian_a that_o can_v make_v this_o excellent_a use_n of_o solitariness_n carnal_a person_n love_v not_o to_o be_v alone_o except_o they_o be_v such_o who_o constitution_n incline_v they_o to_o melancholy_a and_o then_o they_o sit_v pore_v on_o thing_n without_o profit_n it_o be_v only_o the_o gracious_a soul_n that_o can_v tell_v how_o
redeemer_n find_v a_o soul_n upon_o its_o knee_n before_o the_o lord_n oh_o the_o hearty_a welcome_n it_o will_v give_v unto_o its_o god_n this_o be_v the_o time_n he_o wait_v for_o he_o be_v get_v into_o a_o corner_n be_v sigh_v for_o his_o sin_n plead_v for_o mercy_n breathe_v after_o grace_n and_o pant_v for_o glory_n and_o behold_v what_o a_o quick_a return_n do_v his_o god_n make_v even_o while_o he_o be_v speak_v and_o pray_v the_o lord_n do_v send_v a_o guard_n of_o angel_n to_o conduct_v the_o soul_n into_o eternal_a mansion_n where_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n shall_v part_v no_o more_o bless_a for_o ever_o happy_a be_v that_o soul_n who_o its_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v now_o consider_v of_o it_o whether_o state_n will_v you_o be_v find_v in_o and_o do_v not_o you_o know_v his_o come_v may_v be_v sudden_a and_o unexpected_a will_v you_o be_v find_v under_o neglect_n or_o in_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o a_o duty_n will_v you_o not_o be_v carry_v from_o your_o closet-devotion_n to_o eternal_a communion_n with_o god_n oh_o then_o take_v our_o lord_n most_o wholesome_a counsel_n take_v you_o heed_n watch_n and_o pray_v for_o you_o know_v not_o when_o the_o time_n be_v mark_v 13.33_o i_o may_v here_o challenge_v christian_n also_o not_o only_o for_o their_o neglect_n of_o but_o careless_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n with_o what_o sorry_a shift_n do_v we_o put_v off_o god_n how_o hard_o dead_a unbelieving_a distract_a be_v our_o heart_n in_o secret_a god_n take_v much_o pleasure_n in_o adverb_n it_o please_v not_o god_n that_o a_o duty_n be_v do_v except_o it_o be_v well_o do_v many_o satisfy_v their_o own_o conscience_n that_o they_o have_v pray_v but_o consider_v not_o how_o they_o pray_v there_o be_v a_o curse_n on_o such_o as_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n negligent_o 1.14_o jer._n 48.13_o mal._n 1.14_o and_o that_o have_v in_o their_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o offer_v to_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o get_v a_o curse_n upon_o our_o knee_n when_o we_o come_v for_o a_o blessing_n look_v to_o it_o god_n take_v notice_n how_o you_o pray_v the_o devil_n stand_v under_o your_o closet-window_n and_o hear_v what_o you_o say_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a all_o the_o while_n study_v how_o he_o may_v commence_v a_o suit_n against_o you_o for_o your_o duty_n like_o those_o that_o come_v to_o sermon_n to_o carp_v or_o catch_v at_o what_o the_o preacher_n say_v or_o as_o one_o say_v like_o a_o cunning_a opponent_n in_o the_o school_n while_o his_o adversary_n be_v busy_a read_v his_o position_n he_o be_v study_v to_o confute_v it_o and_o oh_o what_o advantage_n do_v we_o often_o give_v satan_n to_o trip_v we_o and_o take_v we_o tardy_a what_o occasion_n do_v we_o afford_v he_o to_o accuse_v we_o to_o god_n and_o to_o ourselves_o while_o we_o have_v our_o filthy_a garment_n on_o we_o yea_o remissness_n in_o our_o duty_n bring_v decay_v in_o grace_n tradesman_n may_v go_v behind_o hand_n by_o be_v careless_a in_o their_o deal_n as_o well_o as_o by_o be_v much_o out_o of_o their_o shop_n alas_o what_o sad_a decay_n be_v in_o our_o soul_n for_o want_n of_o close_o and_o constant_a communion_n with_o god_n we_o have_v very_o perverse_a heart_n we_o have_v much_o ado_n with_o they_o when_o we_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a it_o be_v our_o great_a sin_n we_o be_v so_o much_o out_o of_o order_n even_o upon_o our_o knee_n satan_n send_v his_o imp_n to_o haunt_v and_o torment_n mean_v we_o he_o jog_v our_o hand_n when_o we_o be_v to_o write_v a_o letter_n to_o heaven_n in_o our_o prayer_n so_o that_o we_o can_v scarce_o make_v sense_n of_o what_o we_o present_v to_o god_n our_o thought_n be_v unfixed_a range_v abroad_o like_o a_o spaniel_n to_o a_o thousand_o object_n so_o that_o sometime_o we_o have_v lose_v ourselves_o and_o know_v not_o where_o we_o be_v oh_o let_v we_o lament_v our_o vain_a and_o trifle_a spirit_n in_o secret_a duty_n and_o turn_v we_o unto_o god_n for_o help_v as_o a_o servant_n when_o the_o child_n he_o tend_v be_v troublesome_a and_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o call_v out_o to_o the_o father_n to_o come_v to_o he_o who_o no_o soon_o speak_v the_o word_n but_o all_o be_v whist_a with_o he_o our_o god_n can_v set_v in_o order_n our_o unruly_a spirit_n only_o he_o will_v be_v call_v upon_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n thus_o much_o for_o this_o use_n chap._n v._o the_o three_o use_n be_v of_o instruction_n sect_n i._o my_o next_o and_o main_a work_n be_v to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n by_o propound_v some_o help_n and_o rule_n for_o our_o direction_n which_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o head_n viz._n 1._o preparative_n to_o it_o 2._o essential_o in_o it_o 3._o circumstance_n about_o it_o 4._o consequence_n upon_o it_o 1._o look_v to_o your_o state_n and_o stand_v if_o you_o be_v not_o real_a saint_n you_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o spiritual_a duty_n your_o relation_n must_v be_v change_v by_o convert_v grace_n hence_o the_o text_n say_v pray_v to_o thy_o father_n see_v then_o that_o god_n be_v your_o father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n else_o you_o can_v true_o cry_v abba_n father_n if_o we_o must_v be_v reconcile_v to_o our_o brother_n before_o we_o offer_v our_o gift_n much_o more_o to_o god_n for_o how_o can_v two_o walk_v together_o except_o they_o be_v agree_v i_o deny_v not_o but_o a_o carnal_a soul_n shall_v retire_v himself_o into_o a_o corner_n examine_v his_o state_n fall_v down_o on_o his_o knee_n and_o beg_v convert_v and_o pardon_v grace_n and_o thus_o they_o must_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o god_n that_o they_o may_v come_v before_o he_o for_o unsound_a unconvert_v sinner_n have_v no_o right_a as_o child_n to_o call_v to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n though_o as_o creature_n they_o may_v and_o must_v seek_v unto_o god_n yet_o they_o worship_v afar_o off_o it_o be_v the_o gracious_a christian_a only_a that_o pray_v acceptable_o wicked_a man_n prayer_n be_v abomination_n a_o hypocrite_n shall_v not_o come_v before_o he_o john_n 13.16_o and_o indeed_o till_o you_o be_v real_a saint_n you_o will_v have_v no_o mind_n to_o buckle_v close_o to_o this_o duty_n truth_n of_o grace_n will_v capacitate_v you_o for_o secret_a approach_n