talk_v with_o he_o 17.3_o gen._n 15.12_o chap._n 17.3_o come_v to_o he_o and_o he_o again_o discourse_v familiar_o with_o god_n 2._o isaac_n the_o son_n of_o the_o promise_n a_o very_a contemplative_a man_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v gen._n 24.63_o utoâ—antes_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d locutus_fw-la est_fw-la ore_fw-la vel_fw-la coâ—de_fw-la cogitavit_fw-la proprie_fw-la significat_fw-la submissa_fw-la voce_fw-la loqui_fw-la utoâ—antes_fw-la that_o isaac_n go_v out_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o field_n at_o eventide_n the_o word_n signify_v as_o well_o to_o pray_v as_o meditate_v it_o be_v likely_a he_o do_v both_o in_o some_o solitary_a walk_n where_o he_o converse_v with_o his_o god_n the_o chaldee_n translate_v it_o by_o pray_v but_o the_o greek_a by_o exercise_v himself_o i._n e._n both_o in_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n and_o true_o there_o be_v a_o near_a affinity_n betwixt_o these_o two_o sweet_a duty_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a for_o a_o devout_a soul_n to_o fall_v out_o of_o the_o one_o into_o the_o other_o in_o its_o retirement_n soliloquie_n in_o the_o heart_n help_v to_o a_o colloquie_n with_o god_n loc_n locus_fw-la precibus_fw-la ubique_fw-la commodus_fw-la maxim_n in_o solitudine_fw-la ubi_fw-la sensus_fw-la de_fw-la piis_fw-la meditationibus_fw-la minus_fw-la a_o vocantur_fw-la pareus_n in_o loc_n but_o here_o observe_v isaac_n oratory_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o field_n which_o he_o use_v for_o more_o privacy_n there_o say_v pareus_n he_o continual_o pour_v out_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o at_o this_o time_n more_o earnest_o for_o the_o happy_a success_n of_o his_o servant_n a_o singular_a example_n of_o piety_n a_o place_n it_o be_v every_o way_n fit_a for_o prayer_n especial_o in_o solitude_n where_o the_o sense_n be_v less_o draw_v off_o from_o pious_a meditation_n some_o think_v he_o be_v return_v from_o his_o devotion_n and_o then_o it_o be_v worth_a note_v what_o a_o speedy_a reward_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o prayer_n be_v grant_v will_v all_o young_a man_n take_v the_o like_a course_n for_o a_o wife_n they_o may_v meet_v seasonable_o with_o a_o rebeckah_n in_o mercy_n 3._o jacob_n be_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o this_o choice_a exercise_n few_o like_o he_o he_o be_v put_v to_o flee_v but_o they_o can_v not_o drive_v he_o from_o his_o god_n they_o have_v their_o meeting-place_n and_o intercourse_n where_o none_o see_v particular_o that_o remarkable_a time_n gen._n 32.24_o jacob_n be_v leave_v alone_o and_o there_o wrestle_v a_o man_n with_o he_o until_o the_o break_n of_o the_o day_n it_o be_v likely_a jacob_n have_v send_v his_o household_n away_o on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v wrestle_v with_o god_n alone_o i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v whether_o jacob_n have_v any_o extraordinary_a natural_a strength_n of_o body_n i_o be_o sure_a he_o have_v abundance_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n of_o grace_n nor_o shall_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o hebrew_n subtle_a dispute_v concern_v this_o man_n hosea_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o angel_n yet_o withal_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o his_o strength_n he_o have_v power_n with_o god_n hos_n 12.3_o 4._o therefore_o this_o be_v god_n himself_o the_o create_v 48.16_o gen._n 48.16_o not_o a_o create_a angel_n even_o jesus_n christ_n the_o angel_n that_o redeem_v he_o from_o all_o evil_a who_o malachi_n call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n mal._n 3.1_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o elohim_n who_o jacob_n overcome_v in_o this_o stupendous_a monomachia_fw-la or_o conflict_n but_o how_o do_v he_o thus_o prevail_v the_o text_n say_v with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n he_o weep_v and_o make_v supplication_n now_o he_o have_v get_v god_n to_o a_o side_n as_o it_o be_v and_o none_o come_v to_o distract_v he_o or_o to_o part_v this_o strong_a and_o bless_a duel_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o his_o hold_n and_o not_o let_v god_n go_v till_o he_o bless_v he_o and_o good_a jacob_n come_v off_o a_o noble_a conqueror_n and_o from_o that_o purchase_v the_o famous_a name_n of_o israel_n oh_o unequal_a match_n oh_o unparalleled_a conquest_n the_o seemingly-adverse_a combatant_n be_v jacob_n only_a assistant_n and_o the_o conquer_a be_v the_o invincible_a jehovah_n and_o no_o other_o second_o or_o spectator_n but_o the_o infinite_a god_n and_o worm_n jacob._n 4._o moses_n be_v a_o choice_a