and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a when_o she_o be_v most_o retire_a and_o abscond_v christ_n love_v both_o to_o see_v she_o and_o hear_v she_o though_o she_o be_v sunburn_a with_o persecution_n and_o soot_v with_o infirmity_n yet_o her_o countenance_n be_v comely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o christ_n because_o there_o he_o see_v his_o own_o and_o his_o father_n image_n and_o though_o her_o prayer_n be_v break_v and_o as_o the_o chattering_n of_o a_o crane_n yet_o the_o voice_n be_v sweet_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o although_o our_o lord_n speak_v this_o to_o his_o spouse_n the_o church_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o particular_a christian_n who_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o may_v take_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o when_o elijah_n be_v as_o you_o hear_v and_o we_o note_v before_o under_o the_o juniper-tree_n god_n be_v please_v to_o come_v and_o join_v himself_o to_o he_o and_o will_v have_v from_o his_o own_o mouth_n a_o account_n of_o his_o case_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o withdraw_a himself_o what_o do_v thou_o here_o elijah_n what_o be_v it_o that_o bring_v thou_o hither_o and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o will_v have_v of_o i_o know_v o_o holy_a soul_n thou_o stand_v in_o the_o same_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o may_v promise_v thyself_o the_o same_o kindness_n god_n will_v not_o think_v it_o too_o much_o for_o his_o majesty_n to_o come_v to_o thou_o alone_o when_o desire_v and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o blessing_n for_o thou_o though_o thou_o take_v none_o here_o to_o back_v thou_o have_v not_o a_o friend_n on_o earth_n to_o join_v in_o the_o suit_n yet_o do_v thou_o go_v and_o state_n thy_o own_o case_n draw_v up_o thy_o petition_n and_o present_v it_o unto_o god_n with_o a_o hand_n of_o faith_n set_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o it_o and_o god_n will_v present_o add_v his_o fiat_fw-la his_o amen_o though_o it_o may_v be_v the_o answer_n shall_v not_o present_o be_v give_v in_o to_o thou_o yet_o the_o grant_n shall_v be_v pass_v in_o heaven_n thy_o father_n will_v say_v be_v it_o unto_o this_o soul_n even_o as_o it_o will_n nay_o he_o will_v not_o only_o give_v the_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v good_a for_o thou_o but_o more_o too_o and_o while_o thou_o ask_v like_o a_o child_n he_o will_v answer_v thou_o like_o a_o god_n a_o most_o gracious_a assurance_n hereof_o you_o have_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o he_o see_v the_o sincerity_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o the_o importunity_n of_o thy_o desire_n he_o see_v how_o thou_o labour_v at_o the_o oar_n and_o what_o pain_n thou_o have_v take_v and_o with_o what_o great_a wrestle_n thou_o haste_v wrestle_v and_o have_v see_v he_o will_v reward_v the_o work_n be_v do_v and_o the_o reward_n be_v to_o come_v so_o then_o if_o thou_o will_v believe_v christ_n thou_o shall_v not_o lose_v thy_o labour_n thou_o shall_v not_o have_v pang_n and_o throw_n of_o soul_n and_o after_o all_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o wind_n never_o do_v any_o one_o holy_a prayer_n fall_v short_a of_o heaven_n and_o drop_v by_o the_o way_n the_o great_a god_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o set_v his_o child_n about_o any_o unprofitable_a work_n paul_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v of_o that_o mind_n when_o he_o say_v in_o 1._o cor._n 15._o last_o be_v steadfast_a immovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n know_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n as_o their_o grievous_a suffering_n turn_v they_o to_o a_o very_a good_a account_n so_o shall_v all_o their_o holy_a action_n there_o be_v never_o a_o appointment_n of_o duty_n for_o they_o but_o it_o carry_v in_o its_o bowel_n a_o design_n of_o mercy_n he_o say_v not_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n seek_v you_o my_o face_n in_o vain_a the_o prepare_v and_o engage_v of_o their_o heart_n to_o pray_v speak_v