small_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o though_o some_o christian_n have_v a_o strong_a communion_n with_o god_n yet_o other_o christian_n have_v but_o a_o weak_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o though_o some_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v a_o very_a close_a and_o near_o communion_n with_o god_n yet_o other_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v but_o a_o more_o remote_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o though_o some_o of_o god_n servant_n have_v a_o daily_a constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a communion_n with_o god_n yet_o other_o of_o his_o servant_n have_v but_o a_o more_o transient_a and_o inconstant_a communion_n with_o god_n but_o three_o i_o answer_v when_o a_o man_n act_v grace_n in_o closet-duty_n then_o certain_o he_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o closet-duty_n 8._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 17._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o when_o a_o man_n in_o closet-duty_n act_n faith_n on_o god_n or_o faith_n on_o the_o promise_n or_o faith_n on_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n or_o when_o a_o 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in_o closet-duty_n careful_o look_v to_o the_o activity_n of_o your_o grace_n careful_o 6._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o you_o but_o four_o i_o answer_v when_o a_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o closet_n than_o he_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o act_n and_o 1._o psal_n 115._o 1._o activity_n communion_n with_o god_n always_o help_v a_o man_n to_o set_v the_o crown_n of_o praise_n and_o honour_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o god_n witness_v that_o gracious_a and_o grateful_a doxology_n of_o david_n and_o his_o people_n in_o that_o 1_o chr._n 29._o 13._o now_o therefore_o our_o god_n we_o thank_v thou_o and_o praise_v thy_o glorious_a name_n man_n that_o enjoy_v no_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o religious_a duty_n be_v still_o a_o sacrifice_v unto_o their_o own_o net_n and_o a_o burn_a incense_n unto_o 16._o hab._n 1._o 16._o their_o own_o drag_v they_o be_v still_o a_o blessing_n themselves_o and_o a_o stroke_v of_o themselves_o and_o applaud_v 12._o luke_n 17._o 11._o 12._o themselves_o they_o think_v the_o garland_n of_o praise_n the_o crown_n of_o honour_n become_v no_o head_n but_o their_o own_o but_o now_o man_n that_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o religious_a duty_n they_o will_v uncrown_v themselves_o to_o crown_n god_n they_o will_v uncrown_v their_o duty_n to_o crown_v the_o god_n of_o their_o duty_n they_o will_v 12._o act_n 3_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 16._o rev._n 4._o 10._o 11._o chap._n 5._o 11_o 12._o uncrown_v their_o art_n part_n gift_n and_o inlargment_n to_o set_v the_o crown_n of_o praise_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o god_n alone_o thou_o think_v that_o thou_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o closet-duty_n yea_o thou_o say_v that_o thou_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o closet-duty_n but_o on_o who_o head_n do_v thou_o put_v the_o garland_n of_o praise_n if_o on_o 13._o psal_n 148._o 13._o god_n head_n thou_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n if_o on_o thy_o own_o head_n thou_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o god_n as_o all_o the_o river_n run_v into_o the_o sea_n &_o all_o the_o line_n meet_v in_o the_o centre_n so_o when_o all_o our_o closet-duty_n terminate_v and_o centre_n in_o the_o advance_v of_o god_n glory_n then_o have_v we_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o they_o constantine_n do_v use_v to_o write_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o door_n when_o a_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o christ_n in_o a_o duty_n than_o he_o will_v