man_n of_o god_n who_o the_o scripture_n characterize_v as_o a_o non-such_a deut._n 34.10_o there_o arise_v not_o a_o prophet_n since_o in_o israel_n like_v unto_o moses_n who_o the_o lord_n know_v face_n to_o face_n and_o this_o intimate_a acquaintance_n be_v obtain_v maintain_v and_o exercise_v by_o this_o secret_a converse_v with_o god_n how_o often_o do_v we_o find_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o servant_n moses_n together_o and_o none_o with_o they_o yea_o moses_n only_a must_v come_v near_o and_o the_o rest_n must_v worship_v afar_o off_o 14.12_o exod._n 14.12_o and_o what_o business_n have_v these_o familiar_a friend_n one_o with_o another_o why_o sometime_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o moses_n sometime_o moses_n speak_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n see_v both_o together_o in_o exod._n 32.9_o 10_o 11._o a_o strange_a scripture_n god_n and_o moses_n have_v be_v converse_v with_o each_o other_o in_o the_o mount_n forty_o day_n god_n tell_v moses_n the_o people_n have_v make_v they_o a_o melt_a calf_n and_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o will_v consume_v they_o and_o bid_v moses_n let_v he_o alone_o as_o though_o moses_n have_v bind_v the_o hand_n of_o omnipotency_n nay_o then_o think_v moses_n if_o my_o poor_a people_n be_v in_o this_o hazard_n since_o i_o be_o with_o god_n i_o will_v ply_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o improve_v my_o interest_n for_o they_o and_o then_o he_o fall_v close_o to_o the_o work_n and_o beseech_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o say_v at_o this_o time_n he_o alone_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n 106.25_o psal_n 106.25_o and_o prevail_v by_o his_o intercession_n to_o turn_v away_o god_n wrath_n from_o israel_n here_o be_v a_o work_n and_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o secret_a prayer_n 5._o david_n the_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n be_v a_o man_n much_o skill_v in_o secret_a or_o closet_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n hence_o some_o of_o his_o psalm_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v first_o compose_v in_o cave_n wilderness_n and_o solitary_a place_n psal_n 142._o title_n be_v maschil_n of_o david_n a_o prayer_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o cave_n and_o this_o be_v for_o instruction_n to_o we_o so_o maschil_n signify_v yea_o he_o purposely_o compile_v the_o 102._o psal_n as_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o that_o may_v be_v in_o his_o case_n that_o be_v solitary_a as_o a_o pelican_n in_o the_o wilderness_n a_o owl_n in_o the_o desert_n or_o a_o sparrow_n alone_o upon_o the_o house_n top_n v._o 6_o 7._o then_o they_o be_v to_o pray_v as_o he_o do_v and_o to_o pour_v out_o their_o complaint_n before_o the_o lord_n yea_o upon_o a_o declaration_n of_o god_n covenant_n design_n of_o mercy_n to_o david_n and_o his_o house_n the_o good_a man_n go_v either_o into_o some_o private_a room_n in_o his_o own_o house_n or_o into_o the_o tent_n before_o the_o ark_n and_o there_o set_v himself_o first_o to_o meditate_v then_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o do_v both_o as_o that_o scripture_n clear_o intimate_v 2_o sam._n 7.17_o 27._o and_o oh_o what_o memorable_a fruit_n of_o secret_a prayer_n have_v david_n frequent_o sure_o he_o feel_v the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o both_o in_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o political_a affair_n therefore_o he_o commend_v it_o to_o all_o psal_n 4._o commune_fw-la with_o your_o own_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n or_o in_o your_o bedchamber_n and_o there_o also_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o righteousness_n and_o put_v your_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 4.5_o sect_n v._o five_o more_o instance_n produce_v 6._o another_o example_n from_o scripture_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n be_v the_o famous_a man_n of_o god_n elijah_n who_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n and_o be_v mighty_a in_o prayer_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n james_n testify_v of_o he_o chap._n 5_o 17_o 18._o that_o he_o can_v shut_v and_o open_a heaven_n he_o have_v as_o it_o be_v get_v the_o key_n of_o the_o cloud_n to_o open_v the_o window_n of_o heaven_n that_o it_o may_v rain_v or_o not_o rain_n according_a to_o his_o word_n but_o how_o come_v he_o by_o this_o power_n why_o certain_o he_o have_v great_a acquaintance_n with_o his_o god_n in_o secret_a take_v one_o instance_n what_o his_o practice_n be_v 1_o king_n 17.19_o to_o ver_fw-la 24._o it_o be_v the_o memorable_a history_n of_o raise_v the_o widow_n woman_n dead_a son_n it_o be_v a_o great_a undertake_n none_o but_o god_n can_v raise_v the_o dead_a god_n be_v to_o be_v implore_v by_o earnest_a prayer_n no_o
