commotion_n a_o secret_a conclave_n or_o lock_v parlour_n where_o no_o company_n be_v to_o come_v 2._o shut_v thy_o door_n this_o word_n import_v yet_o a_o further_a degree_n of_o secrecy_n q._n d._n that_o thou_o may_v make_v thyself_o to_o be_v less_o observe_v shut_v up_o thyself_o in_o a_o room_n let_v none_o come_v at_o thou_o to_o disturb_v thou_o in_o thy_o conversing_n with_o god_n bar_v the_o door_n and_o make_v it_o fast_o yea_o let_v none_o overhear_v thou_o in_o thy_o retire_a devotion_n for_o observe_v it_o in_o true_a closet-prayer_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o include_v of_o the_o voice_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n some_o pray_v so_o loud_o in_o their_o chamber_n that_o they_o may_v be_v hear_v into_o the_o street_n this_o be_v not_o proper_o closet-prayer_n since_o it_o do_v not_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o this_o retirement_n which_o be_v a_o approve_v the_o heart_n only_o to_o god_n and_o avoid_v all_o show_n and_o occasion_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o vainglory_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o this_o end_n whether_o the_o body_n be_v see_v or_o the_o voice_n be_v hear_v only_o remember_v this_o be_v speak_v of_o secret_a prayer_n for_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v public_a prayer_n in_o a_o congregation_n where_o the_o body_n be_v see_v and_o voice_n be_v hear_v yet_o it_o do_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o synecdoche_n require_v self-denial_n singleness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o prayer_n posita_fw-la unae_fw-la specie_fw-la simplicitatis_fw-la pro_fw-la toto_fw-la genere_fw-la posita_fw-la public_a private_a secret_a for_o one_o part_n or_o sign_n of_o uprightness_n in_o the_o duty_n be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a shut_v the_o door_n for_o integrity_n of_o heart_n in_o the_o whole_a management_n of_o this_o great_a affair_n 3._o here_o be_v the_o object_n of_o prayer_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n thy_o business_n be_v not_o with_o man_n but_o with_o god_n seek_v therefore_o to_o please_v and_o enjoy_v he_o nor_o yet_o be_v thou_o to_o fetch_v a_o compass_n and_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n but_o go_v straight_o to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v sure_a thou_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o under_o the_o sweet_a relation_n of_o a_o tender_a father_n yea_o 414._o quod_fw-la nomen_fw-la nemo_fw-la nostrum_fw-la in_o oratione_fw-la auderet_fw-la attingere_fw-la nisi_fw-la ipse_fw-la nobis_fw-la sic_fw-la permisset_fw-la oâ—are_fw-la cyprian_n serm._n de_fw-fr orat._n dom._n p._n 414._o thy_o father_n oh_o a_o sweet_a word_n a_o bless_a word_n and_o such_o a_o word_n as_o we_o dare_v not_o have_v take_v into_o our_o mouth_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o christ_n glorious_a undertake_n to_o purchase_v for_o we_o the_o adoption_n and_o this_o gracious_a commission_n and_o in_o the_o platform_n of_o prayer_n the_o prescription_n and_o for_o god_n the_o father_n voluntary_a condescension_n come_v then_o and_o fear_v not_o poor_a disciple_n of_o christ_n come_v with_o filial_a affection_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o thou_o be_v sure_a to_o speed_v for_o this_o paternal_a relation_n import_v affection_n provision_n condescension_n and_o compassion_n if_o thou_o will_v be_v a_o child_n to_o he_o he_o will_v be_v a_o father_n to_o thou_o 2_o cor._n 6.18_o 4._o here_o be_v the_o argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o this_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n 1_o thy_o father_n see_v in_o secret_a all_o be_v one_o to_o he_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o a_o public_a church_n or_o private_a closet_n god_n who_o eye_n be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n bright_a than_o the_o sun_n see_v you_o in_o the_o one_o place_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o though_o man_n see_v you_o not_o yet_o content_v yourselves_o with_o this_o that_o god_n and_o your_o conscience_n be_v competent_a witness_n of_o your_o uprightness_n with_o who_o you_o have_v to_o do_v and_o from_o who_o you_o have_v your_o reward_n 2._o he_o will_v reward_v thou_o open_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o this_o expression_n 1._o they_o shall_v be_v reward_v 2._o they_o shall_v be_v open_o reward_v so_o that_o man_n shall_v say_v very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n psal_n 58.11_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v all_o their_o work_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o of_o man_n they_o have_v that_o sorry_a reward_n you_o do_v you_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o from_o he_o you_o shall_v receive_v your_o abundant_a and_o eternal_a recompense_n though_o man_n see_v you_o not_o fear_v not_o you_o shall_v be_v see_v and_o accept_v by_o he_o that_o search_v heart_n and_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o of_o these_o more_o anon_o the_o sum_n and_o design_n of_o the_o text_n be_v this_o thou_o my_o disciple_n see_v the_o plausible_a practice_n of_o thy_o hypocritical_a pharisee_n to_o gain_v credit_n and_o applause_n they_o perform_v their_o private_a duty_n in_o public_a place_n as_o market_n and_o synagogue_n that_o they_o may_v pass_v among_o man_n for_o eminent_a saint_n and_o they_o be_v general_o so_o esteem_v that_o be_v their_o reward_n but_o thou_o that_o have_v give_v up_o thy_o name_n to_o i_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o my_o name_n take_v my_o counsel_n for_o regulalate_v this_o sweet_a duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n let_v none_o see_v what_o thou_o go_v about_o steal_v time_n from_o all_o observer_n withdraw_v thyself_o into_o some_o closet_n or_o private_a place_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v make_v all_o fast_n do_v thou_o set_v thyself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n approve_v thy_o heart_n to_o he_o lay_v open_a thy_o bosom_n before_o he_o tell_v he_o all_o thy_o grievance_n and_o though_o no_o creature_n be_v privy_a to_o thy_o secret_a groan_n yet_o be_v sure_a that_o all_o thy_o desire_n be_v before_o god_n and_o thy_o groan_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o he_o and_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o thy_o tear_n and_o reserve_v they_o in_o a_o bottle_n by_o he_o to_o be_v reward_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n in_o a_o seasonable_a time_n thy_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a thy_o work_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o thy_o reward_n with_o thy_o god_n sect_n iii_o doctrine_n raise_v and_o clear_v there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n lie_v couch_v in_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v but_o hint_n they_o and_o pitch_n upon_o one_o 1._o prayer_n be_v a_o choice_a part_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o natural_a worship_n though_o the_o right_a order_n of_o it_o be_v by_o institution_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o religion_n therefore_o often_o put_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n he_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v rom._n 10.13_o a_o prayerless_a soul_n be_v graceless_a 2._o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n much_o abuse_v there_o be_v scarce_a any_o thing_n so_o much_o pervert_v and_o corrupt_v as_o this_o choice_a duty_n by_o formality_n hypocrisy_n superstition_n base_a and_o by-end_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o these_o pharisee_n many_o way_n and_o their_o young_a brethren_n the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n mass_n dirge_n invocation_n of_o saint_n etc._n etc._n 3._o there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o prayer_n both_o as_o to_o the_o kind_n mode_n and_o circumstance_n the_o apostle_n distinguish_v of_o supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o there_o be_v also_o publick-prayer_n family-prayer_n and_o closet-prayer_n now_o a_o christian_a must_v pray_v with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n eph._n 6.18_o the_o last_o be_v