to_o god_n strength_n of_o grace_n will_v elevate_v you_o to_o god_n and_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n will_v make_v you_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n therefore_o try_v your_o state_n inquire_v what_o relation_n you_o have_v to_o god_n or_o else_o expect_v no_o familiarity_n with_o he_o god_n will_v not_o take_v the_o wicked_a by_o the_o hand_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o these_o chamber_n of_o communion_n the_o throne_n of_o iniquity_n have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o he_o our_o lord_n jesus_n marry_v none_o but_o widow_n that_o be_v divorce_v from_o all_o other_o husband_n and_o he_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o none_o but_o his_o betroth_a spouse_n she_o he_o lead_v into_o a_o solitary_a place_n and_o speak_v to_o her_o heart_n oh_o sir_n come_v over_o clear_o to_o god_n by_o close_v with_o christ_n renounce_v yourselves_o get_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o then_o come_v and_o welcome_a to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o closet-prayer_n 2._o dispatch_v other_o thing_n off_o your_o heart_n and_o hand_n let_v not_o your_o earthly_a occasion_n intrude_v into_o your_o closet-exercise_n say_v to_o the_o care_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n as_o abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n stay_v there_o while_o i_o go_v and_o worship_v the_o lord_n yonder_o or_o as_o nehemiah_n in_o another_o case_n i_o be_o do_v a_o great_a work_n and_o i_o can_v come_v down_o to_o you_o so_o do_v thou_o say_v i_o have_v appoint_v other_o time_n and_o season_n for_o attend_v worldly_a business_n let_v i_o alone_o with_o my_o god_n every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n communion_n with_o god_n be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v attend_v at_o once_o i_o must_v not_o be_v divert_v by_o other_o object_n the_o business_n i_o be_o about_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n i_o must_v consult_v how_o i_o may_v attend_v upon_o the_o lord_n without_o distraction_n and_o worldly_a matter_n have_v distract_v i_o in_o god_n service_n and_o have_v cost_v i_o many_o a_o tear_n therefore_o get_v away_o from_o i_o why_o shall_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n cease_v why_o shall_v i_o be_v hinder_v from_o my_o god_n what_o can_v you_o afford_v i_o that_o can_v be_v worth_a one_o hour_n communion_n with_o my_o god_n thus_o do_v you_o actual_o renounce_v the_o world_n for_o you_o can_v mind_v two_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o observe_v it_o if_o
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
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
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
joy_n i._n e._n no_o creature_n on_o earth_n be_v privy_a to_o the_o secret_a groan_n or_o sweet_a solace_n of_o a_o retire_a saint_n that_o be_v the_o second_o reason_n sect_n iii_o the_o three_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o god_n see_v in_o secret_a another_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o god_n omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n the_o text_n say_v thy_o father_n see_v in_o secret_a and_o the_o strength_n or_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n 1._o god_n see_v in_o secret_a therefore_o he_o take_v notice_n whether_o thou_o pray_v in_o secret_a yea_o or_o no_o he_o look_v after_o thou_o as_o it_o be_v when_o thou_o go_v into_o such_o a_o chamber_n and_o solitary_a place_n and_o say_v that_o soul_n have_v now_o a_o opportunity_n a_o convenient_a place_n and_o fit_a occasion_n to_o wait_v upon_o i_o and_o will_v he_o not_o will_v he_o be_v always_o so_o busy_a in_o other_o company_n that_o i_o must_v have_v none_o of_o his_o fellowship_n must_v his_o converse_n be_v so_o much_o with_o man_n that_o he_o can_v spare_v no_o time_n for_o communion_n with_o god_n nay_o will_v he_o go_v so_o often_o into_o such_o a_o room_n to_o do_v such_o and_o such_o a_o business_n and_o can_v he_o never_o find_v a_o time_n to_o go_v down_o upon_o his_o knee_n and_o visit_v i_o have_v he_o so_o much_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n do_v his_o worldly_a occasion_n still_o thrust_v out_o spiritual_a meditation_n will_v he_o never_o set_v himself_o solemn_o to_o transact_v betwixt_o myself_o and_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n the_o most_o important_a business_n of_o his_o soul_n ah_o sir_n the_o omnipresent_v god_n take_v notice_n of_o all_o your_o motion_n into_o and_o out_o of_o your_o chamber_n and_o expect_v that_o sometime_o at_o least_o your_o soul_n shall_v wait_v upon_o he_o and_o why_o shall_v christian_n frustrate_v his_o expectation_n 2._o god_n see_v in_o secret_a therefore_o he_o have_v see_v thy_o secret_a sin_n and_o sin_n in_o secret_a thy_n close_o and_o closet-wickedness_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o the_o pierce_a eye_n of_o a_o all-seeing_a god_n therefore_o shall_v thy_o closet-tear_n and_o prayer_n testify_v thy_o sound_n and_o save_a repentance_n for_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o practical_a divinity_n that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n must_v bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o sin_n both_o as_o to_o degree_n and_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n manassch_n humble_v himself_o great_o for_o his_o great_a abomination_n so_o for_o place_n and_o manner_n they_o that_o sin_n open_o must_v be_v rebuke_v before_o all_o and_o testify_v their_o repentance_n before_o the_o church_n 5.20_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o so_o if_o the_o sin_n be_v private_a or_o less_o know_v the_o rule_n in_o mat._n 18.15.16_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o private_a admonition_n and_o confession_n and_o consequent_o secret_a sin_n must_v be_v secret_o mourn_v for_o when_o thy_o sin_n be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n and_o thy_o own_o conscience_n thou_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o discover_v they_o to_o any_o other_o but_o to_o god_n in_o a_o hearty_a secret_a repentance_n except_o in_o some_o few_o case_n here_o then_o come_v in_o secret_a prayer_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n well_o then_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o without_o our_o secret_a sin_n and_o god_n see_v they_o all_o though_o never_o so_o privy_o commit_v we_o may_v hide_v sin_n from_o man_n we_o can_v hide_v it_o from_o the_o lord_n he_o set_v our_o secret_a sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o countenance_n psal_n 90.8_o his_o eye_n be_v open_a upon_o all_o the_o way_n of_o man_n and_o who_o know_v all_o the_o error_n of_o his_o life_n 5.10_o job_n 34.21_o 21._o jer._n 32.19_o pro._n 