his_o readiness_n and_o resolution_n to_o incline_v his_o ear_n to_o hear_v when_o he_o bid_v they_o open_v their_o mouth_n it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v fill_v they_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o give_v a_o knock_n at_o his_o door_n to_o no_o purpose_n but_o have_v promise_v when_o they_o do_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o they_o and_o when_o he_o open_v his_o door_n he_o will_v open_v his_o heart_n and_o hand_n too_o and_o not_o send_v they_o away_o empty_a when_o he_o bid_v they_o seek_v it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o their_o find_n and_o that_o which_o they_o find_v shall_v be_v worth_a their_o while_n and_o pay_v they_o for_o all_o the_o pain_n they_o take_v to_o be_v sure_a they_o shall_v not_o have_v cause_n to_o complain_v as_o those_o that_o sit_v down_o loser_n and_o have_v a_o disappointment_n of_o 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to_o prayer_n in_o general_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o up_o some_o that_o do_v particular_o concern_v and_o relate_v to_o secret-prayer_n they_o be_v these_o i_o beseech_v you_o mind_n and_o practise_v they_o first_o make_v thy_o secret_a approach_n to_o god_n with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n of_o spirit_n that_o thou_o can_v though_o thou_o go_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o mercy_n and_o with_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o with_o hope_n of_o find_v grace_n yet_o be_v sure_a that_o in_o his_o fear_n thou_o worship_v towards_o his_o holy_a temple_n though_o thou_o be_v alone_o and_o without_o any_o here_o to_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n do_v thou_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o with_o as_o great_a a_o â—we_n
he_o come_v arm_v with_o authority_n from_o the_o chief_a priest_n to_o bind_v all_o that_o call_v on_o thy_o name_n well_o ananias_n do_v what_o thou_o be_v bid_v for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o vile_a wretch_n a_o cruel_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n fear_v he_o not_o the_o wolf_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o lamb_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o former_o he_o be_v he_o be_v now_o quite_o another_o thing_n and_o be_v act_v by_o a_o far_o better_a spirit_n he_o be_v a_o new_a man_n and_o thou_o may_v take_v this_o for_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o it_o he_o be_v a_o praying-man_n he_o that_o before_o speak_v nothing_o but_o blasphemy_n and_o outrage_n against_o christ_n and_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v now_o that_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o sanctify_a speak_v supplication_n it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o a_o great_a many_o when_o the_o lord_n day_n come_v they_o will_v go_v out_o to_o hear_v and_o they_o be_v for_o variety_n this_o man_n and_o that_o and_o twenty_o more_o possible_o three_o sermon_n upon_o a_o day_n peradventure_o four_o and_o i_o do_v not_o blame_v any_o for_o be_v swift_a to_o hear_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n to_o see_v christian_n hungry_a and_o of_o good_a appetite_n so_o that_o they_o do_v but_o allow_v themselves_o necessary_a time_n for_o concoction_n and_o be_v not_o want_v to_o personal_a and_o family_n duty_n but_o conscience_n do_v thou_o speak_v and_o that_o loud_a enough_o to_o make_v guilty_a person_n hear_v and_o feel_v too_o be_v there_o not_o some_o of_o these_o who_o at_o home_n be_v never_o upon_o their_o knee_n before_o god_n if_o a_o man_n can_v look_v into_o their_o house_n and_o into_o their_o chamber_n he_o will_v find_v that_o prayer_n be_v quite_o shut_v out_o from_o thence_o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v but_o tell_v you_o that_o let_v these_o person_n hold_v their_o head_n never_o so_o high_a and_o have_v obtain_v never_o so_o great_a a_o name_n i_o can_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o company_n of_o walk_a ghost_n such_o as_o do_v real_o want_v a_o inward_a vital_a principle_n and_o be_v carry_v up_o and_o down_o from_o one_o