write_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o honour_n of_o christ_n upon_o his_o duty_n some_o say_v that_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n be_v engrave_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o ignatius_n sure_o i_o be_o when_o a_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o a_o duty_n than_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o jesus_n engrave_v upon_o that_o duty_n but_o five_o i_o answer_v when_o the_o performance_n of_o closet-duty_n leave_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o better_a frame_n than_o a_o man_n have_v communion_n 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for_o those_o other_o duty_n that_o lie_v next_o his_o hand_n then_o doubtless_o he_o have_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o they_o when_o private_a duty_n fit_v a_o man_n for_o public_a duty_n or_o when_o private_a duty_n fit_v a_o man_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o place_n calling_z and_o condition_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v he_o then_o certain_o he_o have_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o 10._o eccl._n 9_o 10._o they_o when_o a_o man_n in_o closet-duty_n find_v more_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o power_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n that_o be_v next_o incumbent_n upon_o he_o then_o assure_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o god_n when_o private_a prayer_n fit_v i_o more_o for_o family-prayer_n or_o public_a prayer_n than_o i_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v draw_v near_o to_o my_o soul_n in_o private_a prayer_n or_o when_o one_o closet-duty_n fit_v i_o for_o another_o closet-duty_n as_o when_o pray_v fit_v i_o for_o read_v or_o read_v for_o pray_v or_o when_o the_o more_o external_a duty_n in_o my_o closet_n viz._n read_v or_o pray_v fit_v i_o for_o those_o more_o spiritual_a and_o internal_a duty_n viz._n self-examination_n holy_a meditation_n soul-humiliation_n etc._n etc._n then_o i_o may_v rest_v satisfy_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o choice_a intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o my_o soul_n when_o the_o more_o i_o pray_v in_o my_o closet_n the_o more_o fit_a i_o be_o to_o pray_v in_o my_o closet_n and_o the_o more_o i_o read_v in_o my_o closet_n the_o more_o fit_a i_o be_o to_o read_v in_o my_o closet_n and_o the_o more_o i_o meditate_v in_o my_o closet_n the_o more_o fit_a i_o be_o to_o meditate_v in_o my_o closet_n &_o the_o more_o i_o search_v and_o examine_v my_o heart_n in_o my_o closet_n the_o more_o fit_a i_o be_o to_o search_v and_o examine_v my_o heart_n in_o my_o closet_n and_o the_o more_o i_o humble_a and_o abase_v my_o soul_n in_o my_o closet_n the_o more_o fit_a i_o be_o to_o humble_a &_o abase_v my_o soul_n in_o my_o closet_n then_o i_o may_v be_v confident_a that_o i_o have_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o my_o closet_n seven_o i_o answer_v that_o all_o private_a communion_n with_o god_n be_v very_o soul-humbling_a and_o soul-abasing_a abraham_n be_v a_o man_n that_o have_v much_o private_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o a_o man_n that_o be_v very_o vile_a and_o low_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n gen_n 18._o 27._o and_o abraham_n answer_v and_o say_v behold_v now_o i_o have_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o speak_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n in_o respect_n of_o my_o original_n say_v abraham_n i_o be_o but_o base_a dust_n and_o ash_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o my_o desert_n i_o