5.10_o therefore_o must_v we_o get_v alone_o and_o enumerate_v all_o the_o sin_n we_o know_v of_o and_o desire_v god_n to_o show_v we_o what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o with_o holy_a david_n breath_n out_o that_o devout_a petition_n psal_n 19.12_o cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a fault_n 3._o god_n see_v in_o secret_a therefore_o thou_o do_v not_o lose_v thy_o labour_n though_o man_n know_v not_o where_o thou_o be_v or_o what_o thou_o be_v a_o do_v yet_o thy_o god_n take_v notice_n of_o thou_o thou_o do_v not_o thy_o good_a work_n incognito_o though_o thy_o groan_n be_v not_o see_v or_o hear_v by_o man_n yet_o they_o be_v well_o know_v to_o thy_o god_n psal_n 38.9_o lord_n all_o my_o desire_n be_v before_o thou_o and_o my_o groan_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o as_o if_o david_n shall_v say_v lord_n i_o many_o time_n withdraw_v myself_o into_o a_o closet_n or_o retire_a place_n and_o there_o i_o open_v before_o the_o lord_n the_o sorrow_n of_o my_o soul_n i_o pour_v out_o my_o heart_n like_o water_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n lam._n 2.19_o sometime_o in_o the_o night-watche_n or_o in_o solitary_a place_n none_o know_v what_o i_o be_o do_v no_o eye_n see_v no_o ear_n hear_v my_o briny_a trear_n or_o bitter_a outcry_n but_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n hide_v not_o his_o eye_n from_o my_o tear_n stop_v not_o his_o ear_n to_o my_o cry_n but_o know_v my_o groan_n yea_o my_o very_a desire_n observe_v it_o there_o be_v not_o a_o believe_a prayer_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o file_n and_o on_o record_n in_o heaven_n though_o offer_v up_o by_o a_o obscure_a person_n &_o in_o a_o obscure_a place_n yea_o god_n know_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n 8.17_o rom._n 8.17_o though_o the_o trouble_a saint_n can_v tell_v whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o no_o but_o this_o know_v that_o secret_a prayer_n in_o a_o chamber_n be_v as_o well_o know_v to_o god_n as_o open_a prayer_n in_o a_o public_a church_n heart-ejaculations_a be_v own_v by_o god_n as_o well_o as_o loud_a acclamation_n god_n take_v notice_n of_o hezekiah_n when_o he_o turn_v his_o face_n towards_o the_o wall_n and_o weep_v and_o pray_v and_o say_v god_n i_o have_v hear_v thy_o prayer_n i_o have_v see_v thy_o tear_n isa_n 38.5_o though_o man_n do_v not_o much_o take_v notice_n god_n do_v yea_o more_o he_o express_v his_o approbation_n and_o acceptation_n of_o these_o sacrifice_n in_o secret_a but_o of_o that_o anon_o 4._o god_n see_v in_o secret_a therefore_o closet-prayer_n be_v a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n when_o you_o pray_v in_o a_o corner_n you_o testify_v your_o faith_n in_o god_n ubiquity_n and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o this_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v yea_o will_v have_v we_o to_o lie_v under_o the_o sense_n hereof_o hence_o that_o vehement_a expostulation_n jer._n 23.24_o can_v any_o hide_v himself_o in_o secret_a place_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o see_v he_o say_v the_o lord_n do_v not_o i_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n say_v the_o lord_n yes_o say_v the_o believe_a soul_n i_o know_v thou_o be_v every_o where_n no_o thought_n can_v be_v withheld_a from_o thou_o therefore_o i_o wait_v on_o thou_o here_o all_o be_v one_o where_o i_o be_o for_o wherever_o i_o be_o i_o can_v run_v away_o from_o thou_o and_o wherever_o i_o be_o i_o may_v approach_v unto_o thou_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o to_o break_a heart_n and_o pray_v soul_n 18._o psal_n 34.15_o 17_o 18._o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o every_o one_o of_o we_o but_o his_o special_a presence_n be_v with_o his_o saint_n in_o duty_n david_n compose_v a_o psalm_n of_o god_n immensity_n psal_n 139._o wherein_o he_o show_v 1._o god_n omniscience_n in_o the_o six_o first_o verse_n thou_o know_v my_o down-sitting_a and_o i_o up_o rise_v etc._n etc._n 2_o god_n omnipresence_n ver_fw-la 7._o to_o ver_fw-la 14._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n if_o to_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o etc._n etc._n darkness_n and_o light_n be_v both_o alike_o to_o thou_o and_o what_o use_n do_v holy_a david_n make_v of_o this_o heavenly_a doctrine_n sure_o if_o god_n will_v be_v with_o he_o wherever_o he_o be_v he_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v with_o god_n v._o 18._o when_o i_o awake_v i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o i._n e._n by_o secret_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n when_o i_o lie_v down_o i_o commend_v my_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o thou_o and_o when_o i_o rise_v up_o i_o meditate_v of_o thou_o when_o i_o go_v to_o sleep_v i_o pray_v when_o i_o awake_v i_o be_o with_o god_n by_o holy_a and_o precious_a thought_n so_o that_o i_o be_o still_o with_o god_n all_o my_o day_n in_o all_o place_n condition_n relation_n company_n i_o be_o still_o with_o my_o god_n and_o as_o a_o good_a man_n
you_o leave_v any_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n tarry_v for_o your_o attendance_n the_o thought_n of_o they_o will_v attend_v you_o and_o make_v you_o cut_v your_o duty_n short_a and_o run_v away_o before_o your_o heart_n be_v warm_v therefore_o if_o it_o may_v be_v dispatch_v they_o however_o rid_v your_o heart_n of_o they_o the_o heathen_a leave_v their_o shoe_n at_o the_o temple-door_n to_o show_v that_o all_o earthly_a occasion_n and_o affection_n must_v be_v leave_v behind_o when_o we_o go_v to_o god_n let_v vain_a or_o busy_a thought_n have_v there_o no_o part_n bring_v not_o thy_o blow_n thy_o plot_n thy_o pleasure_n thither_o christ_n purge_v his_o temple_n so_o must_v thou_o thy_o heart_n all_o worldly_a thought_n be_v but_o thief_n meet_v together_o to_o cozen_v thou_o herbert_n sect_n ii_o two_o more_o preparative_n to_o secret_a prayer_n 3._o set_v yourselves_o in_o god_n presence_n although_o you_o be_v not_o within_o the_o view_n of_o any_o mortal_a creature_n yet_o the_o eternal_a god_n see_v what_o you_o be_v a_o go_v about_o so_o say_v the_o text_n your_o father_n see_v in_o secret_a darkness_n or_o clossness_n hide_v not_o from_o he_o and_o it_o be_v more_o that_o one_o god_n see_v you_o than_o if_o all_o the_o man_n on_o earth_n gaze_v at_o you_o his_o eye_n be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n bright_a than_o the_o sun_n and_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n 66.18_o heb._n 1.13_o psal_n 26.6_o psal_n 66.18_o therefore_o wash_v your_o hand_n in_o innocency_n before_o you_o compass_v his_o altar_n for_o if_o you_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o your_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v your_o prayer_n