chap._n ii_o the_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o closet-prayer_n be_v a_o christian-duty_n sect_n i._o the_o first_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n all_o the_o reason_n that_o i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o at_o this_o time_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o clear_v secret_a prayer_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n shall_v be_v fetch_v out_o of_o the_o text_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 4._o rea._n 1._o the_o conveniency_n of_o privacy_n for_o prayer_n 2._o the_o relation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o saint_n 3._o god_n omniscience_n see_v in_o secret_a 4._o god_n munificence_n reward_v 1._o the_o great_a conveniency_n there_o be_v in_o privacy_n for_o prayer_n and_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o we_o private_a room_n which_o implicit_o call_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n for_o there_o be_v in_o retirement_n a_o great_a advantage_n for_o the_o manage_n of_o any_o work_n of_o wisdom_n prov._n 18.1_o through_o desire_v a_o man_n have_v separate_v himself_o seek_v and_o intermeddle_v with_o all_o wisdom_n i._n e._n he_o that_o be_v real_o studious_a of_o true_a piety_n will_v voluntary_o sequester_v himself_o to_o prosecute_v it_o this_o be_v ancient_o the_o well-meaning_a design_n of_o a_o monastic_a life_n which_o since_o have_v be_v woeful_o abuse_v but_o yet_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n in_o solitariness_n for_o carry_v on_o a_o religious_a business_n take_v only_o two_o at_o present_a which_o be_v advantage_n particular_o refer_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n whereunto_o secrecy_n contribute_v 1._o self-expostulation_n and_o self-abasing_a gesture_n and_o expression_n when_o a_o christian_a in_o prayer_n find_v his_o heart_n hard_o dead_a dull_a distract_a or_o any_o way_n out_o of_o order_n he_o may_v in_o secret_a make_v a_o pause_n and_o begin_v to_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n examine_v the_o matter_n lament_v the_o cause_n chide_v his_o untoward_a heart_n and_o charge_v his_o wanton_a spirit_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o his_o god_n in_o duty_n thus_o david_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n awake_v psaltery_a and_o harp_n i_o myself_o will_v awake_v early_o my_o soul_n wait_v thou_o upon_o god_n nothing_o more_o familiar_a in_o the_o psalm_n than_o such_o intercision_n and_o diversion_n from_o the_o work_n in_o hand_n to_o raise_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o a_o high_a tune_n in_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o this_o may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n for_o by_o such_o heart-reasonings_a and_o debate_v a_o saint_n may_v wind_v up_o his_o spirit_n and_o get_v better_o prepare_v for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o exercise_n now_o such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o will_v not_o be_v so_o seasonable_a and_o convenient_a when_o other_o join_v in_o the_o duty_n so_o also_o for_o bodily_a posture_n sometime_o for_o a_o evidence_n of_o great_a humiliation_n a_o christian_n find_v it_o requisite_a to_o prostrate_v himself_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o use_v such_o gesture_n as_o will_v not_o be_v fit_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o other_o therefore_o closet-prayer_n be_v very_o necessary_a where_o a_o christian_a may_v use_v his_o discretion_n as_o god_n shall_v direct_v he_o for_o the_o humble_v quicken_a raise_v and_o melt_v of_o his_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n alone_o that_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a help_n against_o distraction_n when_o we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o world_n we_o be_v then_o fit_a for_o attendance_n upon_o god_n the_o affair_n discourse_n trouble_n and_o confusion_n of_o a_o family_n if_o within_o hear_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n experience_n testify_v this_o a_o man_n can_v study_v or_o cast_v account_n in_o a_o crowd_n or_o throng_n of_o people_n when_o we_o be_v intent_n upon_o any_o business_n how_o little_a a_o noise_n divert_v we_o it_o may_v be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o that_o hospitable_a gentlewoman_n in_o 2_o king_n 4.10_o will_v have_v a_o chamber_n build_v for_o her_o welcom-guest_n the_o prophet_n elisha_n yea_o build_v upon_o the_o wall_n for_o she_o may_v