congregation_n to_o another_o by_o some_o external_a consideration_n prayer_n be_v a_o breathe_n in_o heaven_n air_n it_o be_v the_o breathe_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n it_o draw_v in_o spirit_n and_o life_n from_o he_o and_o then_o again_o it_o pour_v out_o and_o empty_v itself_o into_o he_o and_o it_o be_v full_a out_o as_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v a_o natural_a life_n without_o natural_a breathe_n as_o it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o live_v a_o spiritual_a life_n without_o spiritual_a breathe_n i_o mean_v without_o prayer_n you_o know_v when_o god_n promise_v his_o spirit_n zechar._n 12._o 10._o he_o do_v it_o in_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n wheresoever_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v and_o dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n there_o he_o do_v certain_o act_v as_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v rom._n 8._o 15._o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n which_o import_v a_o filial_a boldness_n and_o confidence_n in_o deal_v with_o he_o by_o fervent_a prayer_n i_o remember_v what_o you_o may_v meet_v in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 1_o etc._n etc._n though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o as_o to_o remove_v mountain_n though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n on_o the_o poor_a and_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o if_o i_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o i_o be_o nothing_o but_o as_o a_o mere_a sound_a brass_n and_o tinkle_a cymbal_n what_o he_o there_o speak_v of_o charity_n or_o love_n which_o do_v indeed_o make_v action_n lovely_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o put_v a_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n upon_o they_o the_o very_a same_o may_v be_v affirm_v concern_v prayer_n let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o well_o accomplish_v never_o so_o raise_v in_o his_o attainment_n never_o so_o fluent_a and_o warm_a in_o his_o discourse_n never_o so_o eminent_a for_o his_o profession_n never_o so_o frequent_a and_o attentive_a in_o his_o hear_n never_o so_o abundant_a in_o act_n of_o charity_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v a_o prayerless_a person_n he_o be_v nothing_o nothing_o in_o religion_n nothing_o to_o purpose_n all_o his_o part_n and_o performance_n though_o many_o and_o specious_a will_v amount_v to_o nothing_o in_o heaven_n arithmetic_n they_o will_v be_v of_o no_o more_o significancy_n than_o so_o many_o cipher_n without_o a_o figure_n to_o put_v a_o value_n into_o they_o that_o which_o i_o have_v say_v amount_v to_o thus_o much_o to_o live_v without_o prayer_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o gracious_a and_o holy_a frame_n and_o all_o that_o such_o a_o one_o do_v will_v never_o turn_v he_o to_o a_o good_a account_n you_o may_v as_o soon_o live_v a_o spiritual_a life_n without_o faith_n as_o live_v by_o faith_n without_o prayer_n for_o as_o be_v before_o observe_v they_o that_o believe_v will_v speak_v when_o god_n have_v kindle_v a_o spark_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v be_v work_v in_o a_o way_n of_o prayer_n that_o spark_n will_v fly_v upward_o and_o carry_v the_o soul_n along_o with_o it_o thus_o we_o find_v it_o in_o psal._n 39_o 3._o my_o heart_n be_v hot_a within_o i_o while_o i_o muse_v the_o fire_n burn_v then_o speak_v i_o with_o my_o tongue_n what_o do_v he_o speak_v prayer_n lord_n make_v i_o to_o know_v my_o end_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o my_o day_n therefore_o my_o advice_n be_v that_o you_o will_v either_o take_v up_o prayer_n and_o follow_v it_o as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o a_o christian_n work_n or_o else_o lay_v down_o your_o profession_n boast_v not_o of_o a_o filial_a relation_n to_o god_n while_o thou_o be_v not_o possess_v with_o a_o filial_a spirit_n and_o disposition_n never_o talk_v of_o your_o be_v acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n when_o in_o all_o your_o life_n you_o never_o speak_v one_o serious_a hearty_a word_n