therefore_o set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o you_o especial_o now_o you_o be_v set_n yourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n if_o that_o caveat_n be_v enough_o to_o beget_v reverence_n in_o a_o heathen_a cato_n cave_n spectat_fw-la cato_n cato_n see_v thou_o oh_o what_o reverence_n will_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n omnipresence_n beget_v in_o thy_o heart_n if_o due_o weigh_v christian_n weight_n your_o spirit_n with_o such_o meditation_n as_o these_o god_n eye_n be_v never_o off_o i_o i_o be_o daily_o walk_v in_o the_o sun_n but_o now_o i_o be_o set_v myself_o to_o pray_v in_o secret_a i_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n i_o may_v deceive_v man_n and_o myself_o but_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v i_o have_v need_v now_o engage_v my_o heart_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o look_v for_o oh_o for_o a_o spirit_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o majesty_n who_o i_o come_v to_o worship_n lord_n draw_v out_o my_o affection_n unite_v my_o heart_n excite_v my_o grace_n that_o my_o whole_a soul_n may_v be_v carry_v after_o god_n thus_o commit_v thy_o work_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o thy_o thought_n shall_v be_v establish_v 16.3_o psal_n 37.5_o prov._n 16.3_o when_o thou_o be_v set_v thy_o face_n towards_o a_o duty_n where_o thou_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v satan_n and_o carry_v with_o thou_o a_o corrupt_a deceitful_a heart_n let_v god_n know_v from_o thy_o mouth_n whither_o thou_o be_v go_v what_o thy_o fear_n be_v never_o say_v one_o do_v the_o soul_n march_v in_o so_o good_a order_n as_o when_o it_o put_v itself_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n and_o never_o be_v it_o so_o awful_a as_o when_o it_o set_v itself_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n gen._n 17.1_o i_o be_o god_n almighty_a walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a when_o you_o sensible_o discern_v you_o be_v kneel_v before_o god_n will_v not_o this_o make_v you_o perfect_a sincere_a and_o grow_v holy_a if_o you_o think_v god_n be_v not_o in_o your_o closet_n what_o do_v you_o go_v to_o pray_v there_o for_o and_o if_o you_o know_v he_o see_v you_o there_o why_o do_v you_o not_o think_v so_o and_o set_v yourselves_o as_o in_o his_o presence_n the_o child_n will_v stand_v demure_o before_o his_o father_n the_o scholar_n before_o his_o master_n and_o so_o will_v the_o gracious_a soul_n before_o god_n in_o duty_n if_o sensible_a of_o his_o presence_n 4._o muster_v up_o your_o thought_n and_o way_n our_o thought_n and_o affection_n be_v like_o the_o string_n of_o a_o instrument_n out_o of_o tune_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o wind_n and_o screw_v they_o up_o this_o be_v that_o which_o zophar_n advise_v to_o job_n 11.13_o to_o prepare_v the_o heart_n and_o then_o stretch_v forth_o the_o hand_n and_o for_o this_o end_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o when_o you_o come_v into_o a_o private_a room_n to_o pray_v in_o secret_a first_o to_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o scripture_n which_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o compose_v your_o spirit_n and_o like_o david_n harp_n to_o saul_n drive_v away_o your_o wild_a imagination_n yea_o the_o word_n read_v may_v afford_v you_o suitable_a matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n more_o particular_o let_v i_o add_v one_o experience_a help_n which_o be_v this_o when_o you_o be_v addressing_z yourselves_o to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n endeavour_v to_o fix_v your_o thought_n upon_o some_o particular_a subject_n to_o enlarge_v upon_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o you_o have_v sometime_o one_o special_a errand_n to_o god_n sometime_o another_o if_o you_o observe_v your_o condition_n well_o be_v sure_a to_o mind_n that_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o confess_v some_o predominant_a sin_n to_o beg_v pardon_n of_o it_o power_n against_o it_o you_o may_v have_v in_o your_o eye_n some_o grace_n that_o you_o need_v more_o than_o ordinary_o and_o see_v your_o weakness_n and_o defect_n therein_o etc._n etc._n now_o do_v not_o satisfy_v yourselves_o in_o run_v out_o into_o general_n only_o but_o set_v yourselves_o to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o your_o soul_n in_o that_o very_a case_n which_o you_o have_v find_v out_o by_o serious_a inquiry_n will_v most_o engage_v you_o at_o that_o time_n to_o go_v to_o god_n about_o expatiate_v principal_o upon_o that_o subject_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o take_n to_o ourselves_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n direct_v we_o to_o lex_fw-la hos_fw-la 14.2_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d verbum_fw-la res_fw-la negotium_fw-la vid._n buxt_n lex_fw-la in_o prayer_n not_o a_o form_n of_o such_o and_o such_o phrase_n but_o some_o special_a subject_a matter_n to_o speak_v to_o our_o god_n about_o the_o word_n in_o hebrew_n import_v so_o much_o now_o a_o intent_n and_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o such_o a_o special_a subject_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o use_n in_o these_o two_o respect_n 1._o you_o will_v find_v it_o a_o help_n against_o distraction_n wander_n withdrawing_n from_o god_n when_o you_o purposely_o set_v yourselves_o to_o mind_n one_o thing_n you_o will_v be_v more_o intent_n upon_o it_o and_o lay_v out_o more_o pain_n about_o it_o than_o when_o you_o allow_v yourselves_o liberty_n in_o variety_n of_o matter_n when_o the_o stream_n run_v one_o way_n fortior_fw-la vis_fw-fr unita_fw-la fortior_fw-la it_o be_v strong_a than_o disperse_v into_o several_a channel_n so_o when_o the_o christian_a unite_v his_o strength_n to_o plead_v with_o god_n about_o a_o particular_a business_n he_o be_v usual_o more_o warm_a and_o affectionate_a and_o so_o less_o subject_a to_o distraction_n 2._o it_o will_v help_v you_o to_o enlarge_v yourselves_o in_o spread_a particular_a case_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o pat_o and_o proper_a expression_n even_o before_o other_o as_o you_o have_v a_o call_v and_o opportunity_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n when_o a_o person_n can_v particular_o and_o pathetical_o lie_v open_v a_o condition_n plead_v with_o god_n improve_v promise_n and_o rational_o expostulate_v even_o with_o the_o almighty_a about_o a_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a concernment_n this_o holy_a art_n be_v get_v by_o a_o frequency_n in_o secret_a prayer_n and_o particular_a plead_n for_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o last_o preparatory_a think_v beforehand_o what_o business_n you_o have_v to_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o drive_v that_o nail_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o head_n you_o can_v think_v to_o speak_v of_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n at_o one_o time_n but_o take_v that_o which_o be_v of_o present_a emergent_a use_n and_o importance_n and_o set_v yourselves_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o that_o follow_v that_o home_n till_o you_o feel_v your_o heart_n be_v warm_v and_o affect_v and_o so_o have_v some_o token_n for_o good_a that_o god_n will_v return_v a_o sensible_a answer_n you_o will_v say_v must_v we_o thus_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o every_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n we_o have_v not_o time_n for_o it_o i_o shall_v answer_v this_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o dear_a and_o reverend_a father_n angier_n subject_a his_o