judge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o contemplative_a man_n and_o though_o she_o may_v have_v lodging-room_n in_o her_o house_n yet_o she_o may_v look_v upon_o that_o at_o a_o little_a distance_n as_o more_o commodious_a for_o his_o devotion_n and_o meditation_n as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o houshold-business_n and_o hurrying_n a_o active_a fancy_n quick_o close_v with_o any_o diversion_n in_o our_o attendance_n upon_o god_n therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o study_v to_o attend_v upon_o the_o lord_n without_o distraction_n when_o abraham_n go_v to_o worship_n in_o the_o mount_n he_o leave_v his_o servant_n below_o in_o the_o valley_n lest_o they_o shall_v obstruct_v his_o communion_n with_o god_n when_o moses_n be_v to_o go_v up_o unto_o the_o lord_n though_o aaron_n nadab_n and_o abihu_n and_o the_o seventy_o elder_n go_v further_a than_o the_o people_n yet_o the_o text_n say_v they_o shall_v worship_v afar_o off_o but_o say_v god_n moses_n alone_o shall_v come_v near_o the_o lord_n exod._n 24.1_o 2._o observe_v it_o when_o moses_n have_v part_v with_o his_o company_n and_o be_v alone_o than_o he_o shall_v come_v near_o the_o lord_n common_a professor_n worship_v not_o god_n at_o all_o acceptable_o sincere_a saint_n worship_v god_n with_o other_o be_v comparative_o far_o off_o but_o soul_n in_o a_o corner_n or_o closet_n be_v admit_v to_o come_v near_o god_n and_o have_v sweet_a intimacy_n with_o he_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v anon_o yet_o mistake_v i_o not_o not_o as_o though_o i_o prefer_v secret_a prayer_n alone_o before_o public_a prayer_n with_o other_o for_o as_o god_n delight_v in_o the_o joint_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n so_o a_o soul_n may_v enjoy_v god_n in_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o be_v ordinary_o more_o carry_v out_o to_o god_n than_o in_o private_a according_a to_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n he_o have_v with_o other_o yet_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o frame_n there_o be_v usual_o more_o intimacy_n express_v betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a in_o secret_a than_o with_o other_o yet_o further_o mistake_v not_o not_o as_o though_o solitariness_n free_v we_o from_o all_o distraction_n iâ—_n we_o take_v our_o heart_n with_o we_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o principle_n of_o diversion_n and_o need_v neither_o noise_n nor_o visible_a object_n to_o hinder_v we_o from_o god_n and_o this_o those_o that_o have_v magnify_v solitariness_n most_o have_v find_v by_o sad_a experience_n and_o leave_v upon_o record_n take_v a_o instance_n plur_n locus_fw-la secretus_fw-la eligitur_fw-la quia_fw-la solus_fw-la dei_fw-la judicio_fw-la â—eâ—unia_fw-la suut_n agenda_fw-la &_o singularem_fw-la inspectorem_fw-la adjutoremque_fw-la deum_fw-la volunt_fw-la haec_fw-la habere_fw-la câ—…tamina_fw-la neque_fw-la in_o ago_o bus_fw-la aliquibus_fw-la periculosus_fw-la militatur_fw-la prope_a hoc_fw-la solitudo_fw-la carent_fw-la arbitris_fw-la &_o eremus_fw-la assentaterum_fw-la satellitio_fw-la vacua_fw-la à _fw-la jejunanâ—e_fw-la christo_fw-la el_fw-es gitur_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la cum_fw-la carne_fw-la &_o sanguine_fw-la sed_fw-la cum_fw-la spiritualibus_fw-la nequiâ—iis_fw-la dimicâ—tur_fw-la &_o amotis_fw-la minorum_fw-la occasionibus_fw-la homo_fw-la cum_fw-la diabolo_fw-it colluctetur_fw-la &_o soli_fw-la sint_fw-la in_o palastra_fw-la christus_fw-la &_o antichristus_fw-la spiritus_fw-la &_o antispiritus_fw-la neque_fw-la putet_fw-la homo_fw-la se_fw-la evasisse_fw-la pericula_fw-la cum_fw-la in_o eremum_fw-la venerit_fw-la quia_fw-la quanto_fw-la saltilius_fw-la tanto_fw-la difficilius_fw-la à _fw-la teâ—tatore_fw-la invaditur_fw-la qui_fw-la cogitationum_fw-la foribus_fw-la assilens_fw-la omne_fw-la virtutum_fw-la germina_fw-la in_o ipso_fw-la ortu_fw-la strangulare_a molitur_fw-la cyp._n de_fw-fr jejun_fw-fr &_o teâ—tat_fw-la christi_fw-la prope_fw-la init_fw-la pag._n 300_o 301._o verum_fw-la siberius_fw-la anima_fw-la expedita_fw-la obviat_fw-la impugnanti_fw-la ubi_fw-la compedes_fw-la impedimentorum_fw-la defueriat_fw-la &_o aspectus_fw-la irritamenta_fw-la non_fw-la noveriat_fw-la securiorque_fw-la est_fw-la congressus_fw-la ubi_fw-la singuâ—a_fw-la non_fw-la vellicant_fw-la dimicante_fw-la nec_fw-la inebriant_fw-la animum_fw-la lenocinio_fw-la voluptatum_fw-la vid._n plur_n cyprian_n speak_v of_o christ_n fast_v and_o be_v tempt_v in_o the_o wilderness_n choose_v that_o place_n for_o its_o secrecy_n because_o say_v he_o fast_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v so_o as_o god_n alone_o may_v be_v judge_n and_o in_o such_o contest_v as_o these_o we_o be_v to_o call_v on_o god_n alone_o as_o spectator_n and_o helper_n and_o show_v notable_o the_o danger_n of_o vainglory_n and_o advantage_n of_o secrecy_n yet_o add_v let_v not_o a_o man_n imagine_v he_o have_v escape_v all_o danger_n when_o he_o come_v into_o a_o wilderness_n or_o solitary_a place_n because_o he_o be_v invade_v by_o the_o tempter_n so_o much_o the_o more_o difficulty_n because_o more_o subtle_o who_o sit_v before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o thought_n seek_v to_o strangle_v all_o the_o bud_n of_o virtue_n