to_o he_o if_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o live_v without_o prayer_n be_v so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a as_o to_o put_v off_o the_o honourable_a name_n christian_n which_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n belong_v to_o you_o and_o call_v yourselves_o heathen_n beast_n nay_o which_o be_v worse_o though_o not_o too_o bad_a for_o you_o downright_o practical_a atheist_n second_o your_o condition_n at_o the_o present_a be_v very_o miserable_a though_o you_o know_v it_o not_o so_o long_o as_o you_o live_v without_o prayer_n you_o live_v without_o a_o blessing_n whatsoever_o may_v light_v upon_o you_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o a_o pray_a people_n if_o you_o will_v look_v into_o the_o book_n of_o god_n which_o i_o believe_v you_o seldom_o do_v for_o those_o that_o will_v not_o beg_v his_o mercy_n will_v not_o labour_v to_o know_v his_o will_n you_o may_v see_v how_o much_o it_o cost_v esau_n to_o get_v a_o blessing_n from_o his_o father_n isaac_n he_o shed_v many_o tear_n and_o lift_v up_o loud_a cry_n gen._n 27._o 33_o 34._o isaac_n tell_v he_o that_o one_o have_v bring_v he_o venison_n which_o he_o have_v eat_v of_o and_o he_o bless_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v bless_v it_o be_v say_v when_o esau_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o his_o father_n he_o cry_v with_o a_o great_a and_o exceed_o bitter_a cry_n and_o say_v unto_o his_o father_n bless_v i_o even_o i_o also_o o_o my_o father_n and_o when_o isaac_n answer_v vers_fw-la 37._o behold_v i_o have_v make_v he_o thy_o lord_n and_o all_o his_o brethren_n have_v i_o give_v to_o he_o for_o servant_n and_o with_o corn_n and_o wine_n have_v i_o sustain_v he_o and_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v now_o unto_o thou_o my_o son_n vers._n 38._o esau_n say_v unto_o his_o father_n have_v thou_o but_o one_o blessing_n my_o father_n bless_v i_o even_o i_o also_o o_o my_o father_n and_o esau_n lift_v up_o his_o voice_n and_o weep_v what_o be_v thou_o so_o poor_a o_o my_o father_n as_o that_o in_o give_v one_o blessing_n thou_o have_v give_v away_o all_o have_v thou_o not_o reserve_v one_o and_o all_o this_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o do_v before_o he_o can_v obtain_v yea_o and_o it_o
the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thou_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o or_o have_v great_a dependence_n upon_o these_o thing_n and_o possible_o twenty_o more_o which_o may_v be_v reckon_v up_o be_v very_o much_o the_o matter_n of_o thy_o desire_n and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o god_n who_o perform_v all_o thing_n for_o david_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o thou_o and_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o willing_o have_v other_o acquaint_v with_o these_o thing_n if_o thou_o be_v loath_a that_o thy_o family_n shall_v be_v privy_a to_o the_o stir_n and_o work_n of_o thy_o heart_n in_o these_o respect_n then_o let_v they_o bring_v thou_o upon_o thy_o knee_n in_o thy_o secret_a retirement_n there_o thou_o may_v be_v bold_a and_o as_o free_a as_o thou_o please_v there_o thou_o may_v full_o open_v thy_o case_n and_o unbosom_v thyself_o and_o tell_v god_n all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o keep_v back_o nothing_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o holy_a david_n who_o can_v say_v in_o psal._n 38._o 9_o all_o my_o desire_n be_v before_o thou_o and_o my_o groan_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o five_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o the_o work_n be_v enough_o to_o attract_v and_o draw_v a_o holy_a soul_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o secret_a prayer_n bring_v the_o christian_a into_o secret_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o secret_a communion_n be_v a_o sweet_a communion_n as_o that_o person_n taste_v and_o experience_n who_o love_v god_n indeed_o two_o lover_n have_v abundant_o more_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o each_o other_o company_n when_o they_o be_v get_v in_o a_o corner_n and_o no_o