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
true_a gospelized_a christian_a have_v otherwise_o learned_a christ_n it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n dispensation_n after_o the_o erect_n of_o the_o temple_n prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v at_o it_o or_o towards_o it_o as_o it_o typify_v christ_n by_o who_o our_o prayer_n be_v accept_v but_o that_o holiness_n be_v ceremonial_a it_o be_v now_o abolish_v by_o the_o gospel_n now_o that_o take_v place_n in_o john_n 4.21_o woman_n believe_v i_o the_o hour_n come_v when_o you_o shall_v neither_o in_o this_o mountain_n nor_o at_o jerusalem_n worship_v the_o father_n i._n e._n god_n now_o do_v not_o so_o much_o stand_v upon_o the_o place_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o worship_n that_o they_o worship_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n ver_fw-la 23.24_o now_o be_v the_o prophecy_n accomplish_v mal._n 1.11_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o my_o name_n which_o the_o apostle_n also_o assert_n express_o 1_o tim._n 2.8_o much_o have_v be_v say_v in_o controversy_n concern_v the_o holiness_n of_o place_n but_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n against_o that_o conceit_n that_o if_o some_o place_n be_v holy_a by_o the_o church_n consecration_n of_o they_o to_o holy_a use_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o other_o place_n not_o so_o consecrate_v howbeit_o apply_v to_o the_o same_o holy_a use_n be_v more_o profane_a and_o less_o apt_a to_o divine_a worship_n than_o place_v consecrate_v which_o will_v direct_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n last_o mention_v 16._o eccles_n polit_fw-la lib._n 5._o c._n 16._o indeed_o hooker_n teach_v that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o place_n not_o sanctify_v as_o church_n be_v have_v not_o in_o itself_o such_o perfection_n of_o grace_n and_o comeliness_n as_o when_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o place_n which_o it_o wish_v for_o do_v concur_v and_o that_o the_o very_a majesty_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o place_n where_o god_n be_v worship_v better_v even_o our_o holy_a and_o best_a action_n thus_o he_o 491._o confer_v with_o hart._n c._n 8._o divis_n 4._o pag._n 491._o to_o who_o we_o dare_v not_o subscribe_v but_o rather_o say_v with_o dr._n john_n reinolds_n that_o to_o we_o christian_n no_o land_n be_v strange_a no_o ground_n unholy_a every_o coast_n be_v jewry_n every_o town_n jerusalem_n and_o every_o house_n zion_n and_o every_o faithful_a company_n yea_o every_o faithful_a body_n a_o temple_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v a_o dispute_n upon_o this_o subject_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o text_n clear_v it_o if_o god_n command_v and_o accept_v closet-prayer_n than_o he_o do_v not_o make_v so_o great_a a_o matter_n of_o the_o place_n for_o this_o duty_n as_o some_o imagine_v since_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o closet-prayer_n can_v be_v perform_v ordinary_o in_o a_o consecrate_a place_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o place_n where_o a_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v to_o which_o god_n have_v more_o express_o promise_v a_o reward_n than_o what_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o corner_n or_o closet_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o expect_v acceptance_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o one_o place_n more_o than_o another_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o common_a practice_n of_o some_o person_n which_o be_v to_o perform_v their_o private_a devotion_n in_o public_a place_n for_o you_o shall_v see_v some_o at_o their_o entrance_n into_o a_o church_n or_o chappel_n whatever_o public_a worship_n be_v in_o hand_n fall_v down_o upon_o their_o knee_n or_o put_v their_o hat_n or_o hand_n before_o their_o face_n and_o so_o fall_v to_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o call_v this_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n but_o i_o judge_v it_o very_o