here_o insist_v on_o 4._o a_o christian_a must_v do_v nothing_o for_o praise_n or_o applause_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o base_a prostitute_v the_o high_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o our_o beastly_a lust_n it_o be_v to_o feed_v a_o humour_n and_o damn_v the_o soul_n with_o that_o which_o shall_v save_v it_o let_v no_o christian_n as_o the_o pharisee_n here_o make_v prayer_n truckle_n to_o their_o credit_n phil._n 2.3_o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vainglory_n 5._o there_o be_v set_v and_o state_v time_n of_o prayer_n this_o be_v hint_v in_o this_o word_n when_o when_o thou_o pray_v a_o time_n there_o must_v be_v for_o it_o though_o the_o point_n of_o time_n be_v not_o determine_v yet_o a_o time_n must_v be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o duty_n every_o day_n a_o christian_a must_v choose_v out_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o the_o duty_n by_o the_o due_a use_n of_o his_o liberty_n and_o discretion_n 6._o circumstance_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o all_o our_o action_n the_o street_n be_v proper_a place_n to_o walk_v talk_v buy_v and_o sell_v in_o but_o not_o so_o fit_a for_o prayer_n the_o church_n be_v a_o fit_a place_n for_o public_a devotion_n not_o so_o for_o a_o solemn_a performance_n of_o
the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n although_o mental_a ejaculation_n be_v fit_a enough_o in_o both_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o convenient_a to_o kneel_v down_o or_o use_v outward_a gesture_n of_o secret_a prayer_n there_o 7._o closet-prayer_n must_v be_v with_o all_o secrecy_n and_o solitariness_n in_o a_o closet_n door_n shut_v as_o we_o must_v not_o blow_v a_o trumpet_n when_o we_o give_v alm_n so_o we_o must_v not_o hold_v out_o a_o flag_n when_o we_o go_v to_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v carnal_a counsel_n the_o brethren_n of_o christ_n give_v he_o joh._n 7.4_o show_v thyself_o to_o the_o world_n the_o reason_n be_v give_v v._o 5._o for_o neither_o do_v his_o brethren_n believe_v in_o he_o a_o sad_a sign_n of_o carnality_n 8._o god_n alone_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o prayer_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n as_o he_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o of_o prayer_n for_o he_o alone_o can_v help_v therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v none_o else_o see_v our_o state_n or_o can_v satisfy_v soul_n isa_n 63.16_o doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n though_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o 9_o in_o all_o our_o address_n to_o god_n we_o must_v own_o god_n as_o our_o father_n as_o have_v adopt_v we_o in_o christ_n because_o he_o therefore_o we_o i_o ascend_v say_v christ_n to_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n joh._n 20.17_o indeed_o by_o nature_n we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n but_o by_o grace_n child_n of_o his_o love_n so_o that_o they_o may_v say_v as_o isa_n 64.8_o but_o now_o o_o lord_n thou_o be_v our_o father_n oh_o plead_v and_o improve_v this_o relation_n 10._o god_n be_v omnipresent_v 47._o hinc_fw-la omnipraesen_n est_fw-la quia_fw-la nullum_fw-la est_fw-la ubi_fw-la unde_fw-la est_fw-la exclusus_fw-la neque_fw-la alicubi_fw-la est_fw-la inclusus_fw-la ames_n med._n theol._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 4._o 47._o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n can_v contain_v he_o 1_o king_n 8.27_o he_o fill_v all_o place_n with_o his_o immense_a and_o infinite_a essence_n heaven_n be_v his_o throne_n the_o earth_n be_v his_o footstool_n he_o be_v exclude_v from_o no_o place_n include_v in_o none_o for_o he_o be_v without_o all_o limitation_n dimension_n or_o termination_n 11._o god_n be_v omniscient_a thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a the_o dark_a night_n or_o secret_a closet_n or_o most_o hide_a thought_n of_o a_o reserve_a heart_n can_v neither_o hide_v or_o be_v hide_v from_o god_n all-seeing_a eye_n heb._n 4.13_o god_n behold_v all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n with_o one_o simple_a single_a act_n of_o his_o understanding_n without_o composition_n discourse_n or_o representation_n of_o species_n 12._o every_o believe_a prayer_n have_v a_o sure_a reward_n he_o will_v reward_v thou_o open_o not_o a_o good_a word_n to_o god_n or_o work_v for_o god_n shall_v be_v lose_v to_o he_o that_o sow_v righteousness_n shall_v be_v a_o sure_a reward_n prov._n 11.18_o and_o we_o know_v every_o right_a prayer_n be_v a_o real_a seed_n psal_n 126.6_o and_o it_o will_v rise_v in_o a_o full_a and_o plentiful_a crop_n another_o day_n 13._o the_o reward_n of_o secret_a prayer_n shall_v be_v open_a and_o manifest_a they_o have_v already_o a_o reward_n and_o gift_n in_o secret_a communion_n with_o god_n be_v a_o abundant_a recompense_n in_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n psal_n 19.11_o but_o this_o be_v a_o praemium_fw-la ante_fw-la praemium_fw-la reward_v before_o the_o reward_n the_o other_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n before_o angel_n and_o men._n 14._o a_o christian_n reward_n be_v from_o god_n thy_o father_n will_v reward_v thou_o not_o man_n scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v their_o reward_n from_o man_n from_o man_n they_o expect_v it_o saint_n expect_v their_o reward_n from_o god_n and_o god_n give_v it_o they_o man_n reward_v they_o evil_a for_o their_o good_a will_n and_o they_o expect_v no_o better_o if_o better_a come_v from_o man_n they_o own_v it_o as_o a_o gratuity_n send_v from_o their_o father_n it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o religion_n to_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o heb._n 11.6_o and_o as_o god_n give_v a_o reward_n so_o he_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o saint_n gen._n 15.1_o yea_o a_o exceed_a great_a reward_n it_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o hyperbole_n it_o can_v have_v a_o sufficient_a emphasis_n to_o enjoy_v god_n be_v a_o reward_n sufficient_a in_o and_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n these_o doctrine_n will_v afford_v large_a discourse_n but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v the_o subject_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o i_o shall_v raise_v one_o from_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v this_o doct._n that_o closet-prayer_n be_v a_o christian_a duty_n secret_a prayer_n be_v a_o evangelical_n exercise_n every_o child_n of_o god_n may_v and_o must_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n as_o a_o christian_n must_v pray_v all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n so_o in_o all_o place_n 1_o tim._n 2.8_o i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o and_o if_o every_o where_o then_o in_o their_o closet_n this_o divine_a incense_n shall_v perfume_v every_o room_n and_o shall_v ascend_v to_o heaven_n from_o chamber_n as_o well_o as_o church_n any_o place_n now_o be_v fit_a for_o a_o divine_a oratory_n title_n psal_n 109.4_o psal_n 30._o title_n god_n and_o a_o believe_a soul_n may_v meet_v in_o a_o corner_n a_o saint_n shall_v give_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o dedicate_v his_o house_n to_o god_n he_o shall_v as_o it_o be_v consecrate_v every_o room_n in_o his_o house_n to_o be_v a_o place_n of_o private_a devotion_n abraham_n rear_v a_o altar_n to_o god_n wherever_o he_o come_v so_o must_v a_o christian_a make_v every_o place_n where_o he_o can_v get_v close_o to_o the_o duty_n a_o place_n of_o prayer_n mr._n mede_n have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v from_o josh_n 24.26_o that_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a and_o christian_n in_o gospel-time_n have_v their_o proseuchae_n or_o pray_v place_n which_o he_o thus_o describe_v as_o to_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a proseucha_fw-la say_v he_o 279._o mede_n diatribae_fw-la pag._n 279._o be_v a_o plot_n of_o ground_n encompass_v with_o a_o wall_n or_o some_o other_o like_o mound_n or_o enclosure_n and_o open_v above_o much_o like_a to_o our_o court_n the_o use_n proper_o for_o prayer_n as_o the_o name_n proseucha_fw-la import_v and_o these_o be_v without_o