dark_a night_n and_o when_o his_o joint_n be_v out_o of_o joint_n he_o so_o wrestle_v and_o weep_v and_o weep_v and_o wrestle_v in_o private_a prayer_n that_o as_o a_o prince_n at_o last_o he_o prevail_v with_o god_n hos_n 12._o 3_o 4._o so_o david_n psal_n 55._o 16_o 17._o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v call_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v save_v i_o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o he_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n so_o daniel_n be_v three_o time_n a_o day_n in_o private_a prayer_n dan._n 6._o 10._o now_o when_o daniel_n know_v that_o the_o write_n be_v sign_v he_o go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o his_o window_n be_v open_a in_o his_o chamber_n towards_o jerusalem_n he_o kneel_v upon_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o before_o his_o god_n as_o he_o do_v aforetime_o daniel_n have_v accustom_v himself_o to_o private_a prayer_n he_o go_v to_o his_o closet_n before_o he_o go_v to_o his_o public_a employment_n and_o state_n affair_n and_o at_o his_o return_n to_o dinner_n he_o turn_v first_o into_o his_o chamber_n to_o serve_v his_o god_n and_o refresh_v his_o soul_n before_o he_o set_v down_o to_o feast_v his_o body_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o day_n when_o he_o have_v dispatch_v his_o business_n with_o man_n he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o his_o chamber_n so_o jonah_n keep_v up_o private_a prayer_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o fish_n belly_n yea_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o hell_n jonah_n 2._o 1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n so_o we_o have_v elias_n at_o prayer_n under_o the_o juniper_n tree_n 1_o king_n 19_o 4._o so_o hannah_n 1_o sam._n 1._o 13._o now_o hannah_n she_o speak_v in_o her_o heart_n only_o her_o lip_n move_v but_o her_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v the_o very_a soul_n of_o prayer_n lie_v in_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n before_o god_n as_o hannah_n do_v vers_fw-la 15._o neither_o be_v rebecah_n a_o stranger_n to_o this_o duty_n who_o upon_o the_o babe_n struggle_v in_o her_o womb_n go_v to_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 25._o 22._o that_o be_v she_o go_v to_o some_o secret_a place_n to_o pray_v say_v calvin_n musculus_fw-la mercer_n and_o other_o so_o saul_n be_v no_o soon_o convert_v but_o present_o he_o fall_v upon_o private_a prayer_n act_v 9_o 11._o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o arise_z and_o go_v into_o the_o street_n which_o be_v call_v straight_o and_o inquire_v in_o the_o house_n of_o judas_n for_o one_o call_v saul_n of_o tarsus_n for_o behold_v he_o pray_v though_o he_o be_v a_o strict_a pharisee_fw-mi yet_o he_o never_o pray_v to_o purpose_v before_o nor_o never_o pray_v in_o private_a before_o the_o pharisee_n use_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n and_o not_o in_o the_o corner_n of_o their_o house_n and_o after_o his_o conversion_n he_o be_v frequent_o in_o private_a prayer_n as_o you_o may_v see_v by_o compare_v of_o these_o scripture_n together_o rom._n 1._o 9_o ephes_n 1._o 15_o 16._o 1_o phil._n 3_o 4._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 3_o so_o epaphras_n be_v a_o warm_a man_n in_o closet_n prayer_n phil._n 4._o 12_o 13._o so_o cornelius_n have_v devote_v himself_o to_o private_a prayer_n act_v 10._o 2_o 4._o and_o so_o peter_n get_v up_o to_o the_o house_n top_n to_o pray_v vers_fw-la 9_o on_o the_o morrow_n as_o they_o go_v on_o their_o journey_n and_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o the_o city_n peter_n go_v up_o upon_o the_o housetop_n to_o pray_v about_o the_o six_o hour_n peter_n get_v up_o upon_o the_o lead_v not_o only_o to_o avoid_v distraction_n but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o secret_a in_o his_o private_a devotion_n eusebius_n tell_v we_o of_o james_n call_v justus_n that_o his_o knee_n be_v grow_v hard_a and_o brawny_a with_o kneel_v so_o much_o in_o private_a prayer_n and_o nazianzen_n report_v of_o his_o sister_n gorgonia_n that_o her_o knee_n seem_v to_o cleave_v to_o the_o earth_n by_o she_o often_o pray_v in_o private_a and_o gregory_n say_v of_o his_o aunt_n trucilla_n