unseasonable_a for_o we_o shall_v join_v with_o god_n people_n in_o the_o public_a ordinance_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v then_o undertake_v the_o original_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v math._n eo_fw-la proposito_fw-la dominus_fw-la â—…etat_fw-la in_o conventu_fw-la or_o be_v ut_fw-la à _fw-la conventu_fw-la videatur_fw-la chrysost_fw-la ho._n 13._o open_a he_o perf_n sup_v math._n a_o conceit_n that_o the_o place_n be_v more_o holy_a than_o their_o own_o house_n and_o that_o their_o prayer_n shall_v be_v hear_v there_o rather_o than_o at_o home_n it_o be_v too_o sad_a a_o sign_n they_o have_v not_o pray_v before_o they_o come_v thither_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o favour_v rank_o of_o a_o pharisaical_a spirit_n for_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n our_o saviour_n here_o rectify_v which_o be_v their_o private_a pray_v in_o public_a place_n and_o in_o opposition_n thereunto_o direct_v his_o disciple_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o their_o closet_n sect_n ii_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n 2._o we_o may_v hence_o be_v inform_v concern_v the_o nature_n usefulness_n excellency_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o prayer_n in_o general_n but_o in_o reference_n to_o closet-prayer_n and_o on_o that_o account_n there_o be_v two_o consectary_n hence_o concern_v prayer_n 1._o it_o follow_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o immediate_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o what_o have_v be_v say_v show_v that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v immediate_o with_o god_n yea_o that_o a_o man_n alone_o single_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n therein_o it_o be_v different_a from_o other_o part_n of_o god_n institute_v worship_n which_o do_v necessary_o require_v company_n as_o in_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n there_o must_v be_v hearer_n in_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o in_o baptism_n and_o the_o lords-supper_n there_o must_v be_v a_o society_n such_o a_o number_n as_o may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n hence_o the_o latter_a be_v call_v a_o communion_n because_o say_v the_o apostle_n 17._o 1_o cor._n 10.16_o 17._o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n but_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o or_o essential_o requisite_a to_o prayer_n that_o there_o be_v a_o society_n one_o man_n or_o woman_n by_o he_o or_o herself_o alone_o may_v perform_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o acceptable_o to_o god_n as_o if_o in_o the_o company_n of_o a_o thousand_o saint_n we_o deny_v not_o the_o public_a or_o private_a meeting_n of_o god_n people_n for_o prayer_n but_o withal_o affirm_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n be_v such_o that_o it_o may_v be_v perform_v solitary_a and_o alone_a hence_o schoolman_n distinguish_v of_o prayer_n 12._o aq._n 2_o 2ae_fw-la q._n 83_o art_n 12._o that_o it_o be_v either_o communis_fw-la or_o singularis_fw-la common_a or_o singular_a both_o have_v their_o place_n and_o use_v though_o they_o lie_v great_a stress_n upon_o christ_n promise_n in_o mat._n 18.20_o promise_v to_o be_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v in_o his_o name_n which_o as_o we_o deny_v not_o so_o we_o assert_v the_o force_n of_o this_o prayer_n of_o a_o single_a person_n according_a to_o the_o text_n we_o give_v both_o their_o due_a without_o comparison_n 2._o prayer_n can_v be_v stop_v in_o its_o ascent_n to_o god_n all_o the_o persecutor_n on_o earth_n can_v hinder_v a_o soul_n pray_v this_o be_v demonstrate_v two_o way_n 1._o a_o child_n of_o god_n banish_v out_o of_o all_o human_a society_n may_v pray_v still_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v reject_v by_o man_n and_o eject_v out_o of_o all_o company_n of_o man_n and_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o the_o close_a prison_n or_o shut_v out_o in_o the_o remote_a wilderness_n suppose_v a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o