his_o misery_n plead_v for_o mercy_n and_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n oh_o than_o he_o go_v away_o much_o satisfy_v and_o god_n must_v needs_o accept_v his_o person_n and_o hear_v his_o prayer_n why_o so_o why_o he_o have_v sound_a abundant_a assistance_n melt_n quickning_n and_o inlargement_n alas_o sir_n where_o be_v christ_n all_o this_o while_n i_o be_o afraid_a your_o advocate_n be_v quite_o forget_v your_o surety_n set_v aside_o as_o a_o poor_a insignificant_a cypher_n and_o tell_v i_o soul_n thou_o that_o boast_v thus_o of_o thy_o inlargement_n dare_v thou_o appear_v before_o a_o holy_a god_n in_o those_o rot_a rag_n suppose_v thy_o rag_n be_v velvet_n they_o be_v but_o rag_n still_o and_o be_v too_o scant_o a_o garment_n for_o thy_o naked_a soul_n thou_o come_v to_o unlock_v the_o ear_n of_o god_n and_o open_v his_o heart_n with_o a_o wrong_a key_n we_o be_v accept_v only_o in_o the_o belove_a and_o not_o because_o we_o be_v enlarge_v it_o be_v true_a evangelical_a assistance_n may_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o acceptance_n but_o it_o be_v no_o cause_n thereof_o no_o no_o our_o person_n and_o prayer_n be_v own_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o surety_n and_o intercessor_n our_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n who_o die_v for_o we_o he_o lie_v leaguer_a at_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n as_o our_o ambassador_n to_o plead_v for_o we_o and_o to_o see_v matter_n carry_v fair_o betwixt_o god_n and_o ransom_v soul_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o employ_v our_o advocate_n and_o find_v he_o work_v or_o shall_v we_o think_v to_o go_v our_o own_o errand_n lord_n forgive_v this_o gross_a ingratitude_n oh_o christian_n whatever_o your_o straitness_n or_o inlargement_n be_v make_v use_n of_o he_o who_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n lay_v your_o sacrifice_n on_o this_o golden_a altar_n lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o your_o acceptance_n upon_o christ_n meritorious_a intercession_n act_n faith_n on_o he_o who_o mingle_v his_o sweet_a incense_n with_o your_o sorry_a performance_n oh_o look_v after_o our_o aaron_n who_o be_v go_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n for_o we_o consider_v friend_n it_o will_v be_v sad_a with_o you_o if_o you_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o best_a secret_a duty_n that_o ever_o you_o perform_v it_o be_v good_a to_o have_v a_o enlarge_a heart_n in_o secret_a yet_o there_o be_v danger_n in_o it_o and_o it_o may_v undo_v we_o because_o our_o naughty_a heart_n be_v apt_a to_o boast_v of_o and_o trust_v to_o our_o inlargement_n therefore_o it_o be_v better_a for_o we_o sometime_o to_o be_v straighten_a then_o constant_o enlarge_v in_o our_o closet-prayer_n this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v make_v some_o say_v that_o their_o duty_n have_v do_v they_o more_o hurt_n than_o their_o infirmity_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o depend_v upon_o the_o former_a when_o as_o we_o be_v daunt_v and_o empty_v of_o ourselves_o by_o consider_v the_o latter_a the_o lord_n help_v we_o all_o in_o this_o main_a business_n of_o prayer_n yea_o this_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o righteousness_n and_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o access_n to_o and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n study_v these_o scripture_n joh._n 16.23_o 24._o eph._n 3.13_o heb._n 4.15_o 16.10.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o phil._n 3.3_o 18._o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o this_o yea_o this_o be_v the_o main_a hinge_n of_o our_o religion_n you_o be_v not_o christian_n unless_o you_o make_v jehovah_n your_o righteousness_n in_o all_o you_o do_v as_o well_o as_o god_n your_o ultimate_a end_n you_o will_v go_v away_o as_o the_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi without_o acceptance_n if_o you_o plead_v your_o inlargement_n with_o god_n but_o if_o you_o come_v as_o the_o publican_n plead_v only_a god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n you_o shall_v be_v own_v and_o crown_v with_o abundant_a income_n there_o be_v also_o several_a other_o necessary_a ingredient_n in_o all_o prayer_n which_o i_o may_v urge_v with_o reference_n to_o this_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n as_o 1._o a_o right_a understanding_n 1_o cor._n 14.15_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o understanding_n for_o blind_a devotion_n be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n 2._o a_o sensible_a feel_n of_o our_o want_n we_o must_v come_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v mat._n 11.28_o press_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n pinch_v with_o want_n of_o grace_n 3._o fervency_n of_o spirit_n james_n 5.17_o arise_v from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o what_o we_o desire_v burn_v zeal_n 4._o a_o reverend_a disposition_n eccl._n 5.2_o a_o unfeigned_a abase_v of_o ourselves_o before_o he_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o our_o own_o indignity_n 5._o secret_n persuasion_n of_o prevail_a 1_o tim._n 2.8_o ground_a on_o god_n all_o sufficiency_n and_o fidelity_n though_o the_o soul_n be_v unworthy_a 6._o a_o charitable_a disposition_n forgive_a other_o mat._n 6.14_o bear_v a_o endear_a affection_n to_o all_o saint_n 7._o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n hold_v on_o without_o cessation_n eph._n 6.18_o follow_v god_n in_o the_o duty_n all_o our_o day_n such_o as_o these_o constitutive_a ingredient_n essential_o requisite_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o may_v urge_v but_o must_v contract_v this_o be_v the_o second_o sort_n of_o direction_n chap._n vi_o the_o circumstance_n of_o secret_a prayer_n open_v sect_n i._o the_o three_o head_n of_o instruction_n concern_v closet-prayer_n be_v the_o circumstance_n that_o attend_v