that_o her_o elbow_n be_v as_o hard_o as_o horn_n by_o often_o lean_v upon_o her_o desk_n at_o private_a prayer_n i_o have_v read_v of_o a_o devout_a person_n who_o when_o the_o set_a time_n for_o his_o private_a devotion_n be_v come_v whatever_o company_n he_o be_v in_o he_o will_v break_v from_o they_o with_o this_o neat_a and_o handsome_a come_v off_o i_o have_v a_o friend_n that_o stay_v for_o i_o farewell_o and_o there_o be_v once_o a_o great_a lady_n of_o this_o land_n who_o will_v frequent_o withdraw_v from_o the_o company_n of_o lord_n and_o lady_n of_o great_a quality_n who_o come_v to_o visit_v she_o rather_o than_o she_o will_v lose_v she_o set_v time_n of_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o her_o closet_n she_o will_v as_o they_o call_v it_o rude_o take_v she_o leave_v of_o they_o that_o so_o she_o may_v in_o private_a attend_v the_o lord_n of_o lord_n she_o will_v spare_v what_o time_n she_o can_v to_o express_v her_o favour_n civility_n and_o courtesy_n among_o her_o relation_n and_o friend_n but_o she_o will_v never_o suffer_v they_o to_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o time_n nor_o her_o soul_n of_o that_o comfort_n and_o communion_n which_o she_o use_v to_o enjoy_v when_o she_o be_v with_o god_n in_o her_o closet_n and_o indeed_o one_o hour_n communion_n with_o god_n in_o one_o closet_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o great_a and_o best_a company_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v a_o child_n of_o a_o christian_a gentlewoman_n that_o be_v so_o give_v to_o prayer_n from_o its_o infancy_n that_o before_o it_o can_v well_o speak_v it_o will_v use_v to_o get_v alone_o and_o go_v to_o prayer_n and_o as_o it_o grow_v it_o be_v more_o frequent_a in_o prayer_n and_o retire_v of_o itself_o from_o company_n and_o he_o will_v ask_v his_o mother_n very_o strange_a question_n far_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o one_o of_o his_o year_n but_o at_o last_o when_o this_o child_n be_v but_o five_o year_n old_a and_o whip_v of_o his_o top_n on_o a_o sudden_a he_o fling_v away_o his_o scourge-stick_a and_o top_n and_o run_v to_o his_o mother_n and_o with_o great_a joy_n say_v unto_o she_o mother_n i_o must_v go_v to_o god_n will_v you_o go_v with_o i_o she_o answer_v my_o dear_a child_n how_o do_v thou_o know_v thou_o shall_v go_v to_o god_n he_o answer_v god_n have_v tell_v i_o so_o for_o i_o love_v god_n and_o god_n love_v i_o she_o answer_v dear_a child_n i_o must_v go_v when_o god_n please_v but_o why_o will_v thou_o not_o stay_v with_o i_o the_o child_n answer_v i_o will_v not_o stay_v i_o must_v go_v to_o god_n and_o the_o child_n do_v not_o live_v above_o a_o month_n after_o but_o never_o care_v for_o play_v more_o but_o fall_v sick_a he_o will_v always_o be_v say_v that_o he_o must_v go_v to_o god_n he_o must_v go_v to_o god_n and_o thus_o sometime_o out_o of_o the_o 16._o mat._n 21._o 16._o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n god_n have_v perfect_v praise_n certain_o such_o person_n will_v be_v ripe_a for_o heaven_n betimes_o who_o begin_v betimes_o to_o seek_v god_n in_o a_o closet_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o eusebius_n report_v of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n that_o every_o day_n he_o use_v to_o shut_v up_o himself_o in_o some_o secret_a place_n in_o his_o palace_n and_o there_o on_o bend_a knee_n do_v make_v his_o devout_a prayer_n and_o soliloquy_n to_o god_n my_o god_n and_o i_o be_v good_a company_n say_v famous_a dr._n sibbs_n a_o man_n who_o soul_n be_v conversant_a with_o god_n in_o a_o close_o in_o a_o hole_n behind_o the_o door_n or_o in_o a_o desert_n a_o den_n a_o dungeon_n shall_v find_v more_o real_a pleasure_n more_o choice_a delight_n and_o more_o full_a content_n than_o in_o the_o palace_n of_o a_o prince_n by_o all_o these_o famous_a instance_n you_o see_v that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v addict_v themselves_o to_o private_a