cave_n and_o den_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o still_o he_o may_v pray_v and_o be_v hear_v according_a to_o solomon_n prayer_n that_o if_o god_n people_n be_v carry_v captive_a into_o the_o land_n of_o their_o enemy_n far_o or_o near_o yet_o if_o they_o repent_v and_o pray_v unto_o god_n towards_o their_o land_n and_o that_o house_n of_o god_n then_o he_o beg_v that_o god_n will_v hear_v they_o and_o god_n testify_v that_o he_o do_v hear_v this_o prayer_n of_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 8.46_o 48._o with_o chap._n 9.3_o the_o passage_n to_o heaven_n be_v as_o near_o and_o open_a from_o one_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o another_o therefore_o david_n say_v he_o will_v cry_v to_o god_n from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n psal_n 61.2_o a_o notable_a instance_n for_o this_o we_o have_v in_o jonah_n he_o be_v get_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n as_o far_o from_o heaven_n local_o as_o one_o can_v imagine_v into_o a_o great_a fish_n belly_n which_o he_o call_v the_o very_a belly_n of_o hell_n and_o as_o he_o be_v then_o far_o from_o man_n so_o he_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o he_o pathetical_o express_v his_o misery_n and_o hopeless_a state_n what_o do_v he_o in_o this_o doleful_a plight_n why_o he_o will_v look_v towards_o god_n holy_a
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
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
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
reach_v the_o ear_n of_o god_n for_o he_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n 20._o phil._n 3.3_o judas_n 20._o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o worship_a god_n in_o the_o spirit_n a_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i._n e._n either_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n or_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o pray_v the_o soul_n be_v actuate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 13.11_o see_v mark_n 11.36_o &_o 13.11_o for_o i_o conceive_v it_o may_v import_v the_o former_a as_o well_o as_o the_o latter_a as_o other_o scripture_n compare_v hold_v forth_o alas_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v put_v up_o such_o petition_n as_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v or_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v no_o way_n suitable_a to_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n the_o truth_n be_v christian_n you_o will_v but_o bungle_v at_o the_o work_n without_o this_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o god_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o you_o except_o he_o hear_v his_o own_o language_n do_v not_o think_v you_o can_v wrestle_v out_o the_o business_n yourselves_o you_o must_v be_v behold_v to_o god_n for_o help_v in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o for_o hear_v your_o prayer_n your_o own_o spirit_n will_v not_o carry_v you_o to_o heaven_n that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o earth_n be_v earthly_a and_o rise_v no_o high_a than_o earth_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v elevate_v your_o soul_n to_o god_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o sir_n beg_v the_o spirit_n yield_v to_o its_o motion_n improve_v its_o operation_n say_v when_o you_o be_v go_v to_o duty_n lord_n now_o stir_v up_o thyself_o and_o stir_v up_o thy_o grace_n in_o my_o heart_n awake_v oh_o northwind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n blow_v upon_o thy_o garden_n cant._n 4.16_o my_o soul_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v out_o that_o grace_n may_v be_v exercise_v and_o exert_v lord_n i_o be_o low_a flat_a hard_o send_v the_o powerful_a arm_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n to_o work_v all_o gracious_a disposition_n in_o i_o and_o raise_v up_o my_o affection_n to_o thou_o i_o see_v i_o be_o below_o the_o duty_n and_o infinite_o below_o thou_o in_o the_o duty_n but_o thou_o and_o thou_o alone_o can_v raise_v i_o up_o quicken_v soften_v my_o