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
to_o make_v the_o right_a use_n of_o solitariness_n by_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n no_o man_n care_v for_o be_v alone_o but_o the_o serious_a person_n and_o no_o man_n care_v for_o go_v to_o god_n when_o alone_o but_o the_o sincere_a christian_a man_n be_v a_o sociable_a creature_n and_o natural_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o entertain_v ourselves_o by_o ourselves_o a_o carnal_a heart_n hate_v a_o domestical_a audit_n man_n that_o have_v shrewish_a wife_n love_v not_o to_o be_v at_o home_n and_o person_n that_o have_v guilty_a conscience_n can_v endure_v to_o hold_v discourse_n with_o they_o leave_v they_o be_v torment_v before_o the_o time_n oh_o but_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v upright_o and_o downright_a will_v know_v all_o that_o concern_v his_o own_o heart_n the_o best_a and_o worst_a therefore_o he_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n 77.6_o psal_n 77.6_o as_o david_n do_v and_o leave_v he_o miss_v or_o mistake_v in_o his_o search_n he_o turn_v he_o to_o the_o heart-searching_a god_n by_o prayer_n and_o cry_v out_o to_o he_o to_o search_v his_o heart_n and_o discover_v he_o to_o himself_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o a_o soul_n communion_n with_o god_n in_o secret_a a_o man_n have_v so_o much_o religion_n as_o he_o have_v betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o no_o more_o a_o true_a saint_n dare_v approve_v his_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n he_o be_v there_o exercise_v himself_o like_o a_o soldier_n by_o himself_o handle_v his_o pike_n and_o keep_v his_o posture_n that_o he_o may_v be_v better_o fit_v for_o a_o more_o solemn_a onset_n yea_o a_o christian_a do_v purposely_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o company_n that_o he_o may_v converse_v with_o god_n papist_n be_v true_a christian_n ape_n hence_o come_v the_o solitary_a life_n of_o monk_n pretend_v to_o imitate_v eliah_n and_o elisha_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o hierom_n and_o great_a stickler_n for_o a_o monastic_a life_n that_o this_o practice_n begin_v not_o till_o about_o the_o year_n 260_o or_o 300._o some_o say_v hilarion_n other_o paulus_n thebaeus_n other_o antonius_n begin_v this_o manner_n of_o conversation_n but_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o those_o ancient_a christian_n solitary_a life_n and_o the_o papist_n way_n of_o monastic_a live_n 1._o those_o first_o christian_n live_v solitary_a of_o necessity_n that_o they_o may_v lie_v hide_v more_o safe_o in_o a_o time_n of_o persecution_n 2._o they_o be_v not_o compel_v to_o give_v all_o to_o the_o poor_a 3._o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o certain_a rule_n nor_o do_v they_o engage_v themselves_o by_o a_o perpetual_a vow_n to_o that_o place_n and_o state_n 228._o vid._n perk._n demonstr_n problem_n monach._n p._n 227_o 228._o but_o may_v change_v their_o manner_n of_o life_n if_o they_o see_v good_a they_o be_v not_o bind_v as_o to_o meat_n marriage_n fast_v 4._o these_o ancient_a monk_n be_v of_o the_o laity_n not_o of_o the_o clergy_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n 5._o they_o have_v no_o conceit_n of_o merit_n in_o a_o monastic_a life_n till_o these_o latter_a age_n i_o may_v add_v 6._o 13._o clark_n eccles_n hist_o fol._n 13._o those_o ancient_a monk_n have_v a_o particular_a call_v and_o do_v work_v as_o the_o monk_n of_o bangor_n that_o live_v by_o the_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n and_o 7._o they_o be_v not_o tie_v up_o from_o converse_v abroad_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o occasion_n there_o be_v manifold_a it_o be_v not_o fit_a person_n shall_v be_v always_o coop_v up_o in_o a_o corner_n but_o that_o they_o be_v of_o use_n to_o other_o in_o their_o place_n and_o capacity_n we_o be_v not_o bear_v for_o ourselves_o nor_o must_v we_o live_v only_o within_o ourselves_o which_o will_v contradict_v the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n discentium_fw-la vita_fw-la solitaria_fw-la communi_fw-la inferior_a est_fw-la quia_fw-la importunis_fw-la cogitationibus_fw-la plena_fw-la quae_fw-la tanquam_fw-la muscae_fw-la minutissimae_fw-la de_fw-la timo_fw-la surgentes_fw-la volunt_fw-la in_o oculos_fw-la coâ—dis_fw-la &_o interrumpunt_fw-la sabbathum_fw-la mentis_fw-la ivo_n carnatensis_fw-la epist_n 258._o videsis_n plura_fw-la in_o perk_n ubi_fw-la supra_fw-la demonstrat_fw-la monasteria_fw-la veterum_fw-la ut_fw-la plurimum_fw-la faisse_fw-fr scholas_fw-la publicas_fw-la i._n e._n communitates_fw-la docentium_fw-la &_o discentium_fw-la a_o constant_a solitariness_n expose_v person_n to_o a_o world_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o be_v alone_o say_v solomon_n a_o ancient_a can_v speak_v it_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o a_o solitary_a life_n be_v inferior_a to_o a_o common_a converse_v because_o it_o be_v full_a of_o importunate_a cogitation_n which_o like_o little_a fly_n arise_v from_o dung_n fly_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o interrupt_v the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o mind_n thus_o he_o but_o i_o need_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o mention_n of_o popish_a foppery_n a_o right-bred_n christian_n that_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n be_v thrust_v into_o a_o corner_n know_v how_o to_o improve_v solitariness_n for_o soul-advantage_n and_o voluntary_o do_v withdraw_v himself_o into_o a_o corner_n that_o he_o may_v set_v himself_o to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o good_a earnest_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n concern_v husband_n and_o wife_n 1_o cor._n 7.5_o defraud_v you_o not_o one_o the_o other_o except_o it_o be_v with_o consent_n for_o a_o time_n that_o you_o may_v give_v yourselves_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n thence_o note_n that_o it_o be_v convenient_a sometime_o for_o christian_n to_o sequester_v themselves_o from_o near_a relation_n loc_fw-la vide_fw-la pareum_fw-la in_o loc_fw-la that_o they_o may_v have_v free_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o holy_a duty_n only_o let_v these_o four_o caution_n and_o limitation_n of_o the_o text_n be_v observe_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v with_o mutual_a consent_n 2._o but_o for_o a_o season_n 3._o the_o end_n a_o advantage_n for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n 4._o that_o they_o come_v together_o again_o this_o respect_v not_o every_o day_n ordinary_a performance_n but_o some_o solemn_a undertake_n of_o state_v and_o extraordinary_a fast_n in_o a_o day_n of_o danger_n or_o calamity_n at_o which_o time_n the_o bridegroom_n be_v to_o go_v forth_o of_o his_o chamber_n and_o the_o bride_n out_o of_o her_o closet_n joel_n 2.16_o i_o e._n to_o sequester_v themselves_o from_o conjugal_a delight_n to_o afflict_v their_o soul_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n but_o in_o these_o case_n a_o sound_n christian_n due_a discretion_n regulate_v by_o the_o general_n rule_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n will_v help_v in_o such_o performance_n that_o he_o may_v not_o dash_v on_o either_o rock_n of_o superstition_n or_o negligence_n but_o maintain_v a_o close_o and_o constant_a communion_n with_o god_n both_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o general_n and_o particular_a call_n in_o public_a ordinance_n and_o in_o private_a and_o secret_a duty_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o use_n chap._n iu._n the_o second_o use_n viz._n of_o reprehension_n sect_n i._o wicked_a man_n reprove_v 1._o here_o be_v just_a ground_n of_o sharp_a rebuke_n to_o all_o graceless_a prayerless_a person_n who_o understand_v nothing_o of_o this_o duty_n they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o tug_v and_o struggle_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o closet-prayer_n david_n say_v the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o his_o thought_n psal_n 10.4_o he_o can_v pray_v aright_o any_o where_n much_o less_o in_o secret_n the_o same_o psalm_n tell_v we_o what_o he_o do_v in_o secret_a ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10._o in_o the_o secret_a place_n do_v he_o murder_v the_o innocent_a his_o eye_n be_v privy_o set_v against_o the_o poor_a the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v a_o shame_n even_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v of_o they_o in_o secret_a eph._n 5.12_o oh_o the_o abominable_a practice_n of_o profane_a spirit_n in_o a_o corner_n their_o conscience_n can_v tell_v they_o sad_a story_n of_o secret_a sin_n which_o none_o but_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o themselves_o know_v of_o yea_o because_o they_o see_v not_o god_n they_o think_v god_n see_v not_o they_o like_o the_o silly_a bird_n because_o she_o thrust_v her_o head_n into_o a_o bush_n think_v she_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o fowler_n though_o her_o body_n be_v expose_v to_o open_a view_n carnal_a man_n maxim_n be_v like_o that_o monkish_a one_o caute_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la cast_v carry_v it_o wary_o if_o not_o chaste_o if_o they_o can_v hide_v their_o sin_n from_o man_n they_o take_v no_o notice_n whether_o god_n see_v they_o or_o no_o and_o from_o wish_v that_o he_o do_v not_o see_v begin_v to_o suspect_v whether_o he_o do_v see_v or_o no_o and_o