all_o one_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o all_o one_o father_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o which_o on_o all_o occasion_n draw_v the_o soul_n to_o its_o father_n it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n when_o new_o convert_v behold_v he_o pray_v act._n 9.11_o other_o do_v not_o see_v it_o but_o i_o know_v it_o there_o he_o be_v in_o a_o corner_n sigh_v and_o seek_v i_o go_v ananias_n inquire_v for_o he_o he_o be_v now_o one_o of_o you_o a_o real_a convert_n for_o behold_v he_o pray_v a_o soul_n pray_v in_o secret_n be_v worthy_a observation_n there_o be_v a_o ecce_n put_v upon_o it_o behold_v he_o pray_v and_o why_o shall_v we_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v saint_n be_v unlike_o our_o brethren_n 3._o be_v you_o not_o herein_o unlike_o yourselves_o in_o former_a time_n when_o god_n do_v at_o first_o work_n upon_o your_o heart_n do_v you_o not_o then_o run_v to_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n do_v you_o not_o set_v yourselves_o intent_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n how_o often_o do_v god_n find_v you_o by_o yourselves_o sigh_v sorrow_a weep_a bleed_a breathe_v after_o god_n pour_v out_o your_o heart_n like_o water_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o your_o heavenly_a father_n pity_v you_o speak_v very_o kind_o to_o you_o wipe_v off_o your_o tear_n cheer_v your_o heart_n hear_v your_o prayer_n and_o make_v those_o day_n of_o grief_n time_n of_o love_n oh_o the_o sweet_a embrace_n that_o then_o be_v betwixt_o your_o soul_n and_o god_n have_v you_o forget_v such_o a_o chamber_n such_o a_o closet_n such_o a_o barn_n such_o a_o wood_n where_o you_o sometime_o walk_v and_o meditate_a sometime_o fall_v prostrate_a and_o weep_v before_o the_o lord_n till_o you_o have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o weep_v if_o you_o have_v forget_v those_o bless_a day_n your_o god_n have_v not_o he_o remember_v thou_o the_o kindness_n of_o thy_o youth_n the_o love_n of_o thy_o spousal_n when_o thou_o wente_v after_o he_o in_o a_o solitary_a wilderness_n jer._n 2.2_o can_v not_o thou_o remember_v the_o day_n when_o thou_o will_v rather_o have_v be_v with_o thy_o god_n in_o a_o private_a room_n than_o upon_o a_o prince_n throne_n yea_o thou_o think_v thou_o be_v to_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o cry_n and_o pray_v in_o secret_a thou_o be_v at_o it_o every_o day_n yea_o many_o time_n a_o in_o day_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o change_n that_o thou_o do_v so_o rare_o go_v to_o visit_v thy_o old_a friend_n in_o a_o corner_n be_v he_o change_v be_v he_o not_o so_o good_a and_o kind_a as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v have_v thou_o find_v any_o fault_n in_o god_n or_o be_v not_o thou_o blame-worthy_a what_o be_v become_v of_o thy_o ancient_a spirit_n of_o prayer_n why_o do_v thou_o forget_v thy_o sweet_a wrestling-place_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o inquire_v for_o these_o good_a old_a way_n of_o communion_n with_o thy_o god_n sect_n iii_o saint_n neglect_v further_o reprove_v 4._o let_v i_o further_o expostulate_v with_o god_n child_n that_o be_v rare_o exercise_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o secret-prayer_n do_v you_o not_o deprive_v yourselves_o of_o many_o sweet_a refreshment_n have_v not_o your_o soul_n have_v sweet_a experience_n of_o ravish_a income_n in_o secret_a duty_n how_o many_o pleasant_a morsel_n have_v you_o eat_v alone_o have_v not_o these_o steal_a water_n be_v sweet_a and_o will_v they_o not_o be_v so_o again_o if_o you_o will_v open_v the_o same_o sluice_n oh_o what_o hint_n of_o love_n may_v your_o soul_n have_v that_o no_o creature_n will_v know_v of_o secret_n influence_n be_v convey_v to_o soul_n in_o secret_a duty_n these_o you_o block_n up_o by_o neglect_n ah_o sir_n be_v the_o consolation_n of_o god_n small_a to_o you_o be_v communion_n with_o god_n of_o no_o worth_n why_o be_v you_o so_o unwilling_a to_o take_v pain_n to_o go_v to_o your_o father_n especial_o when_o you_o know_v he_o have_v a_o kindness_n for_o you_o have_v you_o ever_o lose_v