dead_a and_o rocky_a heart_n come_v lord_n and_o show_v thy_o powerful_a arm_n let_v it_o appear_v what_o god_n can_v do_v for_o a_o sorry_a worm_n oh_o lift_v i_o up_o to_o thou_o that_o my_o soul_n may_v enjoy_v some_o sweet_a communion_n with_o thou_o send_v thy_o spirit_n to_o fetch_v in_o my_o wanton_a wander_a heart_n oh_o for_o some_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o burn_v up_o my_o sacrifice_n or_o else_o it_o will_v lie_v like_o a_o lump_n of_o flesh_n and_o be_v no_o true_a holocaust_n of_o pure_a incense_n before_o thou_o let_v thy_o spirit_n scatter_v these_o mist_n of_o ignorance_n and_o drive_v away_o these_o fly_n of_o distract_n thought_n that_o my_o heart_n may_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o my_o performance_n may_v be_v as_o sweet_a savour_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o god_n sect_n iu._n more_o essential_o in_o secret_a prayer_n a_o three_o ingredient_n in_o prayer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o god_n will_n it_o must_v have_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n a_o word_n of_o precept_n or_o promise_v or_o example_n must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o petition_n a_o command_n be_v our_o warrant_n a_o promise_n our_o encouragement_n a_o example_n be_v our_o tract_n and_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n wherein_o we_o must_v walk_v he_o that_o ask_v amiss_o shall_v not_o speed_v but_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o and_o then_o we_o know_v we_o have_v the_o petition_n that_o we_o desire_v of_o he_o 1_o joh._n 5.14_o 15._o now_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n when_o both_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o petition_n be_v aright_o and_o our_o end_n in_o ask_v be_v god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o or_o other_o spiritual_a good_a otherwise_o if_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n what_o we_o conceit_n to_o be_v a_o mercy_n and_o have_v not_o ask_v counsel_n at_o god_n mouth_n or_o ask_v so_o as_o to_o consume_v it_o upon_o our_o lust_n we_o may_v well_o meet_v with_o a_o denial_n my_o friend_n you_o may_v not_o say_v what_o you_o please_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n consider_v god_n be_v in_o heaven_n you_o be_v on_o earth_n therefore_o be_v not_o rash_a with_o your_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n let_v your_o word_n be_v few_o and_o well_o weigh_v eccles_n 5.2_o the_o work_n you_o be_v about_o be_v a_o solemn_a business_n do_v not_o ramble_v in_o extravagant_a desire_n of_o unlawful_a thing_n think_v not_o that_o god_n will_v patronize_v your_o lust_n and_o when_o you_o have_v ask_v that_o which_o you_o conceive_v be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n refer_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o will_n say_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v do_v submit_v yourselves_o to_o his_o dispose_n for_o time_n manner_n mean_n and_o all_o circumstance_n for_o give_v of_o it_o ask_v temporal_a mercy_n conditional_o and_o spiritual_a comfort_n with_o submission_n to_o god_n will_v learn_v that_o petition_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v to_o pray_v it_o as_o well_o as_o say_v it_o indeed_o luther_n can_v say_v let_v thy_o will_n be_v do_v but_o he_o come_v off_o with_o this_o my_o will_n lord_n because_o my_o will_n be_v melt_v into_o thou_o there_o be_v but_o one_o will_n betwixt_o we_o let_v god_n will_v be_v your_o will_n it_o be_v fit_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v wise_a than_o we_o consider_v 255._o haec_fw-la repraesentatio_fw-la debet_fw-la esse_fw-la submissa_fw-la &_o humilis_fw-la alius_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la esset_fw-la precatio_fw-la religiosa_fw-la à _fw-la creatura_fw-la subdita_fw-la ad_fw-la supremum_fw-la numen_fw-la &_o creatorem_fw-la directa_fw-la sed_fw-la vel_fw-la imperium_fw-la superioris_fw-la ergo_fw-la inferiorem_fw-la vel_fw-la quasi_fw-la familiaris_fw-la collocutio_fw-la quatis_fw-la est_fw-la inter_fw-la aequales_fw-la