it_o which_o may_v be_v a_o great_a furtherance_n or_o hindrance_n in_o this_o performance_n these_o be_v four_o refer_v either_o to_o the_o 1._o place_n 2._o posture_n 3._o season_n 4._o voice_n i_o shall_v but_o brief_o touch_v at_o these_o 1._o for_o the_o place_n i_o advise_v you_o to_o choose_v the_o most_o retire_a room_n where_o you_o may_v be_v free_a from_o disturbance_n that_o you_o may_v not_o hear_v the_o noise_n of_o the_o family_n or_o distract_n commotion_n of_o a_o tumultuous_a world_n be_v not_o curious_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o place_n so_o it_o accomplish_v your_o end_n for_o secrecy_n or_o retirement_n no_o matter_n how_o homely_a it_o be_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o company_n will_v compensate_a the_o meanness_n of_o the_o place_n lover_n care_v not_o where_o they_o meet_v so_o they_o may_v convenient_o be_v together_o if_o you_o have_v not_o a_o convenient_a room_n within_o door_n yet_o a_o good_a heart_n will_v not_o disdain_v to_o go_v meet_v its_o belove_a in_o any_o coat_n or_o barn_n or_o wood_n isaac_n walk_v out_o into_o the_o field_n to_o pray_v and_o meditate_v see_v you_o choose_v a_o private_a place_n wherever_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n before_o open_v to_o you_o observe_v god_n providence_n in_o dispose_v of_o you_o and_o accept_v such_o place_n as_o he_o shall_v offer_v to_o you_o 2._o for_o posture_n in_o general_n see_v that_o you_o use_v a_o humble_a gesture_n there_o be_v example_n of_o several_a laudable_a gesture_n in_o prayer_n sometime_o we_o find_v saint_n stand_v ordinary_o kneel_v spread_v forth_o their_o hand_n lift_v up_o their_o eye_n towards_o heaven_n sometime_o prostrate_v the_o body_n all_o along_o upon_o the_o earth_n before_o the_o lord_n you_o may_v do_v in_o this_o as_o you_o find_v most_o advantageous_a in_o your_o experience_n no_o universal_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v as_o to_o these_o particular_a circumstance_n only_o see_v that_o your_o closet-prayer_n be_v with_o as_o much_o reverence_n as_o if_o you_o be_v before_o other_o consider_v your_o body_n be_v god_n and_o must_v be_v present_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v worship_v with_o the_o outward_a as_o well_o as_o inward_a man_n you_o can_v without_o dangerous_a sacrilege_n rob_v he_o of_o either_o beside_o observe_v it_o there_o be_v both_o evidence_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o body_n humble_a gesture_n it_o be_v a_o help_n to_o make_v you_o humble_a and_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o you_o be_v humble_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o unsuitable_a sight_n and_o position_n of_o the_o body_n in_o god_n service_n be_v a_o sad_a sign_n of_o a_o unhumbled_a soul_n 409._o cogitemus_fw-la nos_fw-la sub_fw-la conspectu_fw-la dei_fw-la stare_n placendam_fw-la est_fw-la divinis_fw-la â—…ulis_fw-la &_o habitu_fw-la corporis_fw-la &_o mâ—de_fw-la vocis_fw-la cyp._n serm._n in_o orat._n dom._n p._n 409._o and_o hinder_v humiliation_n therefore_o though_o you_o be_v never_o so_o solitary_a yet_o remember_v your_o father_n in_o heaven_n see_v you_o therefore_o as_o cyprian_n exhort_v let_v we_o consider_v we_o stand_v under_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o seek_v to_o please_v the_o divin_n 〈…〉_o h_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o our_o body_n and_o manner_n o_o 〈…〉_o think_v of_o this_o
will_v not_o practice_v it_o your_o own_o mouth_n will_v condemn_v you_o what_o need_v any_o more_o witness_n but_o if_o you_o be_v real_a saint_n i_o dare_v say_v you_o do_v approve_v of_o it_o and_o practise_v it_o sometime_o and_o why_o be_v you_o not_o constant_a in_o your_o obedience_n be_v it_o not_o the_o property_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o do_v righteousness_n at_o all_o time_n psal_n 106.3_o oh_o consider_v this_o and_o do_v not_o either_o neglect_n a_o command_n or_o omit_v this_o know_a duty_n 2._o will_v you_o not_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n clear_v up_o in_o your_o soul_n sure_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n but_o will_v arrive_v at_o assurance_n and_o this_o be_v one_o way_n to_o evidence_n sincerity_n be_v much_o with_o god_n in_o secret_a duty_n as_o he_o grieve_v true_o that_o grieve_v without_o witness_n dolet_fw-la ille_fw-la doâ—…t_fw-la veer_fw-la qui_fw-la sine_fw-la testae_fw-la dolet_fw-la so_o those_o religious_a act_n be_v most_o evidential_a of_o grace_n that_o be_v least_o obvious_a to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n and_o whereby_o a_o christian_a approve_v his_o heart_n only_o to_o the_o heart-searching_a god_n here_o be_v the_o true_a israelite_n that_o can_v 2.28_o rom._n 2.28_o with_o jacob_n converse_v with_o god_n alone_o and_o seek_v his_o praise_n not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n observe_v it_o a_o christian_a ordinary_o have_v not_o that_o comfort_n in_o a_o duty_n expose_v to_o other_o view_n which_o he_o have_v in_o that_o he_o perform_v betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n for_o there_o be_v most_o danger_n of_o selfishness_n in_o the_o former_a and_o more_o self-denial_n in_o the_o latter_a the_o wind_n of_o applause_n may_v blow_v man_n far_o in_o a_o creditable_a performance_n but_o humility_n and_o sincerity_n be_v most_o evident_a in_o secret_a appeal_n to_o god_n consider_v this_o christian_n you_o run_v to_o sermon_n minister_n good_a book_n and_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o try_v your_o state_n by_o mark_n and_o sign_n make_v trial_n of_o this_o more_o compendious_a course_n to_o clear_v your_o state_n be_v much_o with_o god_n in_o closet-prayer_n 3._o will_v you_o not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n oh_o then_o fall_v close_o to_o closet-prayer_n alas_o sir_n hear_v sermon_n read_v scripture_n discourse_v religious_o pray_v in_o the_o family_n may_v be_v do_v only_o for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o the_o person_n that_o do_v they_o may_v have_v no_o more_o than_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n mistake_v i_o not_o i_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o nor_o they_o that_o do_v they_o as_o formalist_n for_o that_o god_n forbid_v they_o be_v scripture_n duty_n but_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o these_o may_v be_v do_v without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o to_o struggle_v with_o a_o man_n be_v own_o heart_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n to_o meditate_v and_o give_v up_o a_o man_n self_n to_o these_o duty_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n oh_o this_o show_v something_o of_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v heart-work_n and_o that_o be_v hard_a work_n costly_a