book_n call_v a_o help_n to_o better_a heart_n for_o better_a time_n pag._n 196_o 197._o read_n more_o of_o this_o subject_a there_o be_v some_o separate_a duty_n that_o prepare_v for_o other_o as_o examination_n meditation_n prayer_n and_o they_o do_v prepare_v by_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o provide_v a_o heavenly_a assistance_n to_o begin_v with_o we_o in_o the_o duty_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o always_o have_v separate_v time_n betwixt_o other_o occasion_n and_o god_n worship_n yet_o have_v some_o separate_a thought_n ere_o thou_o enter_v upon_o the_o duty_n thou_o be_v not_o fit_a else_o to_o meddle_v with_o wisdom_n thus_o he_o it_o be_v true_a some_o have_v not_o the_o leisure_n that_o other_o have_v yet_o so_o much_o preparation_n be_v necessary_a for_o every_o duty_n as_o may_v withdraw_v the_o heart_n from_o other_o object_n and_o weight_n the_o spirit_n with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o work_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o sometime_o this_o may_v be_v do_v sudden_o yet_o as_o for_o such_o as_o have_v more_o time_n to_o work_v upon_o their_o heart_n and_o state_n their_o soul_n case_n by_o muster_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o work_n neglect_v a_o duty_n and_o can_v ground_o expect_v the_o lord_n presence_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n people_n miss_v of_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n at_o least_o one_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o make_v such_o conscience_n and_o take_v such_o care_n of_o prepare_v their_o heart_n as_o they_o ought_v ah_o christian_n when_o you_o come_v into_o your_o closet_n sit_v down_o and_o pause_v a_o little_a before_o you_o fall_v down_o upon_o your_o knee_n clear_v up_o your_o state_n shake_v off_o other_o business_n set_v yourselves_o in_o god_n presence_n and_o muster_v up_o your_o sin_n or_o want_n or_o mercy_n you_o purpose_v to_o spread_v before_o the_o lord_n a_o client_n will_v consider_v all_o his_o matter_n before_o he_o come_v to_o state_n his_o case_n to_o his_o advocate_n a_o poor_a patient_n will_v bethink_v himself_o how_o he_o be_v that_o he_o may_v tell_v his_o ailing_n to_o his_o physician_n and_o a_o petitioner_n will_v not_o go_v hand_n over_o head_n unto_o his_o prince_n but_o order_n his_o cause_n before_o hand_n that_o he_o may_v plead_v it_o more_o effectual_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o much_o more_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n sect_n iii_o direction_n concern_v the_o essential_o of_o secret_a prayer_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o rule_n be_v concern_v some_o thing_n essential_o requisite_a to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n which_o you_o be_v to_o look_v to_o in_o the_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v such_o as_o be_v require_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o prayer_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v perform_v 1._o with_o the_o heart_n 2._o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o according_a to_o god_n will_n 4._o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 1._o secret_a prayer_n must_v he_o hearty_a prayer_n a_o heartless_a duty_n be_v a_o worthless_a duty_n yea_o the_o whole_a heart_n must_v be_v engage_v in_o it_o psal_n 119.10_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n have_v i_o seek_v thou_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o god_n chief_o look_v after_o prov._n 23.26_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n nothing_o else_o can_v please_v god_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v want_v if_o the_o heart_n be_v engage_v in_o the_o duty_n he_o will_v rather_o dispense_v with_o other_o weakness_n where_o there_o be_v not_o wilful_a negligence_n observe_v it_o in_o that_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o perform_v with_o other_o a_o man_n gift_n may_v be_v of_o use_n though_o his_o heart_n go_v not_o along_o with_o his_o voice_n but_o in_o closet-prayer_n it_o do_v no_o good_a at_o all_o except_o the_o heart_n be_v engage_v therefore_o god_n principal_o require_v the_o heart_n in_o other_o duty_n in_o this_o he_o only_o require_v the_o heart_n for_o the_o voice_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o love_n and_o serve_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n 33._o mark_v 12.30_o 33._o soul_n mind_n strength_n be_v a_o keep_n of_o the_o law_n and_o more_o than_o all_o whole_a burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n we_o shall_v pray_v with_o every_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o with_o the_o utmost_a strength_n of_o every_o faculty_n 9_o mat._n 15.8_o 9_o god_n deserve_v and_o require_v our_o strong_a affection_n that_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a worship_n that_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o heart_n right_a attendance_n on_o god_n be_v a_o engage_v the_o heart_n to_o approach_v to_o god_n christian_n 30.21_o jer._n 30.21_o in_o all_o your_o address_n to_o god_n mind_n the_o object_n of_o worship_n let_v the_o subject_n worship_v and_o object_n worship_v be_v close_o unite_v look_v beyond_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o a_o ordinance_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o a_o ordinance_n god_n dear_a child_n know_v what_o this_o mean_n for_o sometime_o they_o be_v more_o take_v up_o with_o expression_n affection_n or_o some_o accidental_n in_o the_o performance_n than_o with_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n they_o shall_v be_v intent_n upon_o but_o this_o be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o whatsoever_o interpose_v betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o god_n to_o divert_v the_o thought_n from_o god_n be_v a_o idol_n 70._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 70._o ezek._n 14.3_o these_o man_n have_v set_v up_o their_o idol_n in_o their_o heart_n sept._n read_v it_o they_o have_v put_v their_o thought_n upon_o their_o heart_n i_o e._n they_o have_v commit_v idolatry_n with_o their_o own_o imagination_n instead_o of_o worship_v god_n their_o mind_n have_v stick_v upon_o something_o short_a of_o god_n after_o which_o they_o have_v as_o it_o be_v run_v a_o whore_v even_o in_o the_o duty_n i_o shall_v not_o deliver_v that_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o useful_a note_n i_o fear_v many_o of_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a finespun_a idolatry_n by_o heterogeneal_a thought_n in_o holy_a duty_n that_o pluck_v we_o from_o god_n when_o we_o be_v approach_v to_o he_o the_o lord_n humble_v we_o for_o this_o and_o fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o god_n that_o we_o may_v say_v as_o the_o church_n isa_n 26.8_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o thy_o name_n and_o to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o cyprian_n say_v 246._o cogitatio_fw-la omnis_fw-la secularis_fw-la &_o carnalis_fw-la at_o sced_a nec_fw-la quicquam_fw-la tunc_fw-la animus_n quam_fw-la id_fw-la solum_fw-la cogitet_fw-la quod_fw-la precatur_fw-la ideo_fw-la &_o sacerdos_fw-la ante_fw-la orationem_fw-la prefatione_fw-la praemissa_fw-la parat_fw-la sratrum_fw-la mentes_fw-la dicendo_fw-la sursam_fw-la corda_fw-la ut_fw-la dura_fw-la respondet_fw-la plebs_fw-la habemus_fw-la ad_fw-la dominum_fw-la ad_fw-la moneatur_fw-la nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la se_fw-la quam_fw-la dominum_fw-la cogitare_fw-la debere_fw-la câ—p._n serm._n de_fw-fr orat_fw-la dâ—m_fw-la p_o 246._o every_o secular_a thought_n must_v depart_v and_o the_o mind_n must_v be_v take_v up_o with_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o be_v about_o he_o tell_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n be_v that_o the_o minister_n before_o prayer_n prepare_v the_o people_n mind_n say_n sursum_fw-la corda_fw-la lift_v up_o your_o heart_n and_o they_o answer_v habemus_fw-la ad_fw-la dominum_fw-la we_o have_v they_o up_o to_o the_o lord_n whereby_o say_v he_o we_o be_v admonish_v that_o in_o prayer_n we_o must_v think_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o lord_n what_o the_o minister_n say_v to_o the_o people_n do_v you_o say_v to_o yourselves_o sursum_fw-la corda_fw-la lift_v up_o your_o heart_n let_v every_o one_o say_v i_o be_o now_o worship_v a_o heart-searching_a god_n oh_o that_o my_o heart_n be_v with_o god_n 239._o ascensus_fw-la mentis_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la luth._o collâ—q_n mist_n fol._n 239._o the_o ancient_n say_v luther_n fine_o describe_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o ascent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n oh_o that_o i_o do_v experimental_o know_v what_o this_o mean_n in_o syntaxi_n i._n e._n in_o couple_v and_o join_v of_o my_o heart_n to_o god_n lord_n gather_v in_o my_o rove_a and_o wander_a spirit_n this_o be_v the_o first_o direction_n mind_v the_o frame_n of_o your_o heart_n 2._o implore_v and_o expect_v the_o spirit_n assistance_n prayer_n must_v be_v by_o the_o spirit_n enlarge_n influence_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n 8.26_o zech._n 12.10_o rom._n 8.26_o it_o help_v our_o infirmity_n by_o make_v soul_n to_o cry_v out_o abba_n father_n with_o unutterable_a groan_n a_o christian_a shall_v spread_v the_o sail_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o the_o gale_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o will_v carry_v the_o pray_a saint_n apace_o towards_o god_n yea_o and_o
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