by_o such_o duty_n will_v not_o your_o gain_n infinite_o countervail_v your_o pain_n ask_v those_o that_o use_v it_o most_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v the_o sweet_a time_n they_o spend_v yea_o can_v your_o own_o experience_n attest_v it_o do_v you_o ever_o lose_v your_o labour_n when_o you_o set_v yourselves_o about_o the_o work_n in_o good_a earnest_n have_v not_o this_o close_o and_o privy_a trade_n with_o god_n bring_v in_o much_o spiritual_a profit_n belove_a friend_n you_o little_o consider_v the_o good_a you_o miss_v of_o for_o want_v of_o perform_v this_o excellent_a duty_n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o 5._o do_v you_o not_o by_o neglect_n of_o secret_a prayer_n expose_v yourselves_o to_o many_o sad_a temptation_n watch_v and_o prayer_n be_v singular_a help_n against_o temptation_n mat._n 26.41_o i_o have_v hear_v that_o satan_n have_v open_o profess_v that_o he_o have_v watch_v when_o some_o of_o god_n child_n have_v go_v out_o without_o closet-prayer_n and_o that_o day_n he_o have_v get_v great_a advantage_n against_o they_o sometime_o by_o trip_v up_o their_o heel_n and_o cast_v they_o down_o from_o their_o excellency_n into_o some_o gross_a iniquity_n sometime_o torment_v their_o heart_n with_o blasphemous_a or_o soul-perplexing_a injection_n sometime_o god_n have_v leave_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o some_o afflictive_a snare_n lay_v by_o this_o subtle_a fowler_n which_o have_v cost_v they_o many_o bitter_a pang_n all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o have_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o neglect_v christian_n have_v you_o not_o find_v this_o too_o true_a by_o sad_a experience_n when_o you_o have_v go_v abroad_o without_o call_v on_o god_n have_v not_o god_n secret_o withdraw_v from_o you_o have_v not_o satan_n obtain_v his_o design_n upon_o you_o have_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v grow_v out_o of_o frame_n some_o lust_n increase_v grace_n decay_v and_o your_o soul_n at_o the_o brink_n of_o some_o astonish_a fall_n when_o you_o have_v go_v out_o in_o the_o morning_n without_o a_o good_a breakfast_n with_o god_n have_v you_o not_o be_v apt_a to_o gather_v wind_n and_o vanity_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o your_o soul_n health_n if_o you_o engage_v not_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o go_v with_o you_o what_o security_n have_v you_o for_o that_o day_n if_o god_n leave_v you_o the_o devil_n may_v do_v what_o he_o listen_v with_o you_o and_o hamper_v you_o in_o a_o thousand_o snare_n and_o sin_n 6._o do_v not_o your_o neglect_n of_o secret_a prayer_n argue_v little_a love_n to_o god_n or_o delight_v to_o be_v in_o his_o company_n when_o person_n have_v a_o dear_a affection_n to_o each_o other_o they_o love_v to_o be_v together_o love_v delight_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n yea_o when_o person_n love_v entire_o they_o withdraw_v from_o other_o company_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v each_o other_o with_o more_o endear_a familiarity_n the_o presence_n of_o a_o three_o mix_v the_o stream_n of_o communication_n and_o mar_v their_o intimate_a communion_n and_o if_o you_o do_v passionate_o love_v the_o lord_n will_v you_o not_o withdraw_v from_o other_o that_o your_o soul_n may_v enjoy_v some_o fresh_a and_o refresh_a intercourse_n with_o your_o best_a belove_a how_o can_v you_o say_v you_o love_v he_o when_o you_o have_v no_o mind_n of_o his_o company_n if_o you_o do_v indeed_o love_v he_o 3.5_o cant._n 3.5_o you_o will_v hold_v he_o and_o not_o let_v he_o go_v meum_fw-la amor_fw-la meus_fw-la pondus_fw-la meum_fw-la until_o you_o have_v with_o the_o spouse_n bring_v he_o into_o the_o chamber_n of_o intimate_a communion_n and_o solitary_a recess_n love_n be_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o draw_v it_o to_o the_o object_n belove_v if_o your_o heart_n be_v ravish_v with_o he_o you_o will_v take_v more_o pleasure_n in_o converse_v with_o he_o you_o will_v bless_v god_n for_o a_o opportunity_n of_o enjoy_v he_o but_o this_o strangeness_n speak_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o this_o noble_a grace_n and_o will_v you_o be_v esteem_v such_o as_o love_v not_o god_n what_o a_o sad_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o be_v low_a and_o scant_o in_o love_n to_o god_n under_o such_o strong_a engagement_n to_o love_n poor_a soul_n have_v not_o those_o silken_a silver_n cord_n of_o love_n which_o have_v be_v cast_v about_o thou_o draw_v thou_o near_o and_o bind_v thou_o fast_o to_o thy_o god_n than_o thus_o have_v not_o such_o bellows_o and_o incentives_n kindle_v and_o increase_v thy_o spark_n of_o love_n into_o a_o flame_n lament_v thy_o sin_n and_o shame_n thyself_o before_o thy_o god_n for_o this_o decay_n of_o love_n and_o dangerous_a neglect_n 7._o do_v not_o you_o by_o these_o omission_n declare_v yourselves_o ingrateful_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v god_n