body_n to_o interrupt_v or_o observe_v they_o than_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o throng_n of_o people_n or_o in_o a_o room_n where_o many_o eye_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o there_o they_o can_v be_v so_o familiar_a and_o free_a as_o their_o mutual_a affection_n do_v require_v we_o have_v free_a leave_n give_v we_o yea_o we_o be_v under_o a_o divine_a command_n to_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o holdness_n heb._n 4._o 16._o with_o a_o freedom_n of_o speech_n to_o fetch_v up_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o tell_v our_o whole_a mind_n to_o god_n but_o when_o the_o saint_n go_v in_o company_n many_o time_n he_o that_o be_v call_v out_o to_o be_v at_o that_o time_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o rest_n to_o god_n find_v himself_o confine_v and_o bind_v up_o by_o a_o natural_a and_o overpower_v modesty_n and_o his_o christian_a childlike_a boldness_n be_v abate_v nay_o whole_o to_o seek_v and_o he_o be_v at_o such_o a_o great_a loss_n and_o so_o exceed_o trouble_v that_o he_o can_v speak_v that_o i_o may_v use_v the_o word_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n asaph_n psal._n 73._o his_o freedom_n be_v turn_v into_o oppression_n and_o he_o be_v so_o full_a of_o matter_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v almost_o ready_a to_o break_v within_o he_o because_o at_o that_o time_n he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o give_v himself_o vent_v in_o such_o a_o case_n there_o be_v a_o awe_n upon_o he_o and_o that_o do_v issue_n in_o a_o painful_a restraint_n oh_o christian_n if_o you_o can_v hear_v some_o gracious_a soul_n in_o their_o private_a address_n to_o god_n it_o will_v put_v you_o into_o a_o amazement_n you_o can_v not_o forbear_v stand_v and_o wonder_v how_o bold_a they_o be_v with_o god_n though_o not_o saucy_a how_o familiar_o they_o will_v speak_v to_o god_n yet_o know_v and_o consider_v their_o distance_n how_o plain_a they_o will_v be_v how_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a how_o they_o will_v plead_v with_o he_o and_o produce_v their_o argument_n and_o strong_a reason_n and_o with_o vehemency_n urge_v they_o wrestle_v with_o he_o as_o those_o that_o must_v have_v their_o petition_n grant_v and_o will_v too_o before_o they_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o they_o do_v herein_o that_o which_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o above_o and_o use_v those_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v who_o speak_v in_o they_o they_o do_v not_o herein_o forget_v themselves_o or_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o nor_o be_v they_o more_o bold_a than_o welcome_a when_o they_o have_v raise_v and_o enlarge_v their_o desire_n and_o wound_v up_o their_o importunity_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v their_o kind_n and_o gracious_a father_n allowance_n for_o and_o then_o be_v their_o prayer_n his_o music_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v thus_o who_o but_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o have_v take_v the_o same_o course_n be_v able_a to_o tell_v or_o conceive_v the_o fruit_n and_o advantage_n which_o thereby_o come_v into_o they_o when_o their_o soul_n have_v have_v so_o large_a a_o vent_n what_o â—ase_n do_v they_o find_v in_o themselves_o what_o peace_n but_o such_o as_o pass_v understanding_n how_o do_v their_o face_n shine_v even_o as_o that_o of_o moses_n do_v when_o he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n what_o delight_n have_v they_o have_v what_o joy_n of_o faith_n what_o a_o satisfaction_n do_v they_o find_v within_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o holy_a david_n do_v with_o high_a confidence_n promise_v unto_o himself_o and_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n but_o he_o be_v encourage_v to_o promise_v so_o much_o to_o himself_o for_o the_o future_a by_o the_o experience_n he_o have_v have_v in_o former_a time_n psal._n 63._o 5_o 6._o my_o soul_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n he_o look_v not_o only_o for_o a_o little_a taste_n a_o drop_n of_o