they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v god_n carry_v something_o out_o of_o your_o closet_n that_o may_v hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o work_n what_o david_n speak_v in_o word_n ps_n 119.55_o 56._o after_o he_o have_v say_v he_o remember_v god_n name_n in_o the_o night_n he_o add_v this_o i_o have_v because_o i_o keep_v thy_o precept_n he_o tell_v not_o what_o it_o be_v but_o certain_o something_o it_o be_v worth_n have_v possible_o it_o be_v some_o strength_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n some_o power_n over_o a_o corruption_n oh_o christian_n let_v your_o action_n demonstrate_v what_o you_o get_v in_o god_n presence_n what_o a_o sin_n and_o shame_n be_v it_o when_o person_n do_v that_o moral_o that_o moses_n do_v literal_o even_o come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n and_o break_v the_o table_n of_o god_n law_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v off_o the_o place_n oh_o how_o sad_o be_v it_o for_o a_o soul_n to_o come_v down_o from_o closet-prayer_n and_o be_v proud_a passionate_a envious_a or_o covetous_a and_o observe_v it_o than_o you_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n for_o than_o do_v satan_n tempt_v most_o and_o your_o heart_n be_v then_o most_o apt_a to_o be_v secure_a conceit_a and_o carnal_o confident_a as_o though_o you_o have_v do_v enough_o and_o may_v now_o sit_v down_o and_o take_v your_o ease_n and_o have_v sweat_n at_o duty_n and_o sudden_o cool_v the_o gracious_a soul_n do_v contract_v a_o dangerous_a surfeit_n and_o fall_v into_o a_o languish_a condition_n be_v jealous_a therefore_o of_o yourselves_o when_o you_o have_v be_v with_o god_n in_o secret_a and_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v like_o a_o cheater_n who_o strike_v in_o with_o a_o young_a heir_n when_o he_o have_v new_o receive_v his_o rent_n and_o never_o leave_v he_o till_o he_o have_v ease_v he_o of_o his_o money_n oh_o now_o walk_v wary_o and_o watchful_o consider_v where_o you_o have_v be_v and_o do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o your_o communion_n or_o profession_n let_v it_o never_o be_v say_v of_o you_o as_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v i_o wonder_v what_o such_o person_n do_v so_o much_o alone_o unless_o they_o live_v better_o and_o carry_v themselves_o after_o another_o order_n they_o pretend_v devotion_n but_o there_o be_v little_a see_v in_o their_o conversation_n they_o will_v talk_v as_o vain_o live_v as_o wanton_o be_v as_o hard_a and_o false_a in_o their_o way_n of_o trade_v and_o be_v as_o proud_a scornful_a perfidious_a and_o injurious_a as_o other_o be_v ah_o christian_n let_v it_o never_o be_v say_v thus_o at_o least_o give_v no_o occasion_n of_o such_o speech_n let_v the_o world_n see_v your_o prayer_n have_v some_o efficacy_n that_o you_o get_v some_o strength_n in_o duty_n which_o you_o lay_v out_o in_o your_o practice_n sect_n iii_o further_n duty_n after_o closet-prayer_n 3._o another_o duty_n after_o you_o have_v be_v with_o god_n in_o secret_a be_v to_o expect_v a_o seasonable_a return_n stand_v upon_o your_o watch_n harken_v what_o god_n will_v speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v david_n will_v i_o direct_v my_o prayer_n and_o will_v look_v up_o psal_n 5.3_o so_o do_v you_o christian_n look_v up_o to_o see_v what_o become_v of_o your_o prayer_n observe_v what_o answer_v god_n give_v in_o it_o be_v a_o unmannerly_a mock_v another_o pilate-like_a to_o ask_v a_o question_n and_o expect_v no_o answer_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o gross_a soloecism_n in_o religion_n to_o speak_v many_o thing_n to_o god_n and_o expect_v no_o return_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a fault_n among_o christian_n to_o pray_v and_o pray_v and_o never_o to_o consider_v or_o gather_v up_o the_o fruit_n of_o prayer_n be_v it_o not_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o folly_n for_o man_n to_o be_v always_o sow_v and_o never_o to_o look_v for_o a_o harvest_n sure_o christian_n have_v more_o harvest_n than_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o therefore_o sir_n observe_v how_o you_o reap_v take_v special_a notice_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o a_o return_n of_o prayer_n examine_v it_o thorough_o gather_v something_o out_o of_o it_o catch_v at_o what_o come_v from_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n as_o benhadad_n servant_n do_v by_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n word_n and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o hint_n lay_v it_o up_o make_v much_o of_o it_o improve_v it_o praise_n god_n for_o it_o and_o hope_v for_o more_o it_o be_v the_o negligence_n or_o unwarrantable_a modesty_n of_o some_o christian_n to_o think_v that_o they_o can_v expect_v no_o fruit_n of_o their_o prayer_n because_o of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o duty_n forget_v god_n gracious_a promise_n to_o upright-hearted_n seeker_n by_o remember_v his_o strict_a justice_n to_o such_o as_o seek_v he_o not_o in_o the_o due_a order_n but_o sir_n you_o must_v so_o be_v humble_a as_o also_o to_o believe_v so_o deny_v your_o own_o righteousness_n as_o also_o to_o improve_v christ_n intercession_n you_o be_v to_o renounce_v all_o conceit_n of_o merit_n in_o yourselves_o and_o yet_o look_v up_o for_o mercy_n from_o god_n god_n have_v gracious_o annex_v his_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n and_o if_o god_n have_v assist_v you_o to_o pray_v right_a for_o the_o main_a you_o may_v expect_v his_o audience_n 4.8_o 1_o joh._n 1.9_o 2_o tim._n 4.8_o for_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o merciful_a both_o in_o forgive_a our_o iniquity_n and_o give_v we_o mercy_n god_n answer_n be_v large_a than_o our_o asking_n when_o we_o true_o pray_v for_o a_o piece_n of_o bread_n god_n give_v a_o whole_a acre_n of_o land_n as_o luther_n say_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o his_o wife_n be_v sick_a he_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o she_o may_v live_v 245._o luth._o colloq_fw-la mens_fw-la fol._n 245._o so_o say_v he_o he_o not_o only_o grant_v that_o request_n but_o also_o therewith_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o goodly_a farm_n at_o zolfdorf_n and_o thereto_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o a_o fruitful_a year_n instance_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v endless_a there_o be_v never_o a_o sincere_a prayer_n lose_v god_n always_o give_v in_o return_n only_o we_o either_o do_v not_o observe_v or_o mistake_v they_o and_o lose_v the_o comfort_n of_o they_o a_o answer_n of_o prayer_n do_v not_o always_o come_v in_o the_o way_n we_o expect_v it_o we_o look_v for_o it_o at_o the_o fore-door_n and_o it_o come_v in_o at_o the_o backdoor_n and_o while_o we_o be_v still_o expect_v the_o friend_n we_o look_v for_o he_o be_v in_o the_o house_n the_o mercy_n we_o desire_v be_v receive_v only_o it_o come_v in_o a_o way_n we_o think_v not_o of_o and_o be_v therefore_o apt_a to_o overlook_v it_o therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o confine_a god_n to_o your_o way_n or_o limit_v he_o to_o your_o time_n that_o be_v the_o three_o 4._o communicate_v your_o experiment_n and_o thereby_o commend_v this_o duty_n to_o other_o thus_o david_n come_v say_v he_o and_o i_o will_v declare_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n psal_n 66.16_o this_o poor_a man_n cry_v and_o the_o lord_n hear_v he_o psal_n 34.6_o do_v you_o as_o i_o have_v do_v and_o you_o shall_v speed_v as_o i_o have_v speed_v do_v not_o mistake_v this_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o tell_v every_o one_o when_o you_o go_v to_o closet-prayer_n or_o when_o you_o have_v be_v at_o it_o that_o be_v a_o pharisaical_a blow_v a_o trumpet_n but_o you_o must_v at_o some_o time_n to_o such_o person_n as_o you_o can_v confide_v in_o or_o that_o you_o have_v some_o ground_a hope_n of_o do_v good_a to_o tell_v they_o your_o experience_n for_o their_o direction_n and_o encouragement_n in_o this_o case_n acquaint_v they_o how_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o deal_v with_o your_o heart_n what_o good_a you_o have_v find_v from_o god_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o you_o question_v not_o but_o upon_o a_o conscientious_a use_n thereof_o they_o may_v find_v the_o like_a advantage_n and_o this_o will_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n for_o hereby_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o rule_n for_o it_o but_o the_o exemplify_a of_o it_o in_o a_o precedent_n and_o we_o know_v example_n be_v of_o a_o prevail_a nature_n especial_o see_v that_o you_o put_v your_o family_n upon_o this_o practice_n oh_o what_o a_o bless_a thing_n be_v it_o if_o every_o person_n in_o several_a room_n of_o the_o house_n be_v at_o work_n with_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n how_o brave_o will_v that_o house_n be_v perfume_v how_o well_o will_v the_o trade_n of_o godliness_n thrive_v sure_o such_o a_o house_n be_v a_o more_o bless_a beautiful_a edifice_n than_o any_o prince_n palace_n under_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o disposition_n of_o gospel-penitents_a to_o mourn_v every_o family_n apart_o
inform_v my_o mind_n conquer_v my_o will_n order_n my_o affection_n sweet_o to_o comply_v with_o thy_o mind_n teach_v i_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n in_o obedience_n make_v i_o content_a with_o thy_o will_n concern_v i_o in_o every_o providence_n beget_v in_o i_o those_o heavenly_a disposition_n that_o be_v in_o the_o glorious_a angel_n and_o glorify_a saint_n that_o with_o humility_n chearfulnesse_n diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n zeal_n sincerity_n and_o constancy_n i_o may_v be_v active_o and_o passive_o at_o thy_o dispose_n 4._o for_o that_o petition_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n say_v in_o this_o manner_n heavenly_a father_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o by_o my_o wretched_a apostasy_n in_o adam_n i_o have_v lose_v my_o right_n to_o every_o morsel_n of_o bread_n and_o deserve_v not_o to_o breath_n in_o thy_o air_n or_o tread_v on_o thy_o earth_n my_o sin_n have_v put_v a_o curse_n and_o sting_v into_o every_o comfort_n i_o can_v obtain_v nothing_o by_o my_o industry_n yet_o be_o prone_a to_o desire_v get_v and_o use_v thy_o mercy_n unlawful_o thy_o blessing_n be_v only_o the_o staff_n of_o my_o bread_n help_v i_o to_o wait_v on_o thy_o providence_n in_o a_o moderate_a use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n give_v i_o a_o competency_n of_o outward_a comfort_n thy_o blessing_n in_o the_o use_n thereof_o and_o contentment_n therewith_o and_o above_o all_o a_o right_a thereto_o in_o christ_n and_o prevent_v needless_a care_n and_o sensual_a delight_n 5._o as_o to_o that_o petition_n forgive_v we_o our_o debt_n as_o we_o forgive_v our_o debtor_n thus_o plead_v it_o lord_n i_o be_o woeful_o guilty_a of_o original_n and_o actual_a sin_n and_o be_o thereby_o a_o debtor_n to_o divine_a justice_n i_o owe_v million_o and_o can_v pay_v the_o least_o farthing_n therefore_o deserve_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o dark_a dungeon_n of_o eternal_a torment_n but_o dear_a lord_n thou_o have_v find_v a_o ransom_n who_o stand_v in_o man_n stead_n to_o be_v surety_n for_o he_o o_o accept_v i_o in_o thy_o belove_a son_n jesus_n christ_n wash_v away_o my_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n clothe_v my_o naked_a soul_n with_o his_o glorious_a robe_n give_v i_o save_v faith_n to_o embrace_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n free_a my_o soul_n from_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n pardon_v my_o daily_a fail_n and_o seal_v a_o acquittance_n in_o my_o conscience_n which_o tell_v i_o i_o do_v free_o