prayer_n o_o friend_n these_o pious_a example_n shall_v be_v very_a awakn_n very_a convince_a and_o very_o encourage_v to_o you_o certain_o it_o be_v as_o much_o your_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v your_o glory_n to_o follow_v these_o pious_a pattern_n that_o be_v now_o set_v before_o you_o witness_v these_o follow_a scripture_n prov._n 2._o 20._o that_o thou_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o good_a man_n and_o keep_v the_o path_n of_o the_o righteous_a 1_o cor._n 11._o 1._o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ_n phil._n 3._o 17._o brethren_n be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o
as_o the_o greek_a article_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o elaphos_n do_v manifest_a now_o in_o the_o female_n the_o passion_n of_o thirst_n be_v more_o strong_a as_o the_o naturalist_n observe_v by_o this_o david_n discover_v what_o a_o vehement_a and_o inflame_a thirst_n there_o be_v in_o his_o soul_n after_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o as_o nothing_o can_v satisfy_v the_o hunt_v hart_n but_o the_o water_n brook_v so_o nothing_o can_v satisfy_v his_o soul_n but_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n psal_n 43._o 4._o then_o will_v i_o go_v unto_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n unto_o god_n my_o exceed_a joy_n the_o altar_n of_o god_n be_v here_o put_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n now_o it_o be_v not_o bare_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n that_o be_v david'e_a exceed_a joy_n psal_n 63._o 1_o 2_o o_o god_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n early_o will_v i_o seek_v thou_o my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o thou_o my_o flesh_n long_v for_o thou_o in_o a_o dry_a and_o thirsty_a land_n where_o no_o water_n be_v to_o see_v thy_o power_n and_o thy_o glory_n so_o as_o i_o have_v see_v thou_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n david_n soul_n do_v not_o thirst_n after_o a_o crown_n a_o kingdom_n or_o any_o worldly_a greatness_n or_o glory_n but_o after_o a_o choice_n and_o sweet_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o wilderness_n estate_n never_o do_v any_o woman_n with_o child_n long_o more_o after_o this_o or_o that_o than_o david_n soul_n do_v long_o to_o enjoy_v sensible_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n psal_n 84._o 2._o my_o soul_n long_v yea_o even_o faint_v for_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n my_o heart_n and_o my_o flesh_n cry_v out_o for_o the_o live_a god_n by_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o ordinance_n now_o these_o without_o communion_n with_o god_n will_v never_o satisfy_v david_n soul_n i_o commend_v that_o speech_n of_o bernard_n nanquam_fw-la abs_fw-la te_fw-la absque_fw-la te_fw-la recedo_fw-la i_o never_o come_v to_o thou_o but_o by_o thou_o 116._o bern._n epist_n 116._o i_o never_o come_v from_o thou_o without_o thou_o when_o ever_o you_o go_v into_o your_o closet_n press_v hard_o after_o real_a and_o sensible_a communion_n with_o god_n that_o so_o you_o may_v come_v out_o of_o your_o closet_n with_o some_o shine_v of_o god_n upon_o your_o spirit_n as_o moses_n come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n with_o his_o 35._o exod._n 34._o 29_o 35._o face_n shine_v o_o do_v not_o take_v up_o in_o your_o closet-prayer_n or_o tear_n or_o joy_n or_o enlargement_n but_o labour_n and_o long_o to_o enjoy_v that_o inward_a and_o close_a fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o your_o closet_n as_o may_v leave_v such_o a_o choice_n and_o sweet_a favour_n of_o god_n both_o upon_o your_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o other_o may_v be_v force_v to_o say_v sure_o 13._o act_n 4._o 13._o these_o have_v be_v with_o jesus_n it_o be_v sad_a when_o christian_n return_v from_o their_o closet_n to_o their_o shop_n their_o trade_n their_o family_n their_o commerce_n etc._n