duty_n spiritual_a exercise_n which_o be_v more_o than_o to_o offer_v god_n thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o a_o first-born_a son_n david_n will_v not_o offer_v that_o to_o god_n that_o cost_v he_o nothing_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v content_a with_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n which_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o a_o easy_a plod_a formality_n 4._o will_v you_o not_o have_v your_o heart_n case_v under_o press_a burden_n be_v you_o in_o love_n with_o your_o sorrow_n will_v you_o not_o be_v rid_v of_o they_o behold_v i_o show_v unto_o you_o a_o excellent_a way_n to_o get_v ease_n which_o be_v a_o recourse_n to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n i_o have_v hear_v some_o precious_a christian_n say_v that_o when_o any_o thing_n have_v lyen_fw-we upon_o their_o heart_n ready_a to_o overwhelm_v they_o they_o have_v run_v to_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o there_o have_v leave_v their_o load_n and_o thence_o have_v go_v with_o good_a hannah_n and_o have_v be_v no_o more_o sad_a and_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o any_o press_a affliction_n lie_v upon_o we_o if_o we_o can_v unbosom_v ourselves_o to_o a_o intimate_a friend_n though_o not_o a_o word_n of_o counsel_n or_o comfort_n pass_v from_o he_o yet_o that_o open_v of_o our_o heart_n do_v ease_v as_o vomit_v do_v a_o oppress_a stomach_n and_o hence_o say_v job_n i_o will_v speak_v that_o i_o may_v be_v refresh_v and_o scripture_n back_v this_o in_o phil._n 4.6_o be_v careful_a in_o nothing_o but_o in_o every_o thing_n make_v your_o request_n know_v to_o god_n and_o unload_v your_o care_n and_o fear_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n but_o how_o why_o by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o thanksgiving_n lay_v your_o load_n on_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o he_o will_v bear_v it_o 5._o will_v you_o not_o obtain_v boldness_n in_o access_n to_o god_n and_o familiarity_n with_o he_o oh_o go_v often_o to_o god_n in_o closet-prayer_n prince_n take_v more_o state_n upon_o they_o when_o converse_v with_o their_o favourite_n before_o other_o but_o when_o none_o be_v present_a they_o open_v their_o heart_n more_o familiar_o to_o they_o i_o know_v abraham_n say_v god_n he_o and_o i_o be_v well_o acquaint_v he_o be_v my_o friend_n he_o visit_v i_o often_o and_o shall_v i_o hide_v any_o thing_n from_o abraham_n i_o will_v take_v he_o to_o a_o side_n and_o tell_v he_o my_o whole_a heart_n so_o will_v god_n to_o you_o he_o will_v communicate_v much_o to_o you_o and_o you_o may_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o you_o be_v not_o stranger_n to_o he_o but_o may_v come_v into_o his_o presence_n bold_o and_o he_o will_v make_v you_o welcome_a heb._n 4.16_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o a_o dreadful_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v to_o have_v strange_a thought_n of_o god_n in_o duty_n or_o at_o death_n strangeness_n betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o soul_n be_v a_o sad_a uncomfortable_a thing_n wicked_a man_n be_v total_a stranger_n to_o god_n gracious_a soul_n little_o employ_v in_o secret_a prayer_n be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o worship_n afar_o off_o but_o sincere_a soul_n converse_v much_o with_o god_n in_o secret_a attain_v to_o abundance_n of_o intimacy_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o mercy_n worth_a a_o world_n 6._o will_v you_o not_o have_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o to_o bring_v wrath_n and_o judgement_n on_o the_o place_n oh_o then_o let_v your_o soul_n weep_v and_o pray_v in_o secret_a place_n as_o jeremiah_n do_v chap._n 13.17_o this_o be_v the_o last_o and_o safe_a way_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o open_a cry_a sin_n in_o the_o land_n even_o a_o mourning_n for_o they_o in_o prayer_n before_o the_o lord_n thus_o do_v lot_n and_o david_n paul_n and_o all_o saint_n yea_o moses's_fw-fr solitary_a prayer_n interpose_v betwixt_o flame_a wrath_n and_o offend_v israel_n thus_o do_v he_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n and_o you_o may_v make_v a_o atonement_n for_o the_o nation_n a_o gift_n in_o secret_n may_v pacify_v that_o wrath_n that_o be_v already_o break_v out_o against_o we_o wicked_a man_n sin_n in_o secret_a let_v we_o mourn_v in_o secret_a yea_o they_o sin_n open_o let_v we_o lament_v private_o the_o truth_n be_v 17.9_o 2_o king_n 17.9_o secret_a sin_n may_v undo_v a_o nation_n except_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o saint_n secret_a prayer_n be_v loud_a than_o the_o cry_n of_o wicked_a man_n secret_a sin_n oh_o fall_v to_o it_o arise_v cry_v out_o in_o the_o night_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o watch_n pour_v out_o thy_o heart_n like_o water_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n lam._n 2.19_o 7._o will_v you_o not_o have_v your_o own_o secret_a sin_n set_v in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n psal_n 90.8_o then_o repent_v and_o pray_v alone_o humble_a your_o soul_n in_o secret_a for_o your_o secret_a sin_n be_v you_o not_o conscious_a to_o yourselves_o of_o much_o secret_a guilt_n and_o do_v not_o god_n expect_v that_o you_o shall_v set_v yourselves_o to_o mourn_v over_o they_o and_o cry_v to_o god_n for_o pardon_v grace_n in_o secret_a 12.13_o eccl._n 12.13_o do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o secret_a thing_n to_o light_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n nay_o god_n may_v punish_v you_o open_o 12.12_o 2_o sam._n 12.12_o as_o he_o do_v david_n for_o his_o secret_a sin_n well_o then_o anticipate_v that_o sad_a severe_a judgement_n by_o judge_v yourselves_o and_o deprecate_v his_o righteous_a judgement_n i_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o soul_n as_o solomon_n bespeak_v shimei_n thou_o know_v all_o the_o wickedness_n which_o thy_o heart_n be_v privy_a to_o and_o where_o be_v thy_o prayer_n and_o
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