forgive_v all_o offence_n against_o myself_o 6._o the_o last_o petition_n and_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v from_o evil_a you_o may_v render_v thus_o lord_n it_o be_v righteous_a with_o thou_o to_o leave_v i_o to_o be_v assault_v and_o conquer_v by_o satan_n my_o soul_n cruel_a enemy_n my_o heart_n be_v grow_v wanton_a proud_a and_o careless_a apt_a to_o thrust_v myself_o into_o temptation_n but_o unable_a to_o resist_v or_o overcome_v they_o thou_o may_v just_o bring_v i_o into_o occasion_n and_o leave_v i_o to_o myself_o therein_o but_o oh_o my_o god_n keep_v my_o soul_n from_o be_v tempt_v or_o assist_v i_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n or_o recover_v i_o out_o of_o my_o foil_n and_o fall_n sanctify_v my_o slip_n make_v my_o stand_a sure_a in_o thy_o strength_n tread_v satan_n under_o my_o foot_n conquer_v the_o world_n for_o i_o crucify_v i_o unto_o the_o world_n subdue_v my_o flesh_n within_o and_o in_o due_a time_n take_v my_o soul_n above_o all_o sin_n and_o snare_n into_o thy_o immediate_a presence_n and_o then_o shut_v up_o all_o with_o such_o like_a word_n as_o these_o on_o that_o conclusion_n for_o thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n oh_o my_o god_n i_o be_o unworthy_a thou_o shall_v grant_v my_o petition_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o myself_o all_o my_o argument_n in_o prayer_n and_o ground_n of_o acceptance_n i_o fetch_v from_o thyself_o thou_o have_v a_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n and_o throne_n of_o grace_n from_o whence_o thou_o hear_v prayer_n and_o dispense_v blessing_n all_o the_o power_n be_v in_o thy_o hand_n to_o give_v and_o forgive_v to_o kill_v or_o make_v alive_a and_o the_o glory_n shall_v be_v thou_o if_o thou_o hear_v my_o prayer_n and_o bless_v be_v my_o god_n for_o all_o my_o mercy_n i_o ascribe_v to_o thou_o and_o thou_o alone_o eternal_a sovereignty_n omnipotency_n and_o glorious_a excellency_n which_o as_o i_o desire_v all_o may_v be_v give_v to_o god_n so_o i_o be_o humble_o embolden_v by_o faith_n to_o rest_v upon_o thy_o power_n and_o promise_n that_o in_o due_a time_n thou_o will_v hear_v my_o request_n and_o as_o a_o token_n of_o that_o my_o desire_n and_o confidence_n my_o soul_n do_v echo_v forth_o amen_o even_o so_o be_v it_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o hint_n from_o the_o lords-prayer_n of_o direction_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n i_o shall_v but_o propound_v another_o scripture-instance_n concern_v argument_n in_o prayer_n sect._n ii_o a_o example_n from_o jacob_n of_o plead_v with_o god_n god_n will_v have_v his_o people_n converse_v with_o he_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n and_o god_n child_n have_v make_v use_n of_o many_o plea_n in_o prayer_n which_o they_o have_v produce_v in_o vehement_a expostulation_n as_o we_o may_v find_v sprinkle_v up_o and_o down_o in_o scripture_n as_o moses_n nehemiah_n ezra_n and_o daniel_n in_o their_o approach_n to_o god_n and_o above_o all_o david_n through_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n be_v exceed_v full_o this_o way_n but_o i_o shall_v pass_v by_o the_o rest_n and_o fix_v only_o upon_o one_o scripture-instance_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v a_o secret_a or_o solitary_a prayer_n of_o which_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v and_o there_o be_v notable_a plea_n therein_o which_o may_v possible_o suit_v our_o condition_n therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o touch_v the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o recommend_v it_o to_o our_o imitation_n it_o be_v that_o of_o good_a jacob_n who_o be_v train_v up_o in_o this_o holy_a art_n of_o wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o gen._n 32.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o his_o plea_n there_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o ten_o head_n 1._o he_o make_v use_v of_o suitable_a title_n of_o god_n he_o call_v he_o lord_n or_o jehovah_n which_o denote_v god_n self-existence_n and_o give_v be_v or_o existence_n to_o the_o promise_n in_o first_o make_v they_o and_o then_o make_v they_o good_a thus_o do_v you_o sir_n raise_v in_o your_o heart_n suitable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o let_v your_o expression_n be_v answerable_a tell_v god_n he_o be_v a_o infinite_a omniscient_a omnipotent_a majesty_n able_a to_o do_v beyond_o what_o you_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v and_o that_o you_o neither_o need_v nor_o desire_v any_o more_o than_o what_o his_o almighty_a power_n can_v effect_v tell_v he_o if_o all-sufficiency_n can_v supply_v you_o you_o be_v content_a to_o go_v unsped_a but_o you_o question_v neither_o his_o hand_n nor_o heart_n you_o be_v sure_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v help_v his_o child_n in_o their_o need_n he_o will_v make_v good_a with_o his_o hand_n what_o he_o have_v speak_v with_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v jehovah_n 2._o he_o plead_v covenant-relation_n to_o god_n o_o god_n of_o my_o father_n abraham_n and_o god_n of_o my_o father_n isaac_n and_o so_o my_o god_n this_o be_v a_o admirable_a plea_n if_o god_n own_o a_o soul_n in_o a_o covenant-relation_n he_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o good_a though_o his_o grace_n be_v free_a yet_o when_o god_n have_v choose_v a_o soul_n to_o be_v his_o he_o have_v as_o it_o be_v engage_v himself_o to_o own_o it_o now_o he_o have_v lay_v his_o truth_n to_o pledge_v thus_o than_o a_o soul_n may_v plead_v lord_n thou_o have_v be_v my_o father_n god_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o be_v my_o god_n and_o will_v thou_o be_v my_o god_n and_o withhold_v such_o a_o mercy_n from_o i_o my_o ancestor_n find_v grace_n in_o thy_o sight_n and_o obtain_v those_o very_a good_a thing_n i_o be_o crave_v and_o be_o not_o i_o under_o the_o very_a same_o covenant_n with_o they_o be_v not_o promise_n the_o same_o be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o mediator_n lord_n i_o come_v to_o thou_o in_o a_o covenant-relation_n for_o a_o covenant-mercy_n and_o will_v thou_o deny_v i_o 3._o he_o plead_v a_o warrant_n for_o his_o undertake_n appeal_n to_o god_n that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o say_v unto_o i_o return_v unto_o thy_o country_n oh_o with_o what_o encouragement_n may_v the_o soul_n plead_v for_o assistance_n and_o protection_n that_o be_v in_o god_n way_n and_o work_v according_a to_o his_o own_o appointment_n thus_o then_o plead_v lord_n have_v not_o thou_o set_v i_o about_o this_o work_n have_v thou_o not_o give_v i_o a_o charge_n to_o do_v what_o i_o do_v have_v i_o not_o a_o plain_a
positive_a scripture-warrant_a to_o bind_v my_o conscience_n i_o dare_v not_o do_v otherwise_o i_o may_v say_v if_o i_o be_v deceive_v thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o but_o i_o be_o sure_a plain_a text_n be_v no_o cheat_n i_o can_v otherwise_o understand_v such_o a_o command_n and_o oh_o my_o god_n since_o thou_o have_v thus_o engage_v i_o in_o thy_o work_n will_v thou_o suffer_v i_o to_o miscarry_v therein_o 4._o he_o plead_v a_o particular_a promise_n i_o will_v deal_v well_o with_o thou_o sure_o a_o comprehensive_a word_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o that_o jacob_n want_v thus_o must_v a_o christian_a search_n the_o scripture_n get_v hold_v of_o a_o promise_n spread_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n whether_o for_o spiritual_a grace_n inward_a comfort_n or_o outward_a supply_n as_o thus_o lord_n i_o find_v a_o promise_n in_o such_o a_o place_n to_o a_o person_n in_o my_o very_a case_n pat_o and_o pertinent_a to_o my_o very_a condition_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v calculate_v purposely_o for_o i_o in_o this_o juncture_n now_o lord_n make_v it_o good_a to_o my_o soul_n and_o seed_n thou_o have_v make_v it_o good_a to_o other_o in_o my_o state_n and_o why_o not_o to_o i_o be_o not_o i_o a_o heir_n of_o promise_n and_o must_v not_o i_o have_v a_o share_n therein_o 5._o jacob_n lay_v himself_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a say_v he_o of_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n this_o be_v the_o property_n and_o excellency_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o nullify_v himself_o and_o omnifie_v god_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v thus_o abraham_n in_o his_o plead_n call_v himself_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o the_o centurion_n judge_v himself_o not_o worthy_a that_o christ_n shall_v come_v under_o his_o roof_n thus_o then_o abase_v thyself_o lord_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o enjoy_v any_o common_a mercy_n not_o fit_a to_o lift_v up_o my_o eye_n to_o thou_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o thy_o mercy_n behold_v i_o be_o vile_a i_o be_o not_o only_o destitute_a of_o merit_n but_o full_a of_o demerit_n hell_n be_v my_o desert_n i_o can_v challenge_v nothing_o as_o i_o but_o sin_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o lord_n i_o condemn_v myself_o do_v not_o thou_o condemn_v i_o and_o cast_v i_o from_o thou_o 6._o he_o be_v affect_v with_o god_n faithfulness_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n show_v to_o his_o servant_n there_o be_v mercy_n in_o god_n make_v a_o promise_n to_o abraham_n mic._n 7.20_o truth_n in_o make_v it_o good_a to_o jacob._n well_o then_o with_o jacob_n thus_o plead_v lord_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v nothing_o of_o desert_n in_o i_o to_o engage_v thou_o either_o to_o make_v or_o keep_v thy_o gracious_a promise_n but_o sure_o the_o word_n be_v go_v from_o thou_o yea_o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o my_o treachery_n and_o unfaithfulness_n thou_o have_v keep_v it_o to_o this_o day_n oh_o keep_v it_o still_o it_o depend_v whole_o on_o thou_o let_v not_o my_o vanity_n alter_v the_o course_n of_o thy_o mercy_n but_o pardon_v and_o accept_v as_o thou_o have_v do_v from_o my_o egypt_n until_o now_o 7._o jacob_n further_o recount_v his_o former_a meanness_n his_o low_a condition_n with_o my_o staff_n i_o pass_v over_o this_o jordan_n i_o come_v hither_o in_o a_o poor_a contemptible_a manner_n a_o sorry_a pilgrim_n thus_o do_v you_o plead_v truth_n it_o be_v lord_n thy_o grace_n be_v