etc._n without_o the_o least_o visible_a ray_n of_o divine_a glory_n upon_o they_o o_o sir_n closet-prayer_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v but_o a_o dry_a sapless_a liveless_a heartless_a comfortless_a thing_n if_o you_o do_v not_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o it_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v the_o very_a life_n soul_n and_o crown_n of_o all_o your_o closet-duty_n and_o therefore_o press_v after_o it_o as_o for_o life_n when_o you_o go_v into_o your_o closet_n let_v every_o thing_n go_v that_o may_v hinder_v your_o fruition_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v every_o thing_n be_v embrace_v that_o make_v way_n for_o your_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n o_o let_v closet-prayer_n be_v a_o golden_a bridge_n a_o wherry_n a_o chariot_n to_o convey_v your_o soul_n over_o to_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v you_o into_o a_o more_o intimate_a communion_n with_o god_n let_v no_o closet-duty_n satisfy_v you_o or_o content_v you_o wherein_o you_o have_v not_o converse_v with_o god_n as_o a_o child_n converse_v with_o his_o father_n or_o as_o a_o wife_n converse_v with_o her_o husband_n or_o as_o a_o friend_n converse_v with_o his_o friend_n even_o face_n to_o face_n nothing_o speak_v out_o more_o unsoundness_n falseness_n and_o baseness_n of_o heart_n than_o this_o when_o man_n make_v duty_n the_o end_n of_o duty_n prayer_n the_o end_n of_o prayer_n than_o when_o man_n can_v begin_v a_o duty_n and_o go_v on_o in_o a_o duty_n and_o close_o up_o a_o duty_n and_o bless_v and_o stroke_v themselves_o after_o a_o duty_n and_o yet_o never_o enjoy_v the_o least_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n but_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v when_o he_o quest_n have_v a_o real_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o a_o duty_n or_o no_o this_o be_v a_o very_a noble_a and_o necessary_a question_n and_o according_o it_o call_v for_o a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n and_o therefore_o thus_o first_o a_o man_n may_v have_v communion_n sol._n with_o god_n in_o sorrow_n and_o tear_n when_o he_o have_v not_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o joy_n delight_n a_o 17._o psal_n 51._o 17._o man_n may_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o a_o heart-humbling_a a_o heart-melting_a and_o a_o heart-abasing_a way_n when_o he_o have_v not_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o a_o heart_n revive_v a_o heart-cheering_a and_o a_o heart-comforting_a way_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n among_o many_o tender_a spirit_a christian_n to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n except_o they_o meet_v with_o god_n embrace_v and_o kiss_v 6._o cant._n 2._o 4_o 5_o 6._o cheer_v and_o comfort_v up_o of_o their_o soul_n when_o they_o find_v god_n raise_v the_o spring_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o their_o soul_n when_o they_o find_v god_n a_o speak_a peace_n unto_o they_o when_o they_o find_v the_o singular_a sensible_a 8._o psal_n 85._o 8._o presence_n of_o god_n cheer_v refresh_a and_o enlarge_n of_o they_o in_o their_o closet_n o_o then_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v have_v sweet_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n but_o if_o god_n meet_v with_o they_o in_o their_o closet_n and_o only_o break_v their_o heart_n for_o sin_n and_o from_o sin_n if_o he_o meet_v with_o they_o and_o only_o make_v his_o power_n and_o his_o presence_n manifest_a in_o debase_v and_o cast_v down_o of_o their_o soul_n upon_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o strong_a corruption_n and_o many_o imperfection_n how_o unwilling_a be_v be_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v have_v any_o communion_n with_o god_n well_o friend_n remember_v this_o once_o for_o all_o viz._n that_o a_o christian_a may_v have_v as_o