mercy_n or_o some_o crumb_n of_o comfort_n so_o much_o only_o as_o will_v set_v he_o a_o longing_n or_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o but_o a_o full_a meal_n he_o promise_v himself_o the_o best_a not_o brown-bread_n and_o water_n ordinary_a course_n fare_n but_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n yea_o and_o enough_o too_o a_o fullness_n so_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o rise_v up_o complain_v but_o admire_v and_o triumph_v my_o mouth_n shall_v praise_v thou_o with_o joyful_a lip_n when_o he_o have_v his_o sweet_a refresh_n his_o fill_n than_o he_o will_v bless_v his_o benefactor_n but_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o time_n when_o and_o the_o place_n where_o he_o do_v promise_v himself_o these_o rich_a and_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n it_o be_v in_o his_o retirement_n in_o his_o secret_n converse_v with_o god_n when_o i_o remember_v thou_o upon_o my_o bed_n and_o meditate_v upon_o thou_o in_o the_o night-watche_n upon_o which_o word_n mr._n dickson_n have_v this_o observation_n very_o apposite_a to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n the_o way_n to_o find_v refreshment_n spiritual_a be_v beside_o public_a ordinance_n to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n in_o secret_a at_o such_o time_n as_o our_o civil_a and_o natural_a necessity_n may_v best_o spare_v and_o then_o and_o there_o to_o recall_v to_o mind_n what_o we_o have_v hear_v see_v or_o feel_v of_o god_n word_n or_o work_v and_o to_o keep_v our_o thought_n upon_o this_o holy_a subject_n by_o prayer_n soliloquy_n and_o meditation_n this_o this_o bring_v in_o spiritual_a refreshment_n indeed_o this_o warm_v the_o heart_n this_o feast_n it_o this_o delight_v it_o this_o raise_v it_o this_o furnish_v it_o with_o new_a song_n six_o secret_a prayer_n shall_v not_o be_v vain_a our_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o only_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n in_o the_o full_a assembly_n of_o his_o saint_n thou_o indeed_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o psal._n 87._o 2._o the_o lord_n love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n i._n e._n say_v ainsworth_n the_o public_a assembly_n more_o than_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n but_o he_o will_v gracious_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o afford_v his_o presence_n and_o give_v a_o meeting_n to_o two_o or_o three_o of_o his_o friend_n when_o meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n there_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o you_o have_v christ_n own_o word_n for_o your_o assurance_n in_o the_o case_n matth._n 18._o 20._o as_o to_o assist_v so_o to_o accept_v and_o bless_v and_o do_v for_o they_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o they_o desire_v yea_o his_o grace_n be_v so_o infinite_a and_o his_o love_n so_o great_a that_o his_o condescension_n shall_v be_v low_a yet_o for_o he_o will_v come_v into_o a_o corner_n when_o he_o have_v a_o child_n of_o his_o alone_a pray_v and_o cry_v cantic_a 2._o 14._o o_o my_o dove_n that_o be_v in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n and_o in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n
thing_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi three_o when_o thou_o be_v alone_o in_o prayer_n make_v it_o thy_o great_a desire_n and_o care_n to_o be_v with_o god_n in_o all_o thy_o approach_n to_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thy_o appearance_n before_o he_o make_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v with_o he_o the_o psalmist_n can_v say_v psal._n 139._o 18._o when_o i_o awake_v i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o this_o some_o understand_v of_o the_o constancy_n of_o god_n kindness_n though_o the_o most_o vigilant_a of_o the_o saint_n sometime_o fall_v into_o sleepiness_n and_o drowsiness_n of_o spirit_n that_o they_o perceive_v not_o god_n presence_n with_o they_o nor_o care_n over_o they_o nor_o love_n to_o they_o yet_o when_o the_o lord_n awaken_v up_o their_o soul_n and_o renew_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n