absolute_o free_a there_o be_v neither_o wit_n nor_o wealth_n to_o move_v thou_o to_o do_v what_o thou_o have_v do_v i_o can_v remember_v the_o time_n when_o i_o be_v as_o sorry_a and_o silly_a a_o creature_n as_o be_v in_o all_o the_o country_n there_o be_v no_o capacity_n in_o i_o to_o do_v thou_o any_o remarkable_a service_n thou_o do_v not_o set_v thy_o love_n upon_o i_o for_o any_o natural_a or_o moral_a accomplishment_n even_o so_o father_n because_o it_o please_v thou_o and_o will_v thou_o now_o forsake_v i_o thou_o may_v have_v do_v that_o at_o easy_a rate_n 8._o here_o be_v jacob_n stone_n of_o memorial_n for_o bypass_a and_o present_a mercy_n now_o say_v he_o i_o be_o become_v two_o band_n i._n e._n two_o great_a company_n of_o wife_n child_n servant_n flock_n herd_n i_o may_v say_v these_z where_o have_v they_o be_v it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v poor_a worm_n jacob_n thus_o rich_a oh_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n so_o do_v thou_o say_v lord_n take_v notice_n what_o thou_o have_v do_v for_o i_o must_v all_o this_o be_v in_o vain_a will_v thou_o throw_v away_o these_o good_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o rather_o crown_v these_o gift_n with_o continuance_n of_o thy_o kindness_n will_v thou_o return_v to_o do_v i_o hurt_v after_o thou_o have_v do_v i_o all_o this_o good_a do_v thou_o not_o remember_v my_o conviction_n consolation_n my_o fear_n tear_n doubt_n refreshment_n oh_o the_o passage_n of_o love_n betwixt_o thou_o and_o i_o shall_v i_o be_v the_o grave_n of_o these_o mercy_n lord_n forget_v i_o not_o 9_o here_o be_v his_o sense_n of_o approach_a danger_n deliver_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o my_o brother_n for_o i_o fear_v he_o etc._n etc._n a_o brother_n offend_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v win_v than_o a_o strong_a city_n jacob_n danger_n be_v a_o spur_n to_o his_o prayer_n a_o pursue_v hart_n run_v fast_o for_o shelter_n so_o do_v thou_o soul_n when_o afraid_a fly_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v oh_o my_o god_n i_o have_v deadly_a enemy_n within_o without_o my_o case_n be_v forlorn_a desperate_a i_o have_v none_o to_o run_v to_o but_o thyself_o have_v not_o thou_o say_v that_o in_o thou_o the_o fatherless_a find_v mercy_n other_o refuge_n fail_v i_o no_o man_n care_v for_o my_o soul_n lord_n relieve_v deliver_v this_o sinful_a wretch_n else_o i_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n 10._o once_o more_o do_v jacob_n plead_v the_o promise_n and_o enlarge_v the_o grant_v charter_n thou_o say_v i_o will_v sure_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o make_v thy_o seed_n as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n thus_o do_v you_o still_o seek_v out_o suck_v sweetness_n from_o and_o put_v in_o suit_n the_o promise_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n in_o this_o manner_n lord_n have_v thou_o not_o promise_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n a_o break_a heart_n why_o then_o be_v my_o heart_n harden_v from_o thy_o fear_n do_v thou_o not_o say_v thou_o will_v give_v thy_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o this_o lord_n i_o want_v to_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o illumination_n a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n and_o of_o satisfaction_n oh_o bestow_v this_o mercy_n upon_o i_o do_v thou_o not_o promise_v to_o take_v away_o my_o inqivity_n by_o pardon_v grace_n for_o thy_o own_o name_n sake_n and_o to_o subdue_v my_o corruption_n and_o increase_v grace_n and_o bring_v i_o to_o glory_n lord_n remember_v thy_o word_n unto_o thy_o servant_n in_o which_o thou_o have_v cause_v i_o to_o trust_v thus_o much_o for_o help_n in_o plead_v with_o god_n and_o for_o that_o use_n of_o instruction_n chap._n viii_o a_o use_n of_o exhortation_n urge_v sect_n i._o the_o last_o use_n be_v for_o exhortation_n to_o put_v we_o on_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o sweet_a duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n my_o belove_a friend_n i_o beseech_v you_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n you_o see_v the_o work_n before_o you_o you_o see_v a_o plain_a scripture-warrant_a for_o it_o you_o have_v hear_v many_o instance_n of_o scripture-pattern_n you_o see_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n let_v none_o now_o plead_v ignorance_n or_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o needless_a or_o make_v excuse_n or_o evasion_n be_v it_o not_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a be_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o converse_v with_o your_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n look_v over_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o weight_n in_o they_o but_o beside_o those_o i_o shall_v propound_v to_o you_o these_o expostulatory_a motive_n 1._o will_v you_o not_o be_v such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o command_v duty_n you_o be_v no_o real_a saint_n unless_o you_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.6_o if_o you_o pick_v and_o choose_v in_o your_o obedience_n you_o be_v hollow-hearted_a hypocrite_n and_o can_v you_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o will_v you_o stand_v dodge_v with_o god_n must_v he_o raze_v this_o sentence_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n to_o humour_v your_o conceit_n and_o sloth_n be_v not_o closet-prayer_n a_o christian_a duty_n dare_v you_o argue_v against_o it_o out_o of_o what_o topic_n will_v you_o fetch_v your_o argument_n and_o do_v you_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o
will_v not_o practice_v it_o your_o own_o mouth_n will_v condemn_v you_o what_o need_v any_o more_o witness_n but_o if_o you_o be_v real_a saint_n i_o dare_v say_v you_o do_v approve_v of_o it_o and_o practise_v it_o sometime_o and_o why_o be_v you_o not_o constant_a in_o your_o obedience_n be_v it_o not_o the_o property_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o do_v righteousness_n at_o all_o time_n psal_n 106.3_o oh_o consider_v this_o and_o do_v not_o either_o neglect_n a_o command_n or_o omit_v this_o know_a duty_n 2._o will_v you_o not_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n clear_v up_o in_o your_o soul_n sure_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n but_o will_v arrive_v at_o assurance_n and_o this_o be_v one_o way_n to_o evidence_n sincerity_n be_v much_o with_o god_n in_o secret_a duty_n as_o he_o grieve_v true_o that_o grieve_v without_o witness_n dolet_fw-la ille_fw-la doâ—…t_fw-la veer_fw-la qui_fw-la sine_fw-la testae_fw-la dolet_fw-la so_o those_o religious_a act_n be_v most_o evidential_a of_o grace_n that_o be_v least_o obvious_a to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n and_o whereby_o a_o christian_a approve_v his_o heart_n only_o to_o the_o heart-searching_a god_n here_o be_v the_o true_a israelite_n that_o can_v 2.28_o rom._n 2.28_o with_o jacob_n converse_v with_o god_n alone_o and_o seek_v his_o praise_n not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n observe_v it_o a_o christian_a ordinary_o have_v not_o that_o comfort_n in_o a_o duty_n expose_v to_o other_o view_n which_o he_o have_v in_o that_o he_o perform_v betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n for_o there_o be_v most_o danger_n of_o selfishness_n in_o the_o former_a and_o more_o self-denial_n in_o the_o latter_a the_o wind_n of_o applause_n may_v blow_v man_n far_o in_o a_o creditable_a performance_n but_o humility_n and_o sincerity_n be_v most_o evident_a in_o secret_a appeal_n to_o god_n consider_v this_o christian_n you_o run_v to_o sermon_n minister_n good_a book_n and_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o try_v your_o state_n by_o mark_n and_o sign_n make_v trial_n of_o this_o more_o compendious_a course_n to_o clear_v your_o state_n be_v much_o with_o god_n in_o closet-prayer_n 3._o will_v you_o not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n oh_o then_o fall_v close_o to_o closet-prayer_n alas_o sir_n hear_v sermon_n read_v scripture_n discourse_v religious_o pray_v in_o the_o family_n may_v be_v do_v only_o for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o the_o person_n that_o do_v they_o may_v have_v no_o more_o than_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n mistake_v i_o not_o i_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o nor_o they_o that_o do_v they_o as_o formalist_n for_o that_o god_n forbid_v they_o be_v scripture_n duty_n but_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o these_o may_v be_v do_v without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o to_o struggle_v with_o a_o man_n be_v own_o heart_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n to_o meditate_v and_o give_v up_o a_o man_n self_n to_o these_o duty_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n oh_o this_o show_v something_o of_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v heart-work_n and_o that_o be_v hard_a work_n costly_a duty_n spiritual_a exercise_n which_o be_v more_o than_o to_o offer_v god_n thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o a_o first-born_a son_n david_n will_v not_o offer_v that_o to_o god_n that_o cost_v he_o nothing_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v content_a with_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n which_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o a_o easy_a plod_a formality_n 4._o will_v you_o not_o have_v your_o heart_n case_v under_o press_a burden_n be_v you_o in_o love_n with_o your_o sorrow_n will_v you_o not_o be_v rid_v of_o they_o behold_v i_o show_v unto_o you_o a_o excellent_a way_n to_o get_v ease_n which_o be_v a_o recourse_n to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n i_o have_v hear_v some_o precious_a christian_n say_v that_o when_o any_o thing_n have_v lyen_fw-we upon_o their_o heart_n ready_a to_o overwhelm_v they_o they_o have_v run_v to_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o there_o have_v leave_v their_o load_n and_o thence_o have_v go_v with_o good_a hannah_n and_o have_v be_v no_o more_o sad_a and_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o any_o press_a affliction_n lie_v upon_o we_o if_o we_o can_v unbosom_v ourselves_o to_o a_o intimate_a friend_n though_o not_o a_o word_n of_o counsel_n or_o