the_o city_n as_o synagogue_n be_v within_o of_o this_o as_o he_o think_v be_v those_o in_o act._n 21.31_o and_o luk._n 6.12_o where_o jesus_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o continue_v all_o night_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o proseucha_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o the_o place_n of_o prayer_n or_o proseucha_fw-la of_o god_n now_o although_o i_o shall_v say_v little_a of_o the_o notion_n yet_o i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o will_v prove_v any_o relative_a holiness_n of_o place_n nor_o yet_o do_v i_o believe_v or_o find_v but_o that_o the_o saint_n have_v other_o pray_v place_n as_o in_o house_n and_o elsewhere_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v even_o in_o dwell_v house_n act._n 12.12_o but_o as_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n it_o must_v not_o be_v so_o narrow_o confine_v but_o we_o may_v go_v to_o any_o closet_n or_o private_a room_n where_o our_o soul_n may_v meet_v with_o god_n and_o as_o one_o say_v we_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o find_v that_o the_o grot_n and_o cave_n lie_v as_o open_v to_o the_o celestial_a influence_n 201._o the_o life_n of_o dr._n hammond_n in_o a_o letter_n p._n 201._o as_o the_o fair_a and_o most_o beautiful_a temple_n sect_n iu_o instance_n of_o several_a in_o scripture_n that_o use_v closet-prayer_n the_o doctrine_n need_v no_o explication_n but_o confirmation_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v from_o scripture-instance_n and_o reason_n we_o have_v several_a example_n of_o patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n that_o use_v this_o duty_n of_o solitary_a or_o secret_a prayer_n 1._o abraham_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a converse_v much_o with_o his_o god_n alone_o particular_o in_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n gen._n 18.22_o when_o the_o man_n i._n e._n the_o create_a angel_n that_o seem_v man_n be_v go_v towards_o sodom_n abraham_n stand_v yet_o before_o the_o lord_n or_o jehovah_n i._n e._n jesus_n christ_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n stand_v be_v a_o pray_a posture_n therefore_o put_v for_o prayer_n hence_o abraham_n draw_v near_o and_o plead_v with_o god_n for_o sodom_n that_o be_v his_o errand_n to_o god_n at_o that_o time_n no_o doubt_v he_o have_v use_v this_o course_n frequent_o in_o other_o case_n hence_o arise_v that_o intimacy_n betwixt_o god_n and_o abraham_n so_o that_o god_n
temple_n alas_o poor_a jonah_n know_v not_o now_o which_o way_n the_o temple_n stand_v he_o have_v but_o a_o short_a prospect_n in_o that_o dark_a and_o narrow_a prison_n yes_o faith_n can_v set_v jonah_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o mountain_n of_o israel_n that_o thence_o he_o may_v see_v as_o far_o as_o mount_n zion_n and_o reach_v as_o high_a as_o heaven_n he_o pray_v yea_o cry_n god_n hear_v and_o deliver_v as_o low_a as_o he_o be_v he_o knock_v at_o heaven_n gate_n and_o his_o prayer_n do_v pierce_v the_o cloud_n it_o make_v bold_a and_o step_n in_o my_o prayer_n say_v he_o come_v in_o unto_o thou_o into_o thy_o holy_a temple_n jonah_n 2.2_o 7._o oh_o the_o strange_a and_o swift_a motion_n of_o a_o believe_a prayer_n let_v the_o pray_a soul_n be_v where_o it_o will_v the_o prayer_n will_v come_v to_o god_n ear_n and_o get_v a_o answer_n 2._o a_o child_n of_o god_n that_o can_v speak_v a_o word_n may_v put_v up_o a_o acceptable_a prayer_n suppose_v the_o tongue_n which_o be_v the_o organ_n of_o speech_n be_v cut_v out_o yet_o a_o saint_n can_v thereby_o be_v obstruct_v in_o his_o access_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o as_o amesius_n say_v oratio_fw-la formaliter_fw-la est_fw-la actus_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la prayer_n be_v formal_o the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n desire_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o prayer_n which_o god_n may_v hear_v though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v for_o he_o know_v the_o heart_n psal_n 10.17_o lord_n thou_o have_v hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o humble_a a_o saint_n desire_v be_v a_o real_a prayer_n if_o the_o desire_n be_v right_a word_n be_v but_o the_o outward_a garb_n habit_n or_o clothes_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o prayer_n the_o carcase_n or_o shell_n of_o the_o duty_n ardent_a desire_n be_v the_o life_n kernel_n 2.4_o exod._n 14.15_o 1_o sam._n 1.13_o neh._n 2.4_o marrow_n of_o the_o performance_n hence_o we_o find_v that_o moses_n hannah_n and_o nehemiah_n be_v say_v to_o pray_v when_o scripture_n do_v not_o express_v a_o word_n they_o speak_v nor_o be_v it_o probable_a they_o do_v make_v a_o articulate_a sound_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o indulge_v carnal_a man_n in_o their_o lazy_a conceit_a ejaculation_n luth._o deus_fw-la exaudit_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la preces_fw-la indicativas_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o optativas_fw-la luth._o as_o though_o they_o can_v pray_v well_o enough_o and_o never_o speak_v or_o while_o they_o be_v work_v walk_a talk_v let_v i_o hint_n a_o word_n by_o the_o way_n to_o these_o consider_v silly_a soul_n god_n have_v give_v thou_o a_o body_n and_o thou_o must_v offer_v it_o to_o god_n as_o a_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n thou_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o pray_v and_o praise_n god_n with_o thy_o tongue_n which_o be_v thy_o glory_n yea_o let_v i_o tell_v thou_o if_o thou_o have_v those_o member_n of_o body_n and_o a_o opportunity_n to_o pray_v thus_o solemn_o with_o thy_o tongue_n upon_o thy_o knee_n and_o do_v never_o do_v it_o i_o question_v whether_o thou_o pray_v at_o all_o or_o no_o since_o thou_o live_v in_o the_o apparent_a neglect_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n what_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o saint_n real_a though_o sometime_o without_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v to_o commend_v the_o duty_n and_o comfort_v those_o saint_n that_o may_v be_v put_v to_o these_o exigency_n that_o though_o they_o can_v speak_v yet_o they_o may_v pray_v and_o be_v hear_v and_o answer_v sect_n iii_o show_v the_o power_n of_o prayer_n i_o may_v from_o hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o discover_v the_o strength_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o closet-prayer_n though_o but_o a_o poor_a single_a person_n get_v upon_o his_o knee_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o have_v no_o creature_n to_o help_v he_o yet_o he_o can_v even_o undertake_v to_o grapple_v with_o the_o omnipotent_a and_o eternal_a god_n yea_o by_o his_o strength_n may_v have_v power_n with_o god_n as_o we_o hear_v of_o jacob_n who_o by_o single_a wrestle_n with_o he_o hand_n to_o fist_n as_o it_o be_v wrestle_v a_o blessing_n from_o he_o one_o poor_a single_a elijah_n can_v stand_v against_o at_o least_o four_o hundred_o prophet_n of_o baal_n 18.36_o 1_o king_n 18.36_o and_o prevail_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o live_a god_n by_o prayer_n yea_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o elijah_n though_o but_o a_o mortal_a man_n yet_o he_o shut_v up_o and_o open_v heaven_n that_o it_o rain_v and_o rain_v not_o according_a to_o his_o prayer_n hence_o he_o infer_v a_o universal_a maxim_n that_o the_o effectual_a servant_n prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o and_o illustrate_v it_o by_o that_o notable_a instance_n james_n 5.16_o 17_o 18._o but_o some_o may_v object_v elijah_n be_v a_o great_a prophet_n a_o extraordinary_a person_n he_o may_v prevail_v when_o we_o can_v he_o answer_v he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n a_o man_n subject_n to_o like_a passion_n as_o we_o be_v a_o sinful_a creature_n he_o prevail_v not_o for_o any_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o but_o through_o faith_n in_o the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o may_v we_o there_o be_v not_o the_o mean_a child_n of_o god_n but_o have_v the_o same_o plea_n 42._o mr._n gurnal_a on_o eph._n 6.10_o p._n 42._o god_n have_v strength_n enough_o to_o give_v say_v one_o but_o he_o have_v no_o strength_n to_o deny_v