real_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o a_o heart-humbling_a way_n as_o he_o can_v have_v in_o a_o heart-comforting_a way_n a_o christian_a may_v have_v as_o choice_a communion_n with_o god_n 19_o john_n 20._o 11_o 19_o when_o his_o eye_n be_v full_a of_o tear_n as_o he_o can_v have_v when_o his_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o joy_n sometime_o god_n meet_v with_o a_o poor_a christian_a in_o his_o closet_n and_o exceed_o break_v he_o and_o humble_v he_o and_o at_o other_o time_n he_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o christian_n in_o his_o closet_n and_o mighty_o cheer_v he_o and_o comfort_n he_o sometime_o god_n meet_v with_o a_o poor_a soul_n in_o his_o closet_n and_o there_o he_o sweet_o quiet_v he_o and_o still_v he_o and_o at_o other_o time_n he_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o soul_n in_o his_o closet_n and_o then_o he_o great_o revive_v he_o and_o quicken_v he_o god_n do_v not_o always_o come_v upon_o the_o soul_n one_o way_n he_o do_v not_o always_o come_v in_o at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o door_n we_o 8._o john_n 3._o 8._o sometime_o look_v for_o a_o friend_n to_o come_v in_o at_o the_o fore-door_n and_o then_o he_o come_v in_o at_o the_o backdoor_n and_o at_o other_o time_n when_o we_o look_v for_o he_o at_o the_o back_n door_n than_o he_o come_v in_o at_o the_o fore-door_n and_o just_o so_o it_o be_v with_o god_n come_v into_o his_o people_n soul_n sometime_o they_o go_v into_o their_o closet_n and_o look_v that_o god_n will_v come_v in_o at_o the_o fore-door_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n and_o then_o god_n come_v in_o at_o the_o backdoor_n of_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n and_o at_o other_o time_n when_o they_o look_v that_o god_n shall_v come_v in_o at_o the_o backdoor_n of_o humiliation_n break_v and_o melt_v their_o heart_n than_o god_n come_v in_o at_o the_o fore-door_n of_o joy_n and_o consolation_n cheer_v and_o rejoice_v their_o soul_n but._n second_o i_o answer_v that_o all_o christian_n do_v not_o enjoy_v a_o
in_o favour_n with_o god_n a_o man_n that_o be_v very_a please_a and_o delightful_a to_o god_n god_n love_v to_o lade_v the_o wing_n of_o private_a prayer_n with_o the_o sweet_a choice_a and_o chief_a blessing_n ah_o how_o often_o have_v god_n kiss_v a_o poor_a christian_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o private_a prayer_n and_o speak_v peace_n to_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o private_a prayer_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o light_n and_o joy_n and_o assurance_n upon_o the_o close_a of_o private_a prayer_n and_o so_o cornelius_n be_v high_o commend_v and_o gracious_o reward_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o private_a prayer_n acts._n 10._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o there_o be_v a_o certain_a man_n in_o caesarea_n call_v cornelius_n a_o centurion_n of_o the_o band_n call_v the_o italian_a band_n a_o devout_a man_n and_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n which_o give_v much_o alm_n to_o the_o people_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o he_o see_v in_o a_o vision_n evident_o about_o the_o nine_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n a_o angel_n of_o god_n come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o say_v unto_o he_o cornelius_n and_o when_o he_o look_v on_o he_o he_o be_v afraid_a and_o say_v what_o be_v it_o lord_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o thy_o prayer_n and_o thy_o alm_n be_v come_v up_o for_o a_o memorial_n before_o god_n verse_n 30._o 31._o and_o cornelius_n say_v four_o day_n ago_o i_o be_v fast_v until_o this_o hour_n that_o be_v until_o about_o three_o a_o clock_n in_o the_o afternoon_n vers_fw-la 3._o and_o at_o the_o nine_o hour_n i_o pray_v in_o my_o house_n and_o behold_v a_o man_n stand_v before_o i_o in_o bright_a clothing_n and_o say_v cornelius_n thy_o prayer_n