thou_o shall_v take_v god_n part_n and_o plead_v for_o obedience_n paul_n do_v so_o rom._n 7.15_o 16._o though_o he_o say_v what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o but_o what_o i_o hate_v that_o do_v i_o yet_o say_v he_o i_o consent_v to_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v good_a i._n e._n i_o take_v patt_n with_o god_n and_o join_v with_o god_n will_v against_o my_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a affection_n that_o will_v draw_v my_o neck_n from_o under_o this_o heavenly_a yoke_n and_o if_o you_o have_v not_o something_o within_o you_o that_o take_v part_n with_o god_n reveal_v will_n you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n do_v facilitate_v and_o make_v easy_a the_o hard_a duty_n because_o there_o be_v a_o likeness_n betwixt_o holy_a heart_n and_o holy_a performance_n love_n make_v every_o thing_n easy_a hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n yoke_n be_v easy_a mat._n 11.30_o his_o way_n pleasant_a and_o his_o commandment_n not_o grievous_a 1_o joh._n 5.3_o if_o thy_o heart_n be_v right_a duty_n will_v be_v sweet_a to_o thy_o soul_n it_o be_v no_o burden_n to_o eat_v drink_v sleep_n the_o act_n of_o nature_n be_v delightful_a to_o person_n in_o a_o right_a temper_n if_o they_o be_v not_o nature_n be_v oppress_v and_o out_o of_o order_n a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o regenerate_v be_v like_o a_o man_n in_o his_o call_n or_o a_o creature_n in_o its_o proper_a element_n beside_o be_v thou_o more_o accustom_v to_o duty_n in_o secret_a it_o will_v be_v more_o familiar_a to_o thou_o and_o less_o irksome_a we_o see_v by_o experience_n use_v make_v heavy_a thing_n light_v we_o hardly_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o our_o clothes_n because_o fit_v to_o we_o and_o constant_o carry_v by_o we_o when_o as_o the_o same_o weight_n upon_o our_o shoulder_n will_v trouble_v we_o christian_n consider_v all_o christian_a duty_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a difficulty_n yet_o withal_o observe_v it_o duty_n that_o be_v hard_a to_o go_v through_o many_o time_n bring_v in_o the_o sweet_a income_n and_o so_o be_v this_o the_o profit_n of_o it_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v for_o your_o pain_n in_o it_o be_v sure_a when_o a_o duty_n be_v line_v with_o difficulty_n and_o your_o corrupt_a heart_n draw_v back_o and_o have_v most_o averseness_n to_o it_o there_o be_v something_o of_o god_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o god_n aim_v you_o more_o than_o ordinary_a advantage_n by_o it_o therefore_o do_v not_o say_v a_o word_n against_o it_o but_o stir_v up_o yourselves_o spur_v on_o your_o heart_n shake_v off_o sloth_n and_o run_v to_o god_n whatever_o satan_n the_o world_n or_o flesh_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_a thus_o much_o for_o the_o objection_n sect_n v._o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n brief_o answer_v there_o be_v yet_o four_o case_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v brief_o propound_v and_o answer_v 1._o case_n whether_o may_v not_o a_o hypocrite_n or_o graceless_a soul_n perform_v this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n and_o what_o difference_n be_v there_o betwixt_o a_o real_a saint_n and_o a_o unregenerate_a person_n in_o this_o work_n i_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v possible_a a_o carnal_a man_n may_v pray_v in_o secret_a but_o with_o these_o difference_n 1._o he_o be_v urge_v to_o it_o by_o the_o challenge_n of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v dog_v to_o it_o he_o dare_v not_o but_o do_v it_o but_o a_o child_n of_o god_n have_v a_o gracious_a principle_n incline_v he_o to_o it_o from_o love_n to_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o please_v and_o enjoy_v he_o yet_o through_o the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n there_o be_v much_o unwillingness_n in_o the_o best_a so_o that_o sometime_o a_o saint_n must_v even_o force_v himself_o to_o the_o performance_n 2._o a_o hypocrite_n will_v not_o thus_o pray_v always_o job_n 27.9_o 10._o it_o be_v but_o in_o some_o pang_n or_o under_o some_o press_a affliction_n and_o when_o this_o good_a mood_n be_v over_o he_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o god_n till_o whip_v to_o he_o again_o 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at_o sometime_o communion_n with_o god_n communication_n from_o god_n oh_o what_o good_a do_v his_o soul_n meet_v with_o though_o not_o always_o yet_o at_o sometime_o 2._o case_n whether_o may_v a_o christian_a bind_v himself_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n at_o state_v time_n or_o suppose_v a_o christian_a miss_v his_o time_n design_v for_o that_o work_n what_o must_v he_o then_o do_v ans_fw-fr to_o the_o former_a that_o in_o general_n thou_o may_v and_o must_v swear_v and_o vow_n that_o thou_o will_v keep_v god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.106_o so_o do_v david_n and_o in_o scripture_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o make_v vow_n and_o pay_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n psal_n 76.11_o vow_v ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o god_n be_v necessary_a sequester_v some_o part_n of_o our_o time_n to_o his_o service_n be_v requisite_a and_o in_o some_o case_n for_o some_o person_n it_o may_v be_v expedient_a to_o bind_v and_o task_n ourselves_o by_o a_o holy_a resolution_n to_o take_v so_o much_o time_n at_o least_o every_o day_n for_o god_n worship_n yea_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o may_v be_v judge_v most_o commodious_a by_o our_o experience_n and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o good_a help_n to_o keep_v in_o our_o treacherous_a heart_n from_o delay_n or_o dally_v but_o to_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o a_o particular_a hour_n so_o punctual_o and_o unalterable_o as_o not_o to_o take_v another_o may_v not_o be_v so_o safe_a partly_o because_o our_o time_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n and_o we_o know_v not_o what_o intervening_a providence_n may_v fall_v in_o to_o prevent_v our_o performance_n whereby_o conscience_n may_v be_v entangle_v in_o a_o perplex_v labyrinth_n beside_o our_o outward_a occasion_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o spirit_n may_v discover_v a_o great_a fitness_n at_o another_o season_n yet_o though_o i_o will_v not_o have_v christian_n bring_v a_o snare_n upon_o their_o soul_n by_o vow_v yet_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o they_o may_v 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their_o own_o evidence_n along_o with_o they_o but_o all_o have_v not_o these_o nor_o any_o at_o all_o time_n therefore_o the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o inquire_v after_o communion_n with_o god_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o duty_n then_o have_v a_o child_n of_o god_n true_a fellowship_n with_o god_n when_o by_o the_o sweet_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n his_o mind_n be_v knit_v to_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n the_o understanding_n be_v fruitful_a in_o spiritual_a and_o suitable_a thought_n when_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v carry_v out_o in_o strong_a and_o pant_a desire_n and_o long_n after_o god_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v thorough_o break_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n melt_v into_o godly_a sorrow_n
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