here_o the_o almighty_a himself_o with_o reverence_n be_v it_o speak_v be_v weak_a even_o a_o child_n the_o weak_a in_o grace_n of_o his_o family_n that_o can_v but_o say_v father_n be_v able_a to_o overcome_v he_o for_o prayer_n be_v in_o a_o sort_n omnipotent_a it_o can_v conquer_v the_o invincible_a jehovah_n omnipotentem_fw-la vincit_fw-la invincibilem_fw-la ligat_fw-la omnipotentem_fw-la and_o bind_v the_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v of_o a_o omnipotent_a god_n so_o that_o god_n be_v fain_o to_o cry_v out_o to_o wrestle_a moses_n let_v i_o alone_o it_o be_v say_v of_o luther_n that_o man_n can_v do_v with_o god_n even_o what_o he_o will_v prayer_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o command_v compulsive_a power_n that_o be_v a_o strange_a text_n isa_n 45.11_o ask_v i_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v concern_v my_o son_n and_o concern_v the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n command_v you_o i_o so_o some_o take_v it_o you_o shall_v find_v i_o as_o ready_a to_o do_v you_o service_n as_o if_o you_o have_v i_o at_o command_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v wary_o receive_v not_o as_o though_o god_n be_v force_v to_o any_o thing_n against_o his_o will_n but_o when_o god_n people_n pray_v aright_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o will_n 5.14_o 1_o joh._n 5.14_o he_o hear_v they_o and_o this_o he_o attribute_n to_o prayer_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o that_o duty_n and_o encouragement_n of_o pray_v soul_n that_o be_v a_o notable_a text_n to_o show_v the_o readiness_n of_o god_n to_o answer_v prayer_n joh._n 16.26_o 27._o i_o say_v not_o unto_o you_o that_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n for_o you_o for_o the_o father_n himself_o love_v you_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n do_v not_o simple_o deny_v that_o he_o will_v intercede_v for_o they_o but_o show_v how_o ready_a god_n be_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n to_o grant_v the_o saint_n petition_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v put_v to_o any_o great_a trouble_n about_o it_o but_o shall_v be_v quick_o dispatch_v in_o their_o errand_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o as_o 4._o as_o exiguus_fw-la gemitus_fw-la in_o auribus_fw-la dei_fw-la fortissimas_fw-la est_fw-la clamour_n &_o ita_fw-la coelum_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la replet_n ut_fw-la praeter_fw-la eum_fw-la deus_fw-la nihil_fw-la audiat_fw-la atcompescit_fw-la omnes_fw-la omnium_fw-la aliarum_fw-la rerum_fw-la clamores_fw-la luth._o tom_n 4._o luther_n speak_v a_o poor_a groan_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o mighty_a noise_n and_o do_v so_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o god_n can_v hear_v nothing_o beside_o it_o and_o silence_v all_o other_o tumult_n to_o hearken_v to_o it_o of_o what_o a_o easy_a quick_a access_n my_o bless_a lord_n be_v thou_o how_o sudden_o may_v our_o request_n thy_o ear_n invade_v to_o show_v that_o state_n dislike_v not_o easiness_n if_o i_o but_o lift_v my_o eye_n my_o suit_n be_v make_v thou_o can_v no_o more_o not_o hear_v than_o thou_o can_v die_v see_v more_o in_o herbert_n poem_n pag._n 95._o sect_n iv_o show_v the_o property_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a once_o more_o i_o may_v show_v the_o duty_n and_o property_n of_o a_o sincere_a christian_a that_o can_v make_v this_o excellent_a use_n of_o solitariness_n carnal_a person_n love_v not_o to_o be_v alone_o except_o they_o be_v such_o who_o constitution_n incline_v they_o to_o melancholy_a and_o then_o they_o sit_v pore_v on_o thing_n without_o profit_n it_o be_v only_o the_o gracious_a soul_n that_o can_v tell_v how_o
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
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
joy_n i._n e._n no_o creature_n on_o earth_n be_v privy_a to_o the_o secret_a groan_n or_o sweet_a solace_n of_o a_o retire_a saint_n that_o be_v the_o second_o reason_n sect_n iii_o the_o three_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o god_n see_v in_o secret_a another_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o god_n omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n the_o text_n say_v thy_o father_n see_v in_o secret_a and_o the_o strength_n or_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n 1._o god_n see_v in_o secret_a therefore_o he_o take_v notice_n whether_o thou_o pray_v in_o secret_a yea_o or_o no_o he_o look_v after_o thou_o as_o it_o be_v when_o thou_o go_v into_o such_o a_o chamber_n and_o solitary_a place_n and_o say_v that_o soul_n have_v now_o a_o opportunity_n a_o convenient_a place_n and_o fit_a occasion_n to_o wait_v upon_o i_o and_o will_v he_o not_o will_v he_o be_v always_o so_o busy_a in_o other_o company_n that_o i_o must_v have_v none_o of_o his_o fellowship_n must_v his_o converse_n be_v so_o much_o with_o man_n that_o he_o can_v spare_v no_o time_n for_o communion_n with_o god_n nay_o will_v he_o go_v so_o often_o into_o such_o a_o room_n to_o do_v such_o and_o such_o a_o business_n and_o can_v he_o never_o find_v a_o time_n to_o go_v down_o upon_o his_o knee_n and_o visit_v i_o have_v he_o so_o much_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n do_v his_o worldly_a occasion_n still_o thrust_v out_o spiritual_a meditation_n will_v he_o never_o set_v himself_o solemn_o to_o transact_v betwixt_o myself_o and_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n the_o most_o important_a business_n of_o his_o soul_n ah_o sir_n the_o omnipresent_v god_n take_v notice_n of_o all_o your_o motion_n into_o and_o out_o of_o your_o chamber_n and_o expect_v that_o sometime_o at_o least_o your_o soul_n shall_v wait_v upon_o he_o and_o why_o shall_v christian_n frustrate_v his_o expectation_n 2._o god_n see_v in_o secret_a therefore_o he_o have_v see_v thy_o secret_a sin_n and_o sin_n in_o secret_a thy_n close_o and_o closet-wickedness_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o the_o pierce_a eye_n of_o a_o all-seeing_a god_n therefore_o shall_v thy_o closet-tear_n and_o prayer_n testify_v thy_o sound_n and_o save_a repentance_n for_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o practical_a divinity_n that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n must_v bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o sin_n both_o as_o to_o degree_n and_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n manassch_n humble_v himself_o great_o for_o his_o great_a abomination_n so_o for_o place_n and_o manner_n they_o that_o sin_n open_o must_v be_v rebuke_v before_o all_o and_o testify_v their_o repentance_n before_o the_o church_n 5.20_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o so_o if_o the_o sin_n be_v private_a or_o less_o know_v the_o rule_n in_o mat._n 18.15.16_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o private_a admonition_n and_o confession_n and_o consequent_o secret_a sin_n must_v be_v secret_o mourn_v for_o when_o thy_o sin_n be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n and_o thy_o own_o conscience_n thou_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o discover_v they_o to_o any_o other_o but_o to_o god_n in_o a_o hearty_a secret_a repentance_n except_o in_o some_o few_o case_n here_o then_o come_v in_o secret_a prayer_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n well_o then_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o without_o our_o secret_a sin_n and_o god_n see_v they_o all_o though_o never_o so_o privy_o commit_v we_o may_v hide_v sin_n from_o man_n we_o can_v hide_v it_o from_o the_o lord_n he_o set_v our_o secret_a sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o countenance_n psal_n 90.8_o his_o eye_n be_v open_a upon_o all_o the_o way_n of_o man_n and_o who_o know_v all_o the_o error_n of_o his_o life_n 5.10_o job_n 34.21_o 21._o jer._n 32.19_o pro._n 5.10_o therefore_o must_v we_o get_v alone_o and_o enumerate_v all_o the_o sin_n we_o know_v of_o and_o desire_v god_n to_o show_v we_o what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o with_o holy_a david_n breath_n out_o that_o devout_a petition_n psal_n 19.12_o cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a fault_n 3._o god_n see_v in_o secret_a therefore_o