redeemer_n find_v a_o soul_n upon_o its_o knee_n before_o the_o lord_n oh_o the_o hearty_a welcome_n it_o will_v give_v unto_o its_o god_n this_o be_v the_o time_n he_o wait_v for_o he_o be_v get_v into_o a_o corner_n be_v sigh_v for_o his_o sin_n plead_v for_o mercy_n breathe_v after_o grace_n and_o pant_v for_o glory_n and_o behold_v what_o a_o quick_a return_n do_v his_o god_n make_v even_o while_o he_o be_v speak_v and_o pray_v the_o lord_n do_v send_v a_o guard_n of_o angel_n to_o conduct_v the_o soul_n into_o eternal_a mansion_n where_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n shall_v part_v no_o more_o bless_a for_o ever_o happy_a be_v that_o soul_n who_o its_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v now_o consider_v of_o it_o whether_o state_n will_v you_o be_v find_v in_o and_o do_v not_o you_o know_v his_o come_v may_v be_v sudden_a and_o unexpected_a will_v you_o be_v find_v under_o neglect_n or_o in_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o a_o duty_n will_v you_o not_o be_v carry_v from_o your_o closet-devotion_n to_o eternal_a communion_n with_o god_n oh_o then_o take_v our_o lord_n most_o wholesome_a counsel_n take_v you_o heed_n watch_n and_o pray_v for_o you_o know_v not_o when_o the_o time_n be_v mark_v 13.33_o i_o may_v here_o challenge_v christian_n also_o not_o only_o for_o their_o neglect_n of_o but_o careless_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n with_o what_o sorry_a shift_n do_v we_o put_v off_o god_n how_o hard_o dead_a unbelieving_a distract_a be_v our_o heart_n in_o secret_a god_n take_v much_o pleasure_n in_o adverb_n it_o please_v not_o god_n that_o a_o duty_n be_v do_v except_o it_o be_v well_o do_v many_o satisfy_v their_o own_o conscience_n that_o they_o have_v pray_v but_o consider_v not_o how_o they_o pray_v there_o be_v a_o curse_n on_o such_o as_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n negligent_o 1.14_o jer._n 48.13_o mal._n 1.14_o and_o that_o have_v in_o their_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o offer_v to_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o get_v a_o curse_n upon_o our_o knee_n when_o we_o come_v for_o a_o blessing_n look_v to_o it_o god_n take_v notice_n how_o you_o pray_v the_o devil_n stand_v under_o your_o closet-window_n and_o hear_v what_o you_o say_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a all_o the_o while_n study_v how_o he_o may_v commence_v a_o suit_n against_o you_o for_o your_o duty_n like_o those_o that_o come_v to_o sermon_n to_o carp_v or_o catch_v at_o what_o the_o preacher_n say_v or_o as_o one_o say_v like_o a_o cunning_a opponent_n in_o the_o school_n while_o his_o adversary_n be_v busy_a read_v his_o position_n he_o be_v study_v to_o confute_v it_o and_o oh_o what_o advantage_n do_v we_o often_o give_v satan_n to_o trip_v we_o and_o take_v we_o tardy_a what_o occasion_n do_v we_o afford_v he_o to_o accuse_v we_o to_o god_n and_o to_o ourselves_o while_o we_o have_v our_o filthy_a garment_n on_o we_o yea_o remissness_n in_o our_o duty_n bring_v decay_v in_o grace_n tradesman_n may_v go_v behind_o hand_n by_o be_v careless_a in_o their_o deal_n as_o well_o as_o by_o be_v much_o out_o of_o their_o shop_n alas_o what_o sad_a decay_n be_v in_o our_o soul_n for_o want_n of_o close_o and_o constant_a communion_n with_o god_n we_o have_v very_o perverse_a heart_n we_o have_v much_o ado_n with_o they_o when_o we_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a it_o be_v our_o great_a sin_n we_o be_v so_o much_o out_o of_o order_n even_o upon_o our_o knee_n satan_n send_v his_o imp_n to_o haunt_v and_o torment_n mean_v we_o he_o jog_v our_o hand_n when_o we_o be_v to_o write_v a_o letter_n to_o heaven_n in_o our_o prayer_n so_o that_o we_o can_v scarce_o make_v sense_n of_o what_o we_o present_v to_o god_n our_o thought_n be_v unfixed_a range_v abroad_o like_o a_o spaniel_n to_o a_o thousand_o object_n so_o that_o sometime_o we_o have_v lose_v ourselves_o and_o know_v not_o where_o we_o be_v oh_o let_v we_o lament_v our_o vain_a and_o trifle_a spirit_n in_o secret_a duty_n and_o turn_v we_o unto_o god_n for_o help_v as_o a_o servant_n when_o the_o child_n he_o tend_v be_v troublesome_a and_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o call_v out_o to_o the_o father_n to_o come_v to_o he_o who_o no_o soon_o speak_v the_o word_n but_o all_o be_v whist_a with_o he_o our_o god_n can_v set_v in_o order_n our_o unruly_a spirit_n only_o he_o will_v be_v call_v