ames_n medull_n theol_fw-it lib._n 2.6_o p._n 255._o a_o man_n can_v pray_v in_o faith_n for_o that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o ask_v beside_o amesius_n say_v if_o a_o man_n come_v not_o with_o a_o humble_a submission_n to_o god_n will_v it_o be_v not_o a_o religious_a prayer_n direct_v to_o the_o supreme_a creator_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o command_n by_o a_o superior_a to_o a_o inferior_a or_o a_o familiar_a discourse_n as_o among_o equal_n therefore_o let_v we_o humble_o plead_v go_n will_n as_o abraham_n do_v gen._n 18.27_o further_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o to_o incline_v god_n before_o unwilling_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o desire_n for_o with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o change_n but_o that_o we_o may_v obtain_v of_o he_o by_o prayer_n what_o we_o know_v aforehand_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v last_o consider_v we_o christ_n example_n mat._n 26.39_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v this_o be_v right_o pray_v to_o ground_v our_o petition_n upon_o a_o promise_n yet_o free_o to_o leave_v all_o at_o god_n foot_n to_o dispose_v of_o we_o as_o he_o see_v good_a our_o prayer_n and_o god_n promise_n shall_v point_v towards_o each_o other_o as_o those_o two_o figure_n 9_o and_o 6._o promise_n do_v bend_v downward_o and_o after_o the_o same_o motion_n must_v our_o prayer_n ascend_v upward_o so_o will_v there_o be_v a_o bless_a harmony_n and_o seasonable_a return_n this_o be_v the_o three_o direction_n let_v your_o prayer_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n 4._o improve_v your_o advocate_n joh._n 14.13_o whatsoever_o you_o ask_v in_o my_o name_n that_o will_v i_o do_v to_o ask_v any_o thing_n in_o his_o name_n be_v not_o rude_o customary_o or_o complemental_o to_o conclude_v with_o these_o word_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o confidence_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n to_o call_v upon_o our_o heavenly_a father_n as_o daniel_n plead_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n dan._n 9.17_o for_o since_o the_o fall_n none_o can_v come_v immediate_o to_o god_n but_o through_o a_o mediator_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o fetch_v a_o compass_n by_o the_o groundless_a invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n i_o hope_v you_o have_v otherwise_o learned_a christ_n i_o be_o most_o afraid_a in_o the_o practic_a part_n that_o in_o particular_a act_n at_o least_o precious_a soul_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o miscarry_v especial_o in_o closet-prayer_n when_o a_o christian_a be_v get_v alone_o and_o there_o find_v a_o sweet_a gale_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n help_v his_o heart_n to_o mourn_v for_o sin_n bewail_v
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
husband_n &_o wife_n apart_o zech._n 12.11_o 12._o and_o of_o gracious_a soul_n to_o be_v like_o dove_n of_o the_o valley_n every_o one_o mourning_n for_o his_o iniquity_n eze._n 7.16_o there_o must_v be_v joynt-prayer_n and_o separate_a prayer_n together_o and_o apart_o let_v not_o christian_n be_v content_a to_o find_v christ_n in_o a_o corner_n for_o themselves_o but_o let_v they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v that_o other_o also_o may_v enjoy_v he_o this_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o church_n or_o believe_a soul_n cant._n 3.4_o when_o she_o have_v find_v he_o i_o hold_v he_o say_v she_o and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v until_o i_o have_v bring_v he_o into_o my_o mother_n house_n i._n e._n into_o more_o public_a assembly_n and_o true_o christian_n that_o man_n have_v not_o find_v christ_n at_o all_o that_o will_v not_o have_v all_o other_o to_o find_v he_o oh_o think_v the_o christian_a in_o his_o retirement_n that_o other_o do_v but_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v what_o my_o soul_n have_v sweet_a experience_n of_o will_v to_o god_n my_o husband_n wife_n brother_n father_n child_n neighbour_n will_v but_o