comfort_n pass_v from_o he_o yet_o that_o open_v of_o our_o heart_n do_v ease_v as_o vomit_v do_v a_o oppress_a stomach_n and_o hence_o say_v job_n i_o will_v speak_v that_o i_o may_v be_v refresh_v and_o scripture_n back_v this_o in_o phil._n 4.6_o be_v careful_a in_o nothing_o but_o in_o every_o thing_n make_v your_o request_n know_v to_o god_n and_o unload_v your_o care_n and_o fear_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n but_o how_o why_o by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o thanksgiving_n lay_v your_o load_n on_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o he_o will_v bear_v it_o 5._o will_v you_o not_o obtain_v boldness_n in_o access_n to_o god_n and_o familiarity_n with_o he_o oh_o go_v often_o to_o god_n in_o closet-prayer_n prince_n take_v more_o state_n upon_o they_o when_o converse_v with_o their_o favourite_n before_o other_o but_o when_o none_o be_v present_a they_o open_v their_o heart_n more_o familiar_o to_o they_o i_o know_v abraham_n say_v god_n he_o and_o i_o be_v well_o acquaint_v he_o be_v my_o friend_n he_o visit_v i_o often_o and_o shall_v i_o hide_v any_o thing_n from_o abraham_n i_o will_v take_v he_o to_o a_o side_n and_o tell_v he_o my_o whole_a heart_n so_o will_v god_n to_o you_o he_o will_v communicate_v much_o to_o you_o and_o you_o may_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o you_o be_v not_o stranger_n to_o he_o but_o may_v come_v into_o his_o presence_n bold_o and_o he_o will_v make_v you_o welcome_a heb._n 4.16_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o a_o dreadful_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v to_o have_v strange_a thought_n of_o god_n in_o duty_n or_o at_o death_n strangeness_n betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o soul_n be_v a_o sad_a uncomfortable_a thing_n wicked_a man_n be_v total_a stranger_n to_o god_n gracious_a soul_n little_o employ_v in_o secret_a prayer_n be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o worship_n afar_o off_o but_o sincere_a soul_n converse_v much_o with_o god_n in_o secret_a attain_v to_o abundance_n of_o intimacy_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o mercy_n worth_a a_o world_n 6._o will_v you_o not_o have_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o to_o bring_v wrath_n and_o judgement_n on_o the_o place_n oh_o then_o let_v your_o soul_n weep_v and_o pray_v in_o secret_a place_n as_o jeremiah_n do_v chap._n 13.17_o this_o be_v the_o last_o and_o safe_a way_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o open_a cry_a sin_n in_o the_o land_n even_o a_o mourning_n for_o they_o in_o prayer_n before_o the_o lord_n thus_o do_v lot_n and_o david_n paul_n and_o all_o saint_n yea_o moses's_fw-fr solitary_a prayer_n interpose_v betwixt_o flame_a wrath_n and_o offend_v israel_n thus_o do_v he_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n and_o you_o may_v make_v a_o atonement_n for_o the_o nation_n a_o gift_n in_o secret_n may_v pacify_v that_o wrath_n that_o be_v already_o break_v out_o against_o we_o wicked_a man_n sin_n in_o secret_a let_v we_o mourn_v in_o secret_a yea_o they_o sin_n open_o let_v we_o lament_v private_o the_o truth_n be_v 17.9_o 2_o king_n 17.9_o secret_a sin_n may_v undo_v a_o nation_n except_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o saint_n secret_a prayer_n be_v loud_a than_o the_o cry_n of_o wicked_a man_n secret_a sin_n oh_o fall_v to_o it_o arise_v cry_v out_o in_o the_o night_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o watch_n pour_v out_o thy_o heart_n like_o water_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n lam._n 2.19_o 7._o will_v you_o not_o have_v your_o own_o secret_a sin_n set_v in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n psal_n 90.8_o then_o repent_v and_o pray_v alone_o humble_a your_o soul_n in_o secret_a for_o your_o secret_a sin_n be_v you_o not_o conscious_a to_o yourselves_o of_o much_o secret_a guilt_n and_o do_v not_o god_n expect_v that_o you_o shall_v set_v yourselves_o to_o mourn_v over_o they_o and_o cry_v to_o god_n for_o pardon_v grace_n in_o secret_a 12.13_o eccl._n 12.13_o do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o secret_a thing_n to_o light_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n nay_o god_n may_v punish_v you_o open_o 12.12_o 2_o sam._n 12.12_o as_o he_o do_v david_n for_o his_o secret_a sin_n well_o then_o anticipate_v that_o sad_a severe_a judgement_n by_o judge_v yourselves_o and_o deprecate_v his_o righteous_a judgement_n i_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o soul_n as_o solomon_n bespeak_v shimei_n thou_o know_v all_o the_o wickedness_n which_o thy_o heart_n be_v privy_a to_o and_o where_o be_v thy_o prayer_n and_o
god_n 3._o obj._n but_o i_o be_o a_o servant_n and_o must_v obey_v my_o master_n i_o be_o keep_v too_o hardly_o at_o work_n to_o get_v time_n for_o secret_a prayer_n i_o be_o call_v to_o work_v betimes_o dog_v to_o it_o all_o the_o day_n answ_n though_o you_o be_v servant_n to_o do_v man_n work_n yet_o not_o slave_n to_o their_o lust_n in_o that_o respect_n you_o must_v not_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n if_o you_o be_v servant_n you_o be_v the_o lord_n freeman_n if_o free_a yet_o you_o be_v christ_n servant_n 1_o cor._n 7.22_o 23._o remember_v you_o have_v a_o master_n in_o heaven_n no_o mortal_a creature_n can_v discharge_v you_o from_o your_o attendance_n on_o god_n you_o must_v do_v god_n work_v as_o well_o as_o your_o master_n and_o your_o master_n work_n for_o god_n sake_n 7._o eph._n 6.6_o 7._o oh_o sir_n do_v not_o neglect_v your_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o pleasure_v man_n can_v your_o superior_a answer_n for_o your_o neglect_n or_o interpose_v betwixt_o flame_a wrath_n and_o your_o sin_v soul_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a some_o lie_v the_o blame_n on_o master_n when_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o deceive_v not_o thyself_o by_o accuse_v other_o to_o clear_v thyself_o this_o be_v adam_n fault_n think_v not_o that_o another_o rigour_n can_v excuse_v thy_o neglect_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v never_o a_o servant_n so_o strict_o watch_v but_o may_v steal_v some_o time_n from_o his_o master_n for_o his_o god_n and_o yet_o do_v he_o no_o wrong_n only_o see_v that_o you_o be_v prudent_a in_o choose_v such_o season_n as_o may_v not_o just_o provoke_v your_o master_n or_o prejudice_v his_o occasion_n and_o be_v often_o in_o your_o calling_n lift_v up_o your_o heart_n to_o god_n be_v content_a with_o your_o condition_n have_v you_o more_o liberty_n it_o may_v be_v your_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v in_o so_o good_a a_o frame_n but_o let_v i_o bespeak_v master_n indulgence_n to_o poor_a and_o pious_a servant_n oh_o hinder_v they_o not_o in_o any_o good_a work_n rather_o put_v they_o upon_o it_o encourage_v they_o in_o it_o bless_v god_n that_o you_o have_v pray_v servant_n this_o be_v a_o hopeful_a presage_n of_o good_a success_n let_v not_o your_o servant_n fare_v the_o worse_o but_o the_o better_a for_o be_v god_n servant_n 4._o obj._n but_o i_o have_v no_o closet_n to_o pray_v in_o no_o convenient_a room_n for_o secret_a prayer_n i_o have_v a_o little_a house_n a_o busy_a full_a family_n and_o can_v retire_v myself_o answ_n a_o good_a good_a heart_n will_v find_v room_n either_o within_o door_n or_o without_o a_o gracious_a soul_n will_v seek_v out_o place_n to_o pray_v in_o any_o sorry_a cote_n will_v be_v a_o bethel_n where_o it_o can_v enjoy_v its_o god_n or_o if_o he_o can_v get_v to_o it_o under_o the_o roof_n he_o will_v with_o good_a isaac_n walk_v out_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v and_o to_o pray_v can_v heathen_n and_o idolatrous_a jew_n plant_v grove_n for_o their_o superstition_n in_o a_o apish_a imitation_n of_o abraham_n practice_n and_o can_v a_o bird_n of_o paradise_n take_v its_o flight_n out_o of_o some_o wood_n or_o arbour_n into_o heaven_n but_o most_o need_v not_o make_v this_o silly_a slight_a excuse_n they_o have_v good_a roof_n to_o be_v in_o and_o need_v not_o worship_n god_n sub_fw-la dio_n in_o the_o open_a air_n few_o of_o we_o but_o we_o have_v convenient_a room_n but_o most_o of_o we_o want_v affectionate_a heart_n to_o visit_v god_n therein_o but_o christian_n make_v good_a use_n of_o your_o house_n to_o serve_v god_n therein_o else_o they_o may_v just_o spew_v you_o out_o and_o leave_v you_o harbourless_o and_o then_o what_o a_o dreadful_a sting_n and_o guilt_n will_v follow_v you_o whither-soev_a you_o go_v oh_o consider_v london_n flame_n and_o ruin_n your_o house_n be_v no_o better_o build_v nor_o more_o secure_v from_o the_o like_a catastrophe_n do_v not_o weaken_v their_o foundation_n by_o wilful_a neglect_n or_o scandalous_a sin_n 5._o obj._n but_o i_o know_v some_o good_a christian_n that_o never_o use_v it_o yea_o that_o maintain_v it_o in_o their_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a except_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n what_o say_v you_o to_o that_o i_o answ_n i_o never_o yet_o meet_v with_o such_o person_n that_o have_v the_o face_n of_o religion_n that_o ever_o speak_v against_o the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v meet_v with_o some_o who_o be_v urge_v to_o family-prayer_n have_v put_v it_o off_o with_o this_o evasion_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v in_o their_o closet_n how_o well_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n know_v but_o if_o any_o professor_n judgement_n be_v so_o far_o bribe_v to_o plead_v for_o the_o flesh_n in_o this_o neglect_n the_o lord_n rebuke_v they_o and_o forgive_v they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v this_o be_v a_o lamentation_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_a any_o truth_n so_o sacred_a or_o duty_n so_o spiritual_a but_o it_o have_v be_v contradict_v in_o these_o licentious_a day_n some_o have_v plead_v against_o family-prayer_n catechise_v christian-meeting_n and_o what_o not_o but_o they_o can_v produce_v no_o solid_a argument_n do_v not_o you_o follow_v their_o example_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n precept_n and_o precedent_n many_o be_v produce_v for_o confirmation_n most_o whereof_o be_v not_o only_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n but_o be_v a_o ordinary_a