upon_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n thus_o much_o for_o this_o use_n chap._n v._o the_o three_o use_n be_v of_o instruction_n sect_n i._o my_o next_o and_o main_a work_n be_v to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n by_o propound_v some_o help_n and_o rule_n for_o our_o direction_n which_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o head_n viz._n 1._o preparative_n to_o it_o 2._o essential_o in_o it_o 3._o circumstance_n about_o it_o 4._o consequence_n upon_o it_o 1._o look_v to_o your_o state_n and_o stand_v if_o you_o be_v not_o real_a saint_n you_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o spiritual_a duty_n your_o relation_n must_v be_v change_v by_o convert_v grace_n hence_o the_o text_n say_v pray_v to_o thy_o father_n see_v then_o that_o god_n be_v your_o father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n else_o you_o can_v true_o cry_v abba_n father_n if_o we_o must_v be_v reconcile_v to_o our_o brother_n before_o we_o offer_v our_o gift_n much_o more_o to_o god_n for_o how_o can_v two_o walk_v together_o except_o they_o be_v agree_v i_o deny_v not_o but_o a_o carnal_a soul_n shall_v retire_v himself_o into_o a_o corner_n examine_v his_o state_n fall_v down_o on_o his_o knee_n and_o beg_v convert_v and_o pardon_v grace_n and_o thus_o they_o must_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o god_n that_o they_o may_v come_v before_o he_o for_o unsound_a unconvert_v sinner_n have_v no_o right_a as_o child_n to_o call_v to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n though_o as_o creature_n they_o may_v and_o must_v seek_v unto_o god_n yet_o they_o worship_v afar_o off_o it_o be_v the_o gracious_a christian_a only_a that_o pray_v acceptable_o wicked_a man_n prayer_n be_v abomination_n a_o hypocrite_n shall_v not_o come_v before_o he_o john_n 13.16_o and_o indeed_o till_o you_o be_v real_a saint_n you_o will_v have_v no_o mind_n to_o buckle_v close_o to_o this_o duty_n truth_n of_o grace_n will_v capacitate_v you_o for_o secret_a approach_n to_o god_n strength_n of_o grace_n will_v elevate_v you_o to_o god_n and_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n will_v make_v you_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n therefore_o try_v your_o state_n inquire_v what_o relation_n you_o have_v to_o god_n or_o else_o expect_v no_o familiarity_n with_o he_o god_n will_v not_o take_v the_o wicked_a by_o the_o hand_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o these_o chamber_n of_o communion_n the_o throne_n of_o iniquity_n have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o he_o our_o lord_n jesus_n marry_v none_o but_o widow_n that_o be_v divorce_v from_o all_o other_o husband_n and_o he_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o none_o but_o his_o betroth_a spouse_n she_o he_o lead_v into_o a_o solitary_a place_n and_o speak_v to_o her_o heart_n oh_o sir_n come_v over_o clear_o to_o god_n by_o close_v with_o christ_n renounce_v yourselves_o get_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o then_o come_v and_o welcome_a to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o closet-prayer_n 2._o dispatch_v other_o thing_n off_o your_o heart_n and_o hand_n let_v not_o your_o earthly_a occasion_n intrude_v into_o your_o closet-exercise_n say_v to_o the_o care_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n as_o abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n stay_v there_o while_o i_o go_v and_o worship_v the_o lord_n yonder_o or_o as_o nehemiah_n in_o another_o case_n i_o be_o do_v a_o great_a work_n and_o i_o can_v come_v down_o to_o you_o so_o do_v thou_o say_v i_o have_v appoint_v other_o time_n and_o season_n for_o attend_v worldly_a business_n let_v i_o alone_o with_o my_o god_n every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n communion_n with_o god_n be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v attend_v at_o once_o i_o must_v not_o be_v divert_v by_o other_o object_n the_o business_n i_o be_o about_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n i_o must_v consult_v how_o i_o may_v attend_v upon_o the_o lord_n without_o distraction_n and_o worldly_a matter_n have_v distract_v i_o in_o god_n service_n and_o have_v cost_v i_o many_o a_o tear_n therefore_o get_v away_o from_o i_o why_o shall_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n cease_v why_o shall_v i_o be_v hinder_v from_o my_o god_n what_o can_v you_o afford_v i_o that_o can_v be_v worth_a one_o hour_n communion_n with_o my_o god_n thus_o do_v you_o actual_o renounce_v the_o world_n for_o you_o can_v mind_v two_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o observe_v it_o if_o
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