try_v this_o course_n a_o while_n oh_o what_o advantage_n will_v they_o get_v by_o it_o though_o i_o eat_v these_o sweet_a morsel_n alone_o yet_o fain_o will_v i_o have_v other_o to_o partake_v with_o i_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n person_n be_v apt_a to_o grudge_v other_o any_o benefit_n by_o what_o they_o have_v steal_v from_o other_o a_o view_n but_o in_o spiritual_a advantage_n there_o be_v no_o envy_n and_o if_o there_o be_v it_o proceed_v not_o from_o grace_n but_o from_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o more_o grace_n the_o less_o envy_n and_o when_o envy_n be_v go_v person_n will_v be_v communicative_a take_v away_o envy_n mea_fw-la tolle_o invidiam_fw-la mea_fw-la tua_fw-la sunt_fw-la &_o tua_fw-la mea_fw-la and_o i_o be_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v i_o true_a grace_n or_o charity_n be_v kind_a envy_v not_o 1_o cor._n 13.4_o now_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v to_o that_o they_o that_o have_v find_v christ_n will_v be_v so_o charitable_a to_o soul_n as_o to_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o the_o way_n to_o enjoy_v he_o unto_o other_o thus_o do_v andrew_n come_v to_o simon_n and_o philip_n to_o nathaniel_n and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v as_o a_o man_n find_v a_o jewel_n and_o can_v contain_v overjoy_v and_o cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v find_v he_o we_o have_v find_v the_o messiah_n joh._n 1.41_o 45._o and_o when_o the_o poor_a woman_n of_o samaria_n have_v be_v private_o converse_v with_o jesus_n down_o she_o throw_v at_o least_o leave_v behind_o she_o her_o waterpot_n and_o all_o in_o haste_n go_v to_o the_o city_n and_o say_v to_o the_o man_n come_v see_v a_o man_n which_o tell_v i_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o i_o do_v be_v not_o this_o the_o christ_n john_n 4.28_o 29._o thus_o do_v you_o sir_n promote_v and_o propagate_v this_o choice_a duty_n commend_v it_o unto_o other_o practice_n and_o so_o you_o may_v be_v instrument_n of_o good_a chap._n vii_o concern_v the_o matter_n or_o word_n of_o prayer_n sect_n i._o there_o be_v one_o thing_n yet_o remain_v which_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v something_o shall_v be_v speak_v to_o and_o that_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o pray_v or_o word_n of_o prayer_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o requisite_a to_o use_v a_o form_n or_o no_o most_o judge_n 190._o videas_fw-la ames_n case_n cons_n lib._n 4._o c._n 17._o p._n 190._o that_o as_o form_n be_v lawful_a so_o prescript_n word_n may_v be_v requisite_a to_o some_o young_a beginner_n in_o religion_n and_o other_o christian_n of_o weak_a part_n that_o can_v express_v their_o desire_n to_o god_n in_o fit_a word_n to_o help_v their_o rudeness_n yet_o christian_n ought_v to_o press_v after_o more_o growth_n and_o proficiency_n that_o they_o may_v lay_v aside_o those_o crutch_n and_o arrive_v at_o that_o gift_n of_o prayer_n that_o may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n as_o for_o closet-prayer_n 277._o practical_a catech._n pag._n 277._o dr._n hammond_n do_v assert_v it_o that_o every_o one_o may_v ask_v his_o own_o want_n in_o what_o form_n of_o word_n he_o shall_v think_v fit_a and_o indeed_o all_o particular_a case_n incident_a and_o variable_a can_v scarce_o be_v comprehend_v in_o one_o constant_a form_n beside_o in_o secret_a prayer_n god_n do_v not_o so_o much_o stand_v upon_o phrase_n or_o pat_o sentence_n as_o the_o working_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o be_v the_o best_a rhetoric_n in_o his_o ear_n it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o we_o may_v use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n i_o answer_v we_o may_v use_v it_o as_o other_o prayer_n in_o scripture_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rehearse_v every_o time_n we_o pray_v but_o a_o example_n platform_n or_o directory_n according_a to_o the_o content_n whereof_o we_o must_v direct_v our_o prayer_n therefore_o for_o the_o further_a help_n of_o young_a professor_n i_o shall_v