thou_o do_v not_o lose_v thy_o labour_n though_o man_n know_v not_o where_o thou_o be_v or_o what_o thou_o be_v a_o do_v yet_o thy_o god_n take_v notice_n of_o thou_o thou_o do_v not_o thy_o good_a work_n incognito_o though_o thy_o groan_n be_v not_o see_v or_o hear_v by_o man_n yet_o they_o be_v well_o know_v to_o thy_o god_n psal_n 38.9_o lord_n all_o my_o desire_n be_v before_o thou_o and_o my_o groan_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o as_o if_o david_n shall_v say_v lord_n i_o many_o time_n withdraw_v myself_o into_o a_o closet_n or_o retire_a place_n and_o there_o i_o open_v before_o the_o lord_n the_o sorrow_n of_o my_o soul_n i_o pour_v out_o my_o heart_n like_o water_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n lam._n 2.19_o sometime_o in_o the_o night-watche_n or_o in_o solitary_a place_n none_o know_v what_o i_o be_o do_v no_o eye_n see_v no_o ear_n hear_v my_o briny_a trear_n or_o bitter_a outcry_n but_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n hide_v not_o his_o eye_n from_o my_o tear_n stop_v not_o his_o ear_n to_o my_o cry_n but_o know_v my_o groan_n yea_o my_o very_a desire_n observe_v it_o there_o be_v not_o a_o believe_a prayer_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o file_n and_o on_o record_n in_o heaven_n though_o offer_v up_o by_o a_o obscure_a person_n &_o in_o a_o obscure_a place_n yea_o god_n know_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n 8.17_o rom._n 8.17_o though_o the_o trouble_a saint_n can_v tell_v whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o no_o but_o this_o know_v that_o secret_a prayer_n in_o a_o chamber_n be_v as_o well_o know_v to_o god_n as_o open_a prayer_n in_o a_o public_a church_n heart-ejaculations_a be_v own_v by_o god_n as_o well_o as_o loud_a acclamation_n god_n take_v notice_n of_o hezekiah_n when_o he_o turn_v his_o face_n towards_o the_o wall_n and_o weep_v and_o pray_v and_o say_v god_n i_o have_v hear_v thy_o prayer_n i_o have_v see_v thy_o tear_n isa_n 38.5_o though_o man_n do_v not_o much_o take_v notice_n god_n do_v yea_o more_o he_o express_v his_o approbation_n and_o acceptation_n of_o these_o sacrifice_n in_o secret_a but_o of_o that_o anon_o 4._o god_n see_v in_o secret_a therefore_o closet-prayer_n be_v a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n when_o you_o pray_v in_o a_o corner_n you_o testify_v your_o faith_n in_o god_n ubiquity_n and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o this_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v yea_o will_v have_v we_o to_o lie_v under_o the_o sense_n hereof_o hence_o that_o vehement_a expostulation_n jer._n 23.24_o can_v any_o hide_v himself_o in_o secret_a place_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o see_v he_o say_v the_o lord_n do_v not_o i_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n say_v the_o lord_n yes_o say_v the_o believe_a soul_n i_o know_v thou_o be_v every_o where_n no_o thought_n can_v be_v withheld_a from_o thou_o therefore_o i_o wait_v on_o thou_o here_o all_o be_v one_o where_o i_o be_o for_o wherever_o i_o be_o i_o can_v run_v away_o from_o thou_o and_o wherever_o i_o be_o i_o may_v approach_v unto_o thou_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o to_o break_a heart_n and_o pray_v soul_n 18._o psal_n 34.15_o 17_o 18._o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o every_o one_o of_o we_o but_o his_o special_a presence_n be_v with_o his_o saint_n in_o duty_n david_n compose_v a_o psalm_n of_o god_n immensity_n psal_n 139._o wherein_o he_o show_v 1._o god_n omniscience_n in_o the_o six_o first_o verse_n thou_o know_v my_o down-sitting_a and_o i_o up_o rise_v etc._n etc._n 2_o god_n omnipresence_n ver_fw-la 7._o to_o ver_fw-la 14._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n if_o to_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o etc._n etc._n darkness_n and_o light_n be_v both_o alike_o to_o thou_o and_o what_o use_n do_v holy_a david_n make_v of_o this_o heavenly_a doctrine_n sure_o if_o god_n will_v be_v with_o he_o wherever_o he_o be_v he_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v with_o god_n v._o 18._o when_o i_o awake_v i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o i._n e._n by_o secret_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n when_o i_o lie_v down_o i_o commend_v my_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o thou_o and_o when_o i_o rise_v up_o i_o meditate_v of_o thou_o when_o i_o go_v to_o sleep_v i_o pray_v when_o i_o awake_v i_o be_o with_o god_n by_o holy_a and_o precious_a thought_n so_o that_o i_o be_o still_o with_o god_n all_o my_o day_n in_o all_o place_n condition_n relation_n company_n i_o be_o still_o with_o my_o god_n and_o as_o a_o good_a man_n
and_o be_v safe_a 18.10_o prov._n 18.10_o a_o soul_n hide_v with_o god_n can_v be_v hurt_v by_o man_n if_o any_o be_v secure_v in_o a_o day_n of_o danger_n it_o be_v those_o that_o be_v most_o with_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n flood_n of_o great_a water_n shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o to_o pray_v saint_n psal_n 32.6_o hence_o say_v david_n ver_fw-la 7._o thou_o be_v my_o hide_v place_n thou_o shall_v preserve_v i_o from_o trouble_n some_o way_n or_o other_o god_n will_v attest_v and_o testify_v the_o integrity_n of_o his_o pray_a servant_n before_o the_o world_n 91.15_o see_v psal_n 31.19_o 20_o &_o 91.15_o thus_o he_o deal_v in_o the_o case_n of_o job_n god_n child_n may_v be_v long_o conceal_v from_o the_o view_n of_o man_n both_o as_o to_o their_o person_n and_o action_n but_o in_o god_n good_a time_n he_o bring_v they_o out_o with_o honour_n as_o he_o do_v with_o elijah_n sometime_o god_n give_v clear_a demonstration_n of_o his_o tender_a affection_n to_o his_o despise_a saint_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n rev._n 3.9_o i_o will_v make_v they_o to_o come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o to_o know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o this_o be_v not_o a_o religious_a adoration_n adblandiuntur_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seize_v ad_fw-la pedeâ—_n alicujus_fw-la subjectionis_fw-la causa_fw-la provolvere_fw-la qualiter_fw-la catelli_fw-la heris_fw-la suis_fw-la adblandiuntur_fw-la but_o a_o civil_a reverence_n due_a to_o real_a saint_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o repentance_n or_o special_a respect_n as_o dog_n fawn_v upon_o their_o master_n lay_v themselves_o at_o their_o foot_n as_o the_o word_n import_v natural_a conscience_n sometime_o do_v homage_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o the_o saint_n however_o this_o be_v a_o well-known_a truth_n that_o as_o god_n have_v bring_v forth_o wicked_a man_n secret_a work_n of_o darkness_n into_o open_a light_n to_o their_o confusion_n in_o this_o world_n so_o he_o have_v clear_o discover_v his_o saint_n upright_a service_n in_o secret_a corner_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o safety_n in_o the_o nick_n of_o time_n jaddus_n hear_v of_o alexander_n approach_n to_o jerusalem_n set_v himself_o to_o pray_v then_o put_v on_o his_o priestly_a garment_n and_o meet_v the_o conqueror_n who_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n before_o he_o parmenio_n ask_v he_o why_o he_o adore_v the_o jew_n highpriest_n 5._o see_v clark_n general_a martyrol_n fol._n 5._o when_o as_o other_o man_n adore_v he_o alexander_n answer_v i_o do_v not_o adore_v he_o but_o that_o god_n who_o the_o highpriest_n worship_v for_o in_o my_o sleep_n i_o see_v he_o in_o such_o a_o habit_n when_o i_o be_v in_o macedonia_n but_o example_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v frequent_a everywhere_o what_o strange_a effect_n prayer_n have_v bring_v forth_o both_o for_o defence_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o offence_n to_o their_o enemy_n so_o that_o the_o clear_a evidence_n hereof_o have_v wrest_v from_o many_o stout_a opposer_n that_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o scot_n that_o she_o fear_v more_o the_o prayer_n of_o john_n knox_n than_o a_o army_n of_o ten_o thousand_o fight_a man_n but_o this_o be_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o last_o reason_n god_n open_o reward_v by_o manifest_a deliverance_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n