they_o be_v make_v to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v never_o leave_v they_o no_o not_o when_o they_o least_o perceive_v his_o presence_n but_o other_o do_v by_o this_o understand_v the_o gracious_a frame_n and_o work_n of_o david_n spirit_n he_o be_v every_o morning_n with_o god_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o open_v his_o eye_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o god_n god_n be_v the_o excellent_a and_o endear_a object_n that_o he_o will_v first_o converse_v with_o and_o bestow_v his_o morning_n visit_v upon_o i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o by_o meditation_n oh_o that_o thou_o can_v say_v the_o same_o in_o truth_n as_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n lord_n when_o i_o be_o at_o prayer_n i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o i_o be_o often_o upon_o my_o knee_n and_o i_o be_o as_o often_o with_o my_o god_n i_o john_n 1._o 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n do_v you_o press_v after_o that_o a_o fellowship_n with_o god_n do_v you_o inquire_v for_o that_o as_o elisha_n when_o he_o have_v get_v the_o mantle_n which_o his_o master_n have_v drop_v he_o cry_v out_o where_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o elijah_n so_o do_v you_o here_o be_v the_o prayer_n but_o where_o be_v the_o fellowship_n true_o that_o person_n be_v both_o wicked_o and_o miserable_o alone_a in_o his_o duty_n who_o be_v not_o with_o god_n in_o duty_n he_o sin_v great_o in_o it_o and_o he_o shall_v get_v nothing_o by_o it_o that_o be_v a_o accurse_a privacy_n out_o of_o which_o the_o great_a and_o everblessed_n god_n be_v exclude_v he_o be_v indeed_o with_o thou_o in_o all_o place_n in_o thy_o great_a retirement_n psal._n 139._o 8._o if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n thou_o be_v there_o so_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o congregation_n god_n be_v there_o if_o in_o the_o chamber_n god_n be_v there_o if_o in_o the_o field_n god_n be_v there_o he_o fill_v all_o place_n and_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o person_n and_o of_o all_o their_o action_n but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o no_o gracious_a soul_n that_o do_v indeed_o love_v he_o will_v sit_v down_o satisfy_v with_o that_o while_o god_n be_v with_o thou_o by_o his_o omnipresence_n observe_v thou_o and_o all_o thy_o way_n what_o duty_n thou_o do_v and_o how_o thou_o do_v they_o it_o must_v be_v thy_o great_a care_n to_o be_v with_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o holy_a meditation_n and_o affection_n to_o have_v the_o thought_n dwell_v with_o god_n the_o desire_n run_v out_o to_o god_n and_o the_o delight_n feast_v upon_o god_n have_v a_o care_n that_o when_o you_o pretend_v to_o be_v alone_o in_o your_o duty_n you_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o reins_o upon_o your_o neck_n and_o allow_v your_o mind_n in_o their_o loose_a and_o vain_a exâ—ursions_n christian_n go_v to_o thy_o duty_n and_o go_v to_o thy_o god_n too_o so_o that_o good_a man_n wise_o resolve_v psal._n 43._o 3_o 4._o o_o send_v out_o thy_o light_n and_o truth_n let_v they_o lead_v i_o let_v they_o bring_v i_o unto_o thy_o hill_n and_o to_o thy_o tabernacle_n then_o will_v i_o go_v unto_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n unto_o god_n my_o exceed_a joy_n he_o will_v not_o stop_v at_o the_o altar_n but_o get_v up_o to_o the_o god_n who_o be_v worship_v there_o and_o when_o thou_o be_v with_o he_o keep_v with_o he_o as_o close_o as_o thou_o can_v let_v no_o temptation_n draw_v thou_o away_o four_o whensoever_o thou_o be_v in_o secret_a before_o god_n reveal_v all_o thy_o secret_n to_o he_o deal_v plain_o and_o open_o with_o he_o anatomize_v thy_o soul_n in_o his_o presence_n tell_v he_o all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o all_o that_o thou_o remember_v have_v be_v in_o thy_o life_n and_o do_v not_o hide_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o whatsoever_o thy_o own_o conscience_n preach_v to_o thou_o do_v thou_o go_v and_o repeat_v it_o all_o to_o god_n confess_v to_o he_o those_o evil_a action_n