brief_o touch_v at_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o that_o admirable_a compendious_a rule_n of_o prayer_n you_o have_v in_o mat._n 6._o ver_fw-la 9_o to_o v._o 14._o and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o refer_v chief_o though_o not_o only_o to_o closet-devotion_n what_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o it_o may_v be_v a_o practical_a analyse_a of_o it_o in_o its_o several_a part_n and_o branch_n 1._o for_o the_o preface_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n you_o may_v thus_o make_v use_n of_o it_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a majesty_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o in_o the_o low_a heart_n who_o see_v all_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o be_v a_o god_n that_o hear_v prayer_n i_o be_o a_o poor_a worm_n at_o thy_o footstool_n look_v up_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o thy_o grace_n cast_v a_o fatherly_a eye_n up_o on_o i_o and_o though_o i_o be_v by_o nature_n a_o child_n of_o wrath_n yet_o through_o jesus_n christ_n make_v i_o thy_o child_n by_o grace_n and_o adoption_n teach_v i_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n with_o holy_a reverence_n and_o filial_a confidence_n raise_v my_o heart_n to_o heaven_n beget_v in_o i_o faith_n in_o thy_o promise_n love_v to_o my_o brethren_n and_o due_a apprehension_n of_o thy_o sovereign_a power_n and_o gracious_a condescension_n that_o pray_v by_o the_o help_n of_o thy_o spirit_n in_o the_o name_n of_o thy_o son_n i_o may_v obtain_v good_a at_o thy_o fatherly_a hand_n second_o for_o the_o petition_n 1._o petition_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n thus_o o_o my_o god_n i_o have_v dishonour_v thou_o all_o my_o day_n by_o my_o ignorance_n pride_n hardness_n and_o unthankfulness_n and_o i_o be_o unapt_a and_o unable_a to_o glorify_v thou_o but_o do_v thou_o glorify_v thyself_o in_o my_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n help_v i_o to_o know_v and_o adore_v thou_o to_o make_v a_o high_a account_n of_o thy_o title_n attribute_n ordinance_n to_o believe_v thy_o word_n admire_v thy_o work_n in_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n help_v i_o with_o spiritual_a thought_n become_v my_o holy_a profession_n with_o divine_a lip_n speak_v good_a of_o thy_o name_n and_o a_o suitable_a conversation_n to_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n holy_a god_n destroy_v atheism_n ignorance_n idolatry_n and_o profaneness_n magnify_v thy_o name_n through_o the_o world_n and_o direct_v and_o dispose_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o thy_o glory_n by_o thy_o overrule_a providence_n and_o thy_o infinite_a wisdom_n 2._o petition_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thus_o improve_v it_o lord_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o by_o nature_n i_o be_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o a_o bondslave_n to_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n who_o rule_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o lead_v i_o captive_a by_o ignorance_n error_n disobedience_n but_o do_v thou_o by_o the_o power_n of_o thy_o grace_n cast_v out_o the_o strong_a man_n take_v possession_n of_o my_o heart_n sway_v thy_o bless_a sceptre_n in_o i_o bring_v my_o whole_a man_n to_o obedience_n destroy_v satan_n kingdom_n propagate_v the_o gospel_n among_o all_o nation_n purge_v thy_o house_n furnish_v thy_o church_n with_o officer_n order_n and_o pure_a ordinance_n make_v king_n nurse_v father_n to_o it_o convert_v sinner_n confirm_v saint_n comfort_v the_o sad_a hasten_v thy_o second_o come_v to_o judgement_n and_o the_o bless_a kingdom_n of_o glory_n 3._o petition_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n thus_o holy_a majesty_n i_o acknowledge_v my_o natural_a ignorance_n of_o thy_o will_n impotency_n to_o obey_v it_o yea_o enmity_n and_o antipathy_n against_o it_o my_o best_a service_n be_v imperfect_a my_o spirit_n repine_v under_o thy_o hand_n and_o my_o will_n wilful_o resist_v grace_n and_o rush_v into_o sin_n but_o dear_a lord_n