practice_n and_o can_v you_o find_v the_o day_n that_o afford_v not_o some_o special_a matter_n to_o occasion_v you_o to_o make_v address_n to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n if_o you_o be_v sensible_a and_o observant_a sure_o you_o will_v see_v great_a need_n for_o such_o retirement_n in_o ordinary_a practice_n remember_v this_o that_o you_o follow_v no_o man_n but_o as_o he_o follow_v christ_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a our_o precious_a saviour_n use_v this_o practice_n sect_n iii_o more_o objection_n answer_v 6._o obj._n but_o i_o find_v not_o my_o heart_n affect_v or_o prepare_v be_v it_o not_o a_o tempt_a of_o god_n to_o go_v when_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o move_v i_o i_o answ_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a mistake_n to_o think_v you_o may_v not_o go_v to_o duty_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n move_v you_o for_o it_o may_v be_v long_o before_o it_o stir_v the_o spirit_n blow_v where_o and_o when_o it_o list_v you_o be_v therefore_o to_o lay_v yourselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n call_v in_o its_o aid_n which_o ordinary_o come_v when_o soul_n do_v their_o duty_n holy_a performance_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o walk_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o air_n where_o he_o breathe_v and_o be_v sure_a he_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o walk_v but_o you_o can_v expect_v he_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o plain_a duty_n try_v this_o way_n put_v god_n to_o it_o plead_v his_o promise_n you_o can_v think_v to_o be_v warm_a if_o you_o run_v from_o the_o fire_n if_o you_o have_v not_o a_o appetite_n to_o pray_v you_o must_v pray_v for_o a_o appetite_n for_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n never_o fit_v but_o always_o unfit_v for_o a_o duty_n if_o you_o will_v heed_v your_o trifle_a spirit_n and_o accept_v every_o excuse_n which_o they_o make_v you_o shall_v never_o pray_v if_o you_o play_v the_o truant_n one_o time_n you_o will_v have_v less_o mind_n to_o go_v to_o god_n the_o next_o time_n guilt_n make_v you_o afraid_a and_o you_o dare_v not_o come_v near_o that_o god_n who_o you_o have_v wrong_v as_o adam_n run_v from_o god_n and_o peter_n will_v thrust_v christ_n from_o he_o when_o conscious_a of_o guilt_n how_o dare_v you_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n who_o you_o have_v slight_v beside_o you_o will_v find_v that_o neglect_n of_o duty_n do_v not_o make_v the_o next_o performance_n more_o easy_a but_o more_o difficult_a it_o will_v as_o one_o say_v require_v more_o time_n and_o pain_n for_o you_o to_o tune_v your_o instrument_n than_o for_o another_o to_o play_v his_o lesson_n and_o be_v it_o not_o more_o likely_a god_n shall_v come_v to_o you_o in_o painstaking_a than_o total_a omission_n do_v you_o not_o read_v in_o the_o psalm_n how_o often_o david_n begin_v faint_o and_o end_v triumphant_o try_v the_o lord_n and_o see_v if_o he_o be_v not_o better_o than_o you_o expect_v 7._o obj._n i_o but_o say_v a_o poor_a soul_n i_o meet_v with_o temptation_n when_o i_o go_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a satan_n assault_v i_o i_o be_o timorous_a and_o dare_v not_o be_v alone_o or_o in_o the_o dark_a but_o be_o affright_v answ_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o duty_n be_v good_a because_o so_o bad_a a_o spirit_n oppose_v it_o the_o more_o satan_n see_v a_o duty_n be_v for_o the_o soul_n advantage_n
the_o more_o diligent_a he_o be_v to_o hinder_v the_o performance_n but_o must_v satan_n be_v gratify_v rather_o than_o god_n glorify_v or_o thy_o soul_n edify_v will_v thou_o give_v way_n to_o he_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o thou_o think_v not_o thou_o can_v perform_v a_o flesh-displeasing_a duty_n when_o satan_n be_v quiet_a and_o do_v not_o molest_v he_o will_v be_v busy_a to_o tempt_v when_o thou_o be_v go_v to_o thy_o god_n this_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n he_o will_v jog_v thy_o hand_n when_o thou_o be_v write_v thy_o letter_n to_o thy_o friend_n in_o heaven_n think_v not_o to_o be_v more_o exempt_v than_o even_o thy_o saviour_n himself_o he_o be_v set_v upon_o by_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o solitary_a recess_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o oh_o the_o horrible_a nature_n of_o those_o temptation_n mat._n 4._o when_o joshua_n the_o highpriest_n pray_v satan_n stand_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o resist_v he_o but_o the_o issue_n be_v good_a god_n rebuke_v he_o zech._n 3.1_o 2._o and_o thus_o he_o will_v do_v for_o thou_o he_o will_v tread_v satan_n under_o thy_o foot_n and_o make_v thou_o a_o conqueror_n only_o when_o thou_o be_v annoy_v with_o this_o foul_a spirit_n turn_v to_o thy_o god_n leave_v not_o thy_o work_n let_v not_o satan_n take_v thou_o off_o duty_n then_o he_o have_v attain_v his_o end_n fall_v close_o to_o the_o work_n consider_v fast_v and_o prayer_n cast_v out_o the_o devil_n 6.18_o matt._n 26.4_o eph_n 6.18_o watch_v and_o prayer_n be_v preservative_n from_o infection_n yea_o prayer_n itself_o be_v a_o chief_a piece_n of_o a_o christian_n armour_n if_o you_o be_v beat_v off_o this_o you_o be_v rout_v this_o engage_v god_n for_o you_o without_o this_o you_o be_v but_o like_o other_o man_n and_o the_o philistin_n will_v put_v out_o your_o eye_n lead_v you_o captive_a and_o make_v sport_n of_o you_o stick_v close_o to_o this_o what_o ever_o you_o do_v though_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n roar_v upon_o you_o yet_o run_v to_o your_o god_n in_o prayer_n they_o be_v sluggard_n or_o coward_n that_o say_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n when_o they_o be_v call_v out_o to_o hard_a service_n or_o difficult_a duty_n nay_o rather_o say_v as_o he_o once_o in_o a_o arduous_a undertake_n here_o be_v a_o work_n fit_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o alexander_n so_o here_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n to_o manage_v by_o your_o god_n you_o may_v run_v through_o a_o troop_n and_o leap_v over_o a_o wall_n but_o more_o of_o that_o anon_o 8._o obj._n but_o i_o get_v no_o good_a by_o closet-prayer_n i_o have_v use_v it_o so_o long_o and_o still_o my_o heart_n be_v as_o cold_a hard_a dead_a as_o ever_o i_o will_v give_v over_o now_o answ_n be_v not_o this_o too_o like_o the_o language_n of_o those_o that_o say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n mal._n 3.14_o and_o be_v you_o like_o those_o atheist_n that_o think_v prayer_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n i_o hope_v not_o you_o think_v it_o do_v good_a to_o some_o but_o not_o to_o you_o well_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n be_v it_o not_o because_o you_o do_v not_o pray_v aright_o therefore_o search_v yourselves_o see_v how_o you_o pray_v mourn_v over_o your_o defect_n and_o mend_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a one_o who_o see_v the_o well_o dry_a break_v or_o throw_v away_o his_o pitcher_n but_o be_v god_n a_o barren_a wilderness_n be_v it_o not_o good_a for_o you_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n be_v they_o ever_o ashamed_a that_o wait_v on_o he_o have_v not_o thou_o sometime_o find_v benefit_n by_o secret_a prayer_n god_n be_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o seek_v he_o try_v again_o you_o will_v not_o lose_v your_o labour_n be_v not_o weary_a of_o well-doing_n in_o due_a time_n you_o shall_v reap_v if_o you_o faint_v not_o let_v not_o your_o hand_n hang_v down_o let_v not_o your_o knee_n grow_v feeble_a the_o text_n tell_v you_o your_o father_n that_o see_v in_o secret_a will_v reward_v you_o open_o and_o dare_v you_o not_o trust_v he_o beyond_o sense_n and_o experience_n there_o may_v be_v more_o advantage_n by_o this_o duty_n than_o you_o be_v aware_a of_o you_o shall_v not_o yet_o know_v the_o profit_n you_o have_v by_o secret_a prayer_n you_o must_v keep_v on_o in_o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n and_o not_o give_v over_o till_o you_o receive_v a_o full_a reward_n but_o oh_o take_v heed_n of_o give_v over_o prayer_n because_o you_o think_v you_o want_v present_a profiâ—_n you_o can_v do_v satan_n great_a service_n or_o your_o soul_n more_o prejudice_n but_o more_o of_o this_o anon_o 9_o obj._n but_o i_o be_o weak_a in_o part_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v fain_o i_o will_v but_o alas_o i_o can_v open_v my_o want_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n i_o want_v gift_n ability_n answ_n i_o be_o glad_a to_o hear_v thou_o thus_o complain_v thou_o be_v fit_a for_o pray_v when_o thou_o can_v lie_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o inability_n to_o pray_v that_o be_v a_o useful_a disposition_n in_o duty_n but_o thou_o say_v thou_o can_v not_o pray_v then_o i_o will_v tell_v thou_o what_o to_o do_v go_v thy_o way_n alone_o and_o fall_v down_o upon_o thy_o knee_n and_o plain_o tell_v the_o lord_n thou_o can_v not_o pray_v and_o entreat_v he_o to_o help_v thou_o by_o his_o bless_a spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o tell_v the_o lord_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n or_o speak_v a_o good_a word_n without_o that_o bless_a spirit_n but_o it_o shall_v help_v thy_o infirmity_n and_o teach_v thou_o what_o to_o say_v oh_o beg_v hard_a for_o that_o holy_a spirit_n and_o then_o let_v some_o mean_n be_v use_v to_o get_v matter_n of_o prayer_n you_o know_v it_o consist_v of_o confession_n of_o sin_n petition_n for_o good_a thing_n deprecation_n of_o evil_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o mercy_n well_o then_o sit_v down_o and_o think_v with_o thyself_o what_o sin_n thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o original_a or_o actual_a of_o omission_n or_o commission_n this_o be_v too_o too_o fruitful_a a_o subject_n take_v they_o home_o tell_v god_n of_o they_o by_o ingenious_a confession_n then_o bethink_v thyself_o what_o thou_o want_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o pardon_n grace_n peace_n heaven_n and_o beg_v these_o consider_v also_o what_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o as_o guilt_n strength_n effect_n of_o sin_n god_n wrath_n satan_n malice_n and_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v