thou_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n and_o under_o the_o covert_n of_o darkness_n though_o no_o mortal_a eye_n see_v they_o nor_o can_v any_o body_n charge_v thou_o with_o they_o the_o keep_v back_o of_o part_n of_o thy_o sin_n may_v be_v thy_o ruin_n as_o well_o as_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n of_o the_o land_n and_o cover_v the_o fraud_n with_o a_o lie_n be_v the_o death_n of_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n acknowledge_v to_o he_o those_o heart-corruption_n which_o do_v never_o come_v into_o act_n the_o law_n in_o the_o member_n that_o war_v against_o the_o law_n in_o your_o mind_n the_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o that_o curse_a root_n of_o bitterness_n which_o lie_v under_o ground_n the_o vicious_a fountain_n that_o be_v continual_o boil_v and_o bubble_v up_o in_o filthy_a thought_n and_o vile_a affection_n though_o it_o never_o send_v forth_o such_o muddy_a and_o abominable_a stream_n as_o run_v in_o a_o impetuous_a and_o rapid_a manner_n in_o the_o life_n of_o other_o overflow_a all_o the_o bank_n that_o religion_n and_o reason_n do_v set_v they_o in_o a_o word_n do_v thou_o thyself_o acquaint_v god_n with_o the_o plague_n of_o thy_o heart_n which_o threaten_v the_o life_n of_o thy_o soul_n though_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n to_o be_v see_v by_o other_o upon_o thou_o though_o it_o do_v not_o show_v itself_o in_o botch_n and_o boil_n i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o though_o you_o need_v not_o let_v man_n know_v not_o your_o dear_a intimate_a and_o most_o faithful_a friend_n know_v all_o that_o you_o be_v chargeable_a with_o yet_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v so_o to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o a_o give_n of_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o omniscience_n and_o if_o you_o do_v it_o as_o you_o ought_v in_o a_o believe_a way_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n too_o as_o be_v a_o god_n ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o multiply_v pardon_n beside_o as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o hide_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o because_o he_o see_v all_o searcheth_z the_o heart_n possess_v the_o reins_o and_o have_v our_o most_o secret_a sin_n in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v not_o in_o that_o action_n when_o man_n go_v to_o eover_o god_n will_v come_v to_o discover_v adam_n have_v sin_v go_v like_o a_o guilty_a malefactor_n to_o hide_v himself_o but_o god_n know_v where_o he_o be_v and_o fetch_v he_o out_o with_o a_o word_n achan_n have_v steal_v the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o two_o hundred_o piece_n of_o silver_n and_o a_o goodly_a babylonish_n garment_n go_v and_o hide_v they_o in_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o tent_n but_o god_n make_v he_o fetch_v they_o out_o again_o when_o all_o be_v do_v plain-dealing_a be_v best_a special_o when_o you_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o god_n and_o let_v i_o here_o add_v that_o freedom_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n in_o a_o way_n of_o humble_a confession_n unto_o god_n be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n of_o a_o gracious_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o speak_v a_o person_n act_v by_o a_o ingenuous_a filial_a spirit_n that_o he_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o sin_n no_o admirer_n of_o himself_o but_o willing_a to_o load_v himself_o that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o more_o loath_a himself_o and_o work_v his_o heart_n into_o the_o great_a admiring_n of_o that_o patience_n which_o notwithstanding_o so_o many_o affront_n have_v so_o long_o bear_v with_o he_o and_o that_o grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o so_o great_a provocation_n do_v yet_o open_a to_o he_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n and_o take_v one_o thing_n with_o you_o further_o this_o freedom_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n in_o confess_v your_o sin_n to_o god_n be_v a_o singular_a