sect_n v._o the_o three_o way_n of_o reward_v secret_a prayer_n be_v increase_v of_o grace_n 3._o god_n reward_v secret_a prayer_n open_o by_o confer_v upon_o secret_a wrestler_n more_o eminent_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o other_o they_o that_o be_v most_o constant_a in_o secret_a prayer_n shall_v be_v most_o eminent_a in_o open_a prayer_n such_o as_o with_o moses_n converse_v with_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n shall_v have_v shine_a face_n the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v upon_o they_o when_o a_o soul_n have_v be_v with_o its_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n the_o effect_n be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o other_o shall_v take_v knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v be_v with_o jesus_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o converse_v with_o god_n be_v of_o a_o transform_a nature_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o but_o we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n appointment_n be_v as_o glass_n through_o which_o we_o may_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n now_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o glass_n broad_a and_o narrow_a the_o broad_a glass_n be_v public_a ordinance_n and_o the_o narrow_a glass_n be_v these_o private_a duty_n in_o both_o these_o a_o soul_n may_v seek_v and_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o so_o become_v like_o he_o for_o see_v here_o be_v assimilate_v as_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n hereafter_o be_v glorify_v oh_o it_o be_v a_o beautify_v and_o beatifical_a fight_n to_o see_v god_n fullness_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o glory_n peace_n and_o joy_n be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o gloss_n and_o varnish_n of_o this_o fullness_n of_o grace_n now_o the_o more_o a_o soul_n enjoy_v god_n the_o more_o godlike_a and_o heaven-like_a he_o be_v for_o his_o grace_n shine_v bright_a and_o he_o be_v still_o mount_v high_a and_o private_a or_o secret_a duty_n be_v notable_a way_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n yea_o sometime_o a_o soul_n may_v miss_v of_o christ_n in_o public_a ordinance_n and_o find_v he_o in_o secret_a so_o some_o interpret_v that_o place_n in_o cant._n 3.24_o loc_n see_v mr._n cotton_n in_o loc_n the_o soul_n have_v seek_v she_o belove_v in_o the_o bed_n of_o temple-worship_n and_o public_a ordinance_n in_o the_o street_n and_o broad_a way_n of_o synagogue_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n still_o she_o find_v not_o her_o belove_a then_o she_o seek_v he_o in_o conference_n and_o occasional_a meeting_n with_o the_o watchman_n but_o she_o can_v yet_o hear_v no_o tiding_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o say_v she_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a that_o i_o pass_v from_o they_o but_o i_o find_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v observe_v it_o this_o be_v not_o when_o she_o be_v past_o all_o mean_n in_o a_o way_n of_o neglect_n of_o or_o be_v above_o ordinance_n for_o she_o be_v seek_v he_o still_o which_o imply_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n only_o she_o have_v past_o the_o public_a without_o find_v and_o now_o she_o be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o private_a help_n the_o after-duty_n of_o meditation_n self-examination_n secret_a prayer_n and_o therein_o the_o soul_n find_v god_n not_o that_o this_o reflect_v disparagement_n on_o the_o public_a ordinance_n but_o to_o show_v that_o god_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o to_o be_v a_o engagement_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o god_n appointment_n and_o when_o the_o soul_n thus_o find_v god_n in_o a_o corner_n it_o carry_v away_o something_o of_o god_n that_o cast_v a_o sweet_a perfume_n upon_o his_o person_n and_o act_n that_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o other_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o such_o a_o soul_n as_o isaac_n speak_v of_o his_o son_n jacob_n gen._n 27.27_o see_v the_o smell_n of_o my_o son_n be_v as_o the_o smell_n of_o a_o field_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v so_o when_o a_o serious_a christian_a come_v down_o from_o his_o closet_n where_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o his_o god_n oh_o what_o a_o sweet_a perfume_n of_o well-scented_n grace_n do_v he_o cast_v forth_o the_o savour_n of_o religion_n be_v upon_o he_o some_o breathe_a odour_n of_o holiness_n break_v from_o his_o lip_n hand_n and_o foot_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n do_v manifest_v itself_o in_o his_o expression_n action_n conversation_n where_o have_v such_o a_o one_o be_v sure_o he_o have_v be_v converse_v with_o god_n there_o be_v the_o lively_a image_n and_o inscription_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o and_o while_o that_o bless_a frame_n continue_v he_o be_v not_o like_o himself_o as_o he_o excel_v carnal_a man_n at_o all_o time_n so_o now_o he_o excel_v himself_o yea_o observe_v it_o a_o soul_n converse_v much_o with_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n and_o secret_a prayer_n grow_v tall_a by_o head_n and_o shoulder_n than_o other_o ordinary_a christian_n as_o all_o godly_a man_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o their_o neighbour_n so_o a_o soul_n that_o wait_v much_o on_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o most_o of_o his_o godly_a neighbour_n and_o it_o appear_v so_o at_o present_a by_o his_o gift_n in_o pray_v and_o may_v appear_v in_o his_o support_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o day_n of_o suffer_v oh_o what_o a_o mighty_a man_n in_o closet-prayer_n be_v magnanimous_a luther_n and_o what_o noble_a achievement_n do_v he_o go_v
through_o 243._o clark_n general_a martyr_n c._n 29._o fol._n 243._o william_n gardiner_n martyr_n in_o portugal_n seek_v out_o solitary_a place_n for_o prayer_n before_o he_o attempt_v that_o strange_a act_n of_o public_a opposition_n to_o idolatry_n in_o take_v the_o host_n out_o of_o the_o cardinal_n hand_n trample_v it_o under_o his_o foot_n and_o with_o the_o other_o hand_n overthrow_v the_o chalice_n which_o act_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v scarce_o warrantable_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n yet_o show_v a_o heroical_a spirit_n for_o the_o main_a obtain_v by_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n 318._o ibid._n fol._n 318._o take_v one_o instance_n more_o it_o be_v mr._n george_n wischard_v or_o wiseheart_n one_o of_o the_o holy_a man_n and_o choice_a reformer_n that_o scotland_n ever_o have_v one_o night_n he_o gate_n up_o and_o go_v into_o a_o yard_n there_o he_o walk_v in_o a_o alley_n for_o some_o space_n breathe_v forth_o many_o sob_n and_o deep_a groan_n than_o he_o fall_v upon_o his_o knee_n and_o his_o groan_n increase_v then_o he_o fall_v upon_o his_o face_n two_o man_n watch_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o weep_v and_o pray_v near_o a_o hour_n so_o go_v to_o bed_v again_o as_o this_o saint_n be_v much_o with_o god_n so_o the_o lord_n be_v much_o with_o he_o in_o preach_v prophesy_a act_v brave_o and_o suffer_a death_n cheerful_o sure_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o glory_n rest_v upon_o this_o man_n of_o god_n if_o ever_o upon_o any_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o be_v judges_n this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n they_o have_v be_v most_o eminent_a that_o have_v be_v most_o with_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n let_v scripture_n and_o history_n speak_v time_n and_o room_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o enumerate_v who_o more_o famous_a for_o piety_n and_o learning_n of_o late_a year_n than_o the_o great_a usher_n it_o be_v his_o usual_a practice_n to_o sequester_v himself_o into_o some_o privacy_n 27._o dr._n bernard_n the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o dr._n usher_n p._n 27._o and_o to_o spend_v it_o in_o strict_a examination_n penitential_a humiliation_n and_o ardent_a supplication_n and_o this_o he_o find_v sweet_a to_o his_o soul_n and_o other_o see_v the_o effect_n sect_n vi_o the_o last_o