these_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o last_o recollect_v what_o mercy_n thou_o have_v have_v from_o god_n and_o reckon_v they_o up_o to_o god_n with_o expression_n of_o thankfulness_n do_v this_o with_o plainness_n and_o seriousness_n heed_v not_o so_o much_o for_o exact_a method_n or_o fine_a phrase_n the_o gilt_n of_o the_o key_n make_v it_o not_o open_v the_o door_n a_o jot_n the_o better_a and_o a_o prayer_n do_v not_o work_v upon_o god_n any_o rather_o because_o of_o the_o neat_a language_n therein_o but_o unbosom_v thyself_o plain_o and_o serious_o before_o thy_o god_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v present_a assistance_n and_o acceptance_n and_o future_a enlargement_n and_o encouragement_n be_v honest_a though_o never_o so_o homely_a in_o prayer_n 10._o obj._n but_o i_o like_v not_o this_o stir_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n i_o will_v rather_o do_v any_o thing_n than_o this_o my_o spirit_n be_v wonderful_a averse_a to_o it_o say_v what_o you_o will_v it_o will_v not_o down_o with_o i_o to_o make_v all_o this_o ado_n in_o closet-prayer_n it_o be_v pretty_a fair_a if_o i_o can_v keep_v up_o such_o duty_n as_o church_n and_o family_n require_v answ_n this_o be_v the_o plead_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n this_o be_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o former_a objection_n i_o expect_v this_o all_o along_o if_o the_o tongue_n speak_v not_o thus_o the_o heart_n do_v let_v a_o duty_n be_v press_v never_o so_o home_o a_o carnal_a heart_n will_v make_v some_o evasion_n though_o the_o mouth_n be_v stop_v yet_o a_o cavil_v heart_n will_v have_v something_o to_o say_v against_o a_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v mad_a with_o reason_n it_o grow_v mad_a without_o reason_n and_o against_o scripture_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o bring_v argument_n to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n than_o to_o draw_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o a_o through_o obedience_n but_o soul_n will_v thou_o plead_v for_o baal_n will_v thou_o take_v the_o devil_n part_n and_o yield_v to_o carnal_a reason_n or_o will_v thou_o balk_v any_o divine_a command_n to_o gratify_v a_o lazy_a humour_n or_o a_o base_a lust_n god_n forbid_v methinks_v if_o thou_o can_v not_o obey_v as_o thou_o ought_v yet_o
thou_o shall_v take_v god_n part_n and_o plead_v for_o obedience_n paul_n do_v so_o rom._n 7.15_o 16._o though_o he_o say_v what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o but_o what_o i_o hate_v that_o do_v i_o yet_o say_v he_o i_o consent_v to_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v good_a i._n e._n i_o take_v patt_n with_o god_n and_o join_v with_o god_n will_v against_o my_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a affection_n that_o will_v draw_v my_o neck_n from_o under_o this_o heavenly_a yoke_n and_o if_o you_o have_v not_o something_o within_o you_o that_o take_v part_n with_o god_n reveal_v will_n you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n do_v facilitate_v and_o make_v easy_a the_o hard_a duty_n because_o there_o be_v a_o likeness_n betwixt_o holy_a heart_n and_o holy_a performance_n love_n make_v every_o thing_n easy_a hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n yoke_n be_v easy_a mat._n 11.30_o his_o way_n pleasant_a and_o his_o commandment_n not_o grievous_a 1_o joh._n 5.3_o if_o thy_o heart_n be_v right_a duty_n will_v be_v sweet_a to_o thy_o soul_n it_o be_v no_o burden_n to_o eat_v drink_v sleep_n the_o act_n of_o nature_n be_v delightful_a to_o person_n in_o a_o right_a temper_n if_o they_o be_v not_o nature_n be_v oppress_v and_o out_o of_o order_n a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o regenerate_v be_v like_o a_o man_n in_o his_o call_n or_o a_o creature_n in_o its_o proper_a element_n beside_o be_v thou_o more_o accustom_v to_o duty_n in_o secret_a it_o will_v be_v more_o familiar_a to_o thou_o and_o less_o irksome_a we_o see_v by_o experience_n use_v make_v heavy_a thing_n light_v we_o hardly_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o our_o clothes_n because_o fit_v to_o we_o and_o constant_o carry_v by_o we_o when_o as_o the_o same_o weight_n upon_o our_o shoulder_n will_v trouble_v we_o christian_n consider_v all_o christian_a duty_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a difficulty_n yet_o withal_o observe_v it_o duty_n that_o be_v hard_a to_o go_v through_o many_o time_n bring_v in_o the_o sweet_a income_n and_o so_o be_v this_o the_o profit_n of_o it_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v for_o your_o pain_n in_o it_o be_v sure_a when_o a_o duty_n be_v line_v with_o difficulty_n and_o your_o corrupt_a heart_n draw_v back_o and_o have_v most_o averseness_n to_o it_o there_o be_v something_o of_o god_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o god_n aim_v you_o more_o than_o ordinary_a advantage_n by_o it_o therefore_o do_v not_o say_v a_o word_n against_o it_o but_o stir_v up_o yourselves_o spur_v on_o your_o heart_n shake_v off_o sloth_n and_o run_v to_o god_n whatever_o satan_n the_o world_n or_o flesh_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_a thus_o much_o for_o the_o objection_n sect_n v._o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n brief_o answer_v there_o be_v yet_o four_o case_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v brief_o propound_v and_o answer_v 1._o case_n whether_o may_v not_o a_o hypocrite_n or_o graceless_a soul_n perform_v this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n and_o what_o difference_n be_v there_o betwixt_o a_o real_a saint_n and_o a_o unregenerate_a person_n in_o this_o work_n i_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v possible_a a_o carnal_a man_n may_v pray_v in_o secret_a but_o with_o these_o difference_n 1._o he_o be_v urge_v to_o it_o by_o the_o challenge_n of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v dog_v to_o it_o he_o dare_v not_o but_o do_v it_o but_o a_o child_n of_o god_n have_v a_o gracious_a principle_n incline_v he_o to_o it_o from_o love_n to_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o please_v and_o enjoy_v he_o yet_o through_o the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n there_o be_v much_o unwillingness_n in_o the_o best_a so_o that_o sometime_o a_o saint_n must_v even_o force_v himself_o to_o the_o performance_n 2._o a_o hypocrite_n will_v not_o thus_o pray_v always_o job_n 27.9_o 10._o it_o be_v but_o in_o some_o pang_n or_o under_o some_o press_a affliction_n and_o when_o this_o good_a mood_n be_v over_o he_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o god_n till_o whip_v to_o he_o again_o by_o the_o like_a but_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n constant_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o duty_n though_o he_o may_v have_v sinful_a omission_n and_o intermission_n yet_o never_o a_o total_a cessation_n from_o duty_n grace_n work_v the_o heart_n god-ward_o and_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o content_a without_o he_o 3._o a_o hypocrite_n do_v not_o make_v conscience_n to_o get_v his_o heart_n up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n he_o be_v content_a with_o the_o work_n do_v word_n say_v but_o a_o real_a saint_n have_v most_o ado_n with_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o hard_a piece_n of_o the_o work_n he_o dare_v not_o leave_v that_o behind_o he_o and_o he_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o get_v it_o up_o 4._o a_o carnal_a man_n keep_v his_o round_n in_o formal_a duty_n but_o get_v nothing_o he_o pray_v to_o little_a profit_n or_o purpose_n and_o indeed_o do_v not_o much_o study_n to_o gain_v a_o spiritual_a good_a but_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a gainer_n he_o get_v at_o sometime_o communion_n with_o god_n communication_n from_o god_n oh_o what_o good_a do_v his_o soul_n meet_v with_o though_o not_o always_o yet_o at_o sometime_o 2._o case_n whether_o may_v a_o christian_a bind_v himself_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n at_o state_v time_n or_o suppose_v a_o christian_a miss_v his_o time_n design_v for_o that_o work_n what_o must_v he_o then_o do_v ans_fw-fr to_o the_o former_a that_o in_o general_n thou_o may_v and_o must_v swear_v and_o vow_n that_o thou_o will_v keep_v god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.106_o so_o do_v david_n and_o in_o scripture_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o make_v vow_n and_o pay_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n psal_n 76.11_o vow_v ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o god_n be_v necessary_a sequester_v some_o part_n of_o our_o time_n to_o his_o service_n be_v requisite_a and_o in_o some_o case_n for_o some_o person_n it_o may_v be_v expedient_a to_o bind_v and_o task_n ourselves_o by_o a_o holy_a resolution_n to_o take_v so_o much_o time_n at_o least_o every_o day_n for_o god_n worship_n yea_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o may_v be_v judge_v most_o commodious_a by_o our_o experience_n and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o good_a help_n to_o keep_v in_o our_o treacherous_a heart_n from_o delay_n or_o dally_v but_o to_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o a_o particular_a hour_n so_o punctual_o and_o unalterable_o as_o not_o to_o take_v another_o may_v not_o be_v so_o safe_a partly_o because_o our_o time_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n and_o we_o know_v not_o what_o intervening_a providence_n may_v fall_v in_o to_o prevent_v our_o performance_n whereby_o conscience_n may_v be_v entangle_v in_o a_o perplex_v labyrinth_n beside_o our_o outward_a occasion_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o spirit_n may_v discover_v a_o great_a fitness_n at_o another_o season_n yet_o though_o i_o will_v not_o have_v christian_n bring_v a_o snare_n upon_o their_o soul_n by_o vow_v yet_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o they_o may_v 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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
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 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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 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