reward_n of_o secret_a prayer_n be_v at_o the_o great_a day_n 4._o the_o last_o and_o chief_a reward_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v bestow_v on_o those_o that_o have_v wait_v on_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n will_v be_v the_o open_a acknowledgement_n and_o acceptance_n of_o they_o at_o that_o solemn_a day_n of_o judgement_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v be_v summon_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o every_o one_o shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a 2_o cor._n 5.10_o then_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o shall_v be_v judge_n will_v single_a out_o this_o seed_n of_o jacob_n and_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v not_o seek_v his_o face_n in_o vain_a he_o will_v now_o solemn_o acknowledge_v they_o before_o his_o father_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a angel_n as_o person_n with_o who_o he_o have_v have_v familiar_a acquaintance_n in_o a_o corner_n oh_o the_o joy_n and_o triumph_v in_o such_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n when_o our_o dear_a redeemer_n shall_v speak_v such_o a_o language_n as_o this_o before_o those_o miriads_o of_o creature_n this_o or_o that_o soul_n call_v it_o forth_o with_o honour_n though_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n for_o religion_n much_o less_o for_o worldly_a greatness_n have_v yet_o have_v intimate_a familiarity_n with_o myself_o and_o i_o with_o he_o he_o have_v perform_v many_o a_o solemn_a duty_n which_o none_o but_o a_o omniscient_a eye_n have_v see_v though_o he_o have_v live_v obscure_o in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v little_o know_v to_o eminent_a preacher_n or_o professor_n yet_o he_o and_o i_o have_v be_v long_o and_o well_o acquaint_v i_o have_v have_v his_o company_n many_o time_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o now_o i_o can_v but_o remember_v the_o kindness_n of_o his_o youth_n and_o old_a age_n the_o love_n of_o his_o espousal_n when_o he_o go_v after_o i_o in_o solitary_a place_n rather_o than_o want_v my_o presence_n he_o have_v visit_v i_o in_o duty_n and_o i_o have_v visit_v he_o in_o mercy_n oh_o what_o mutual_a embrace_n and_o reciprocal_a exchange_n of_o love_n have_v there_o be_v betwixt_o we_o he_o have_v own_v i_o and_o i_o have_v own_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n when_o ever_o he_o have_v any_o doubt_n or_o want_v or_o fear_v or_o affliction_n i_o hear_v from_o he_o in_o a_o closet_n he_o send_v his_o wing_a messenger_n of_o a_o believe_a prayer_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o i_o take_v it_o well_o from_o he_o i_o do_v not_o despise_v his_o person_n or_o deny_v his_o suit_n when_o other_o have_v be_v sport_v away_o time_n in_o vain_a recreation_n or_o damn_v their_o soul_n in_o profane_a practice_n this_o ransom_a believer_n when_o he_o can_v steal_v a_o little_a time_n run_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o there_o do_v make_v his_o moan_n to_o i_o and_o then_o i_o give_v he_o something_o worth_a his_o pain_n i_o send_v he_o away_o with_o a_o cheerful_a heart_n and_o thankful_a tongue_n and_o now_o take_v notice_n all_o you_o angel_n and_o man_n i_o declare_v that_o i_o accept_v this_o soul_n labour_n of_o love_n and_o pardon_v all_o its_o imperfection_n &_o set_v he_o in_o my_o immediate_a presence_n in_o eternal_a mansion_n he_o that_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o world_n shall_v now_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o goat_n and_o be_v set_v on_o my_o right_a hand_n he_o that_o long_v so_o much_o to_o enjoy_v i_o shall_v everlasting_o enjoy_v i_o without_o cessation_n or_o interruption_n oh_o bless_a day_n oh_o transcendent_a reward_n be_v not_o this_o a_o reward_v open_o you_o will_v say_v how_o do_v you_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v thus_o bespeak_v a_o pray_a soul_n i_o reply_v though_o we_o know_v not_o the_o form_n of_o word_n he_o will_v speak_v yet_o that_o a_o discovery_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o the_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n mat._n 25._o evident_o declare_v yea_o that_o secret_a duty_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o light_a as_o well_o as_o secret_a sin_n the_o scripture_n declare_v 1_o cor._n 4.5_o who_o will_v both_o bring_v to_o light_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n and_o will_v make_v manifest_a the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o shall_v every_o man_n have_v praise_n of_o god_n then_o good_a man_n shall_v receive_v open_a approbation_n and_o commendation_n for_o their_o holy_a exercise_n in_o secret_a place_n then_o will_v god_n wipe_v off_o all_o reproach_v calumny_n of_o black-mouthed_a liar_n wherewith_o they_o have_v bespatter_v the_o reputation_n of_o pray_v saint_n and_o clear_v up_o their_o uprightness_n as_o the_o noonday_n by_o let_v the_o world_n see_v how_o the_o saint_n spend_v their_o time_n in_o corner_n both_o alone_a and_o with_o their_o fellow-christians_a not_o in_o plot_v but_o pray_v yea_o plead_v for_o those_o that_o persecute_v they_o oh_o bless_a day_n oh_o happy_a resurrection_n of_o body_n and_o of_o name_n sure_o then_o pray_v soul_n will_v not_o then_o repent_v themselves_o of_o all_o their_o pain_n in_o private_a when_o they_o pour_v out_o their_o heart_n in_o prayer_n and_o tear_n since_o now_o they_o be_v reward_v with_o such_o a_o bless_a euge_fw-la and_o be_v open_o entertain_v into_o their_o master_n joy_n and_o father_n kingdom_n chap._n iii_o the_o first_o use_n of_o information_n sect_n i._o concern_v place_n of_o prayer_n 1._o if_o closet-prayer_n be_v a_o christian_a duty_n than_o it_o show_v we_o that_o in_o gospel-time_n god_n stand_v not_o precise_o upon_o place_n this_o holy_a incense_n may_v ascend_v to_o heaven_n with_o as_o much_o acceptance_n upon_o the_o golden_a altar_n the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o well_o in_o a_o private_a chamber_n as_o a_o public_a church_n some_o have_v scornful_o call_v private_a devotion_n by_o the_o derogate_a title_n of_o chimney-prayer_n and_o think_v to_o confine_v all_o religion_n to_o public_a place_n yea_o a_o great_a scholar_n say_v once_o god_n hear_v prayer_n in_o a_o consecrate_a place_n non_fw-la quia_fw-la precatur_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la ibi_fw-la not_o because_o man_n pray_v but_o because_o they_o pray_v there_o as_o though_o the_o conceit_a holiness_n of_o the_o place_n add_v some_o virtue_n to_o the_o prayer_n 2._o judaismus_fw-la est_fw-la alligare_fw-la religionem_fw-la ad_fw-la certa_fw-la loca_fw-la hospin_n de_fw-fr orig_n temp._n lib._n 4._o c._n 2._o or_o render_v it_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o be_v worse_a than_o plain_a judaisme_n to_o tie_v religion_n to_o place_n the_o
at_o last_o arrive_v to_o those_o man_n arrogant_a demand_n who_o see_v we_o or_o that_o positive_a conclusion_n psal_n 97.4_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o see_v neither_o shall_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n regard_n but_o what_o say_v the_o psalmist_n to_o these_o brutish_a soâ—s_n he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v he_o not_o hear_v he_o that_o form_v the_o eye_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v ver_fw-la 9_o let_v these_o atheist_n know_v that_o god_n see_v and_o set_v down_o all_o their_o secret_a wickedness_n and_o will_v bring_v it_o forth_o before_o angel_n and_o man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o reckon_n the_o sin_n of_o judah_n be_v write_v with_o a_o pen_n of_o iron_n 17.1_o jer._n 17.1_o and_o with_o a_o point_n of_o a_o diamond_n it_o can_v never_o be_v raze_v out_o but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o by_o multiply_a act_n of_o notorious_a sin_v some_o may_v blur_v the_o engraving_n of_o sin_n on_o the_o table_n of_o their_o heart_n yet_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o write_n with_o the_o juice_n of_o lemon_n be_v hold_v to_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n wrath_n it_o be_v as_o legible_a to_o the_o conscience_n as_o the_o first_o moment_n when_o the_o sin_n be_v commit_v oh_o the_o secret_a wickedness_n that_o wicked_a man_n have_v to_o reckon_v for_o but_o where_o be_v the_o secret_a prayer_n alas_o how_o rare_o or_o how_o formal_o do_v they_o wait_v on_o god_n alone_o custom_n vain_a glory_n and_o carnal_a interest_n may_v put_v they_o on_o join_v in_o public_a prayer_n or_o family-duty_n but_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o this_o spiritual_a self-denying_a duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n the_o carnal_a hypocrite_n expose_v all_o to_o open_a view_n he_o be_v like_o a_o house_n with_o a_o beautiful_a frontispiece_n but_o every_o room_n within_o be_v dark_a as_o one_o say_v he_o be_v a_o rot_a post_n fair_o guild_v he_o have_v dress_v himself_o in_o the_o garb_n of_o religion_n and_o will_v be_v as_o devout_a as_o the_o best_a in_o temple-worship_n but_o follow_v he_o to_o his_o closet_n he_o can_v afford_v god_n one_o hour_n in_o a_o week_n he_o do_v not_o make_v conscience_n of_o secret_a prayer_n this_o gain_v he_o no_o credit_n with_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v little_o use_v this_o right_o perform_v open_v the_o heart_n to_o god_n which_o the_o unsound_a professor_n dare_v not_o do_v i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o whether_o the_o hypocrite_n may_v use_v closet-prayer_n and_o wherein_o he_o be_v distinguish_v from_o a_o sincere_a soul_n in_o that_o duty_n at_o present_a i_o be_o reprove_v those_o that_o never_o use_v it_o that_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o below_o they_o they_o either_o dare_v not_o be_v alone_o or_o scorn_v to_o stoop_v so_o low_a and_o sigh_v out_o their_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n as_o though_o they_o will_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o great_a god_n for_o any_o mercy_n but_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o practice_n speak_v the_o language_n of_o those_o proud_a atheist_n in_o jer._n 2.31_o we_o be_v lord_n we_o will_v come_v no_o more_o unto_o thou_o but_o let_v such_o know_v they_o shall_v die_v like_o man_n and_o be_v damn_v like_o devil_n that_o imagine_v they_o be_v god_n and_o will_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o our_o god_n for_o mercy_n lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o these_o poor_a prayerless_a sinner_n that_o understand_v not_o the_o necessity_n and_o mystery_n of_o closet-prayer_n but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o needless_a and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v it_o be_v more_o ado_n than_o needs_o but_o let_v these_o prepare_v to_o make_v good_a that_o desperate_a assertion_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o god_n justice_n with_o flame_n about_o their_o ear_n and_o let_v such_o know_v that_o god_n will_v answer_v their_o cavil_n against_o plain_a duty_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o his_o minister_n can_v do_v now_o to_o which_o dreadful_a judgement_n we_o leave_v they_o except_o prevent_v by_o a_o speedy_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n sect_n ii_o the_o godly_a reprove_v but_o the_o person_n to_o be_v principal_o reprove_v at_o present_a be_v the_o professor_n of_o religion_n that_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o grievous_o neglect_v it_o i_o fear_v god_n child_n be_v not_o so_o constant_a and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v be_v not_o good_a soul_n guilty_a of_o frequent_a omission_n intermission_n at_o least_o negligent_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o be_v one_o of_o old_a mr._n dod_n instruction_n that_o at_o night_n we_o shall_v ask_v ourselves_o have_v i_o twice_o this_o day_n humble_v myself_o before_o god_n in_o private_a herbert_n who_o go_v to_o bed_n and_o do_v not_o pray_v make_v two_o night_n to_o every_o day_n herbert_n and_o again_o how_o do_v i_o pray_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n i_o be_o afraid_a many_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v but_o a_o sorry_a account_n of_o these_o serious_a inquiry_n let_v we_o be_v ashamed_a lay_v it_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o give_v god_n glory_n by_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n for_o the_o humble_v of_o our_o heart_n in_o this_o case_n let_v i_o propound_v these_o ten_o awaken_v interrogatory_n that_o we_o may_v mourn_v for_o our_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n 1._o be_v you_o not_o very_o unlike_a jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o he_o the_o perfect_a copy_n that_o we_o shall_v write_v after_o and_o do_v we_o not_o find_v he_o often_o in_o private_a prayer_n we_o meet_v with_o he_o in_o this_o solitary_a duty_n sometime_o in_o the_o day_n 26.36_o luk._n 6.12_o mat._n 26.36_o sometime_o in_o the_o night_n sometime_o all_o night_n in_o a_o garden_n in_o a_o mountain_n he_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o go_v to_o his_o father_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n he_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o strong_a cry_v and_o tear_n heb._n 5.7_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n so_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o sharp_a his_o sorrow_n the_o strong_a his_o cry_n luk._n 22.44_o be_v in_o a_o agony_n he_o pray_v more_o earnest_o and_o be_v not_o this_o for_o our_o example_n and_o for_o our_o advantage_n shall_v we_o not_o learn_v of_o he_o nay_o do_v not_o our_o very_a christianity_n consist_v in_o our_o conformity_n to_o christ_n alas_o how_o unlike_o he_o be_v most_o of_o we_o shall_v we_o pass_v for_o christian_n that_o follow_v not_o his_o step_n be_v it_o not_o bless_v paul_n study_n and_o ambition_n to_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o bless_a pattern_n can_v we_o imitate_v a_o better_a person_n be_v it_o necessary_a christ_n shall_v wrestle_v for_o we_o and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o necessary_a we_o shall_v wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o our_o own_o soul_n or_o do_v christ_n pray_v for_o we_o excuse_v our_o plead_n for_o ourselves_o no_o no_o as_o it_o be_v for_o our_o example_n and_o benefit_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n so_o his_o present_a intercession_n in_o heaven_n do_v both_o imply_v and_o encourage_v our_o pray_n for_o we_o be_v to_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n and_o employ_v our_o dear_a advocate_n that_o we_o may_v speed_v and_o shall_v not_o we_o as_o it_o be_v set_v he_o a-work_o and_o send_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o be_v mix_v with_o his_o sweet_a incense_n the_o lord_n humble_v we_o for_o and_o pardon_v to_o we_o our_o neglect_n and_o omission_n 2._o be_v you_o not_o herein_o very_a unlike_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n be_v wrestler_n with_o god_n god_n have_v no_o child_n still-born_a they_o all_o cry_n abba_n father_n jacob_n wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n and_o ever_o since_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n have_v bear_v that_o name_n psal_n 24.6_o this_o be_v the_o generation_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o that_o seek_v thy_o face_n o_o jacob_n selah_n i._n e._n that_o seek_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n as_o jacob_n do_v 32.6_o psal_n 32.6_o and_o indeed_o every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a will_n thus_o pray_v there_o may_v be_v bring_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n in_o all_o age_n of_o pray_v saint_n that_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o secret_a it_o be_v record_v of_o the_o apostle_n james_n that_o his_o knee_n be_v as_o hard_o as_o camel_n foot_n with_o pray_v some_o have_v seek_v out_o for_o private_a place_n to_o pray_v in_o other_o have_v rise_v out_o of_o their_o bed_n to_o pray_v other_o have_v set_v day_n apart_o to_o humble_v themselves_o in_o secret_a by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n other_o will_v never_o adventure_v on_o business_n without_o seek_v god_n such_o as_o be_v acquaint_v with_o ecclesiastical_a history_n or_o christian_a experience_n may_v find_v store_n of_o instance_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v unlike_o our_o brethren_n have_v we_o not_o
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