be_v hear_v and_o thy_o alm_n be_v have_v in_o remembrance_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n mark_n as_o he_o be_v pray_v in_o his_o house_n namely_o by_o himself_o alone_o a_o man_n in_o bright_a clothing_n that_o be_v a_o angel_n in_o man_n shape_n vers_n 3._o appear_v to_o he_o and_o say_v cornelius_z thy_o prayer_n be_v hear_v he_o do_v not_o mean_v only_o that_o prayer_n which_o he_o make_v when_o he_o fast_v and_o humble_v himself_o before_o the_o lord_n vers_n 30._o 31._o but_o as_o vers_n 2_o 3_o 4._o show_n his_o prayer_n his_o prayer_n which_o he_o make_v alone_o for_o it_o seem_v none_o else_o be_v with_o he_o then_o for_o he_o only_o see_v that_o man_n in_o bright_a clothing_n and_o to_o he_o alone_o the_o angel_n address_v his_o present_a speech_n say_v cornelius_n thy_o prayer_n be_v hear_v vers_fw-la 4_o 31._o here_o you_o see_v that_o cornelius_n his_o private_a prayer_n be_v not_o only_o hear_v but_o kind_o remember_v and_o gracious_o accept_v and_o glorious_o reward_v pray_v cornelius_n be_v not_o only_o remember_v by_o god_n but_o he_o be_v also_o visit_v sensible_o and_o evident_o by_o a_o angel_n and_o assure_v that_o his_o private_a prayer_n and_o good_a deed_n be_v a_o odour_n a_o sweet_a smell_n a_o sacrifice_n acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v to_o god_n and_o so_o when_o have_v peter_n his_o vision_n but_o when_o he_o be_v pray_v alone_o on_o the_o housetop_n act_n 10._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o on_o the_o morrow_n as_o they_o go_v on_o their_o journey_n and_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o the_o city_n peter_n go_v up_o unto_o the_o housetop_n to_o pray_v about_o the_o sxith_n hour_n and_o he_o become_v very_o hungry_a and_o will_v have_v eat_v but_o while_o they_o make_v ready_a he_o fall_v into_o a_o trance_n and_o see_v heaven_n open_v and_o a_o certain_a vessel_n descend_v unto_o he_o as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a sheet_n knit_v at_o the_o four_o corner_n and_o let_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n wherein_o be_v all_o manner_n of_o fourfooted_a beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o wild_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n and_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o there_o come_v a_o voice_n to_o he_o rise_v peter_n kill_v and_o eat_v when_o peter_n be_v upon_o the_o housetop_n at_o prayer_n alone_o than_o he_o fall_v into_o a_o trance_n and_o then_o he_o see_v heaven_n open_v and_o then_o he_o have_v his_o spirit_n raise_v his_o mind_n clevate_v and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n fill_v with_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o so_o when_o paâ—l_o be_v at_o prayer_n alone_o he_o see_v in_o 18._o act_n 11_o 18._o a_o vision_n a_o man_n name_v ananias_n come_v in_o and_o put_v his_o hand_n on_o he_o that_o he_o may_v receive_v his_o sight_n paul_n have_v not_o be_v long_o at_o private_a prayer_n before_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o choose_a vessel_n &_o before_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o gift_n grace_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o when_o john_n be_v alone_o in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whither_o he_o be_v banish_v by_o domitian_n a_o most_o cruel_a emperor_n than_o he_o have_v a_o glorious_a 9_o euseb_n l._n 3._o c._n 18._o rev._n 1._o 9_o ult_n rev._n 5._o 1_o to_o 9_o sight_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n discover_v to_o he_o most_o deep_a and_o profound_a mystery_n both_o concern_v the_o present_a and_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o when_o john_n be_v weep_v in_o private_a prayer_n doubtless_o than_o the_o seal_a book_n be_v open_v to_o he_o so_o when_o daniel_n be_v at_o private_a prayer_n god_n dispatch_v a_o heavenly_a messenger_n to_o he_o and_o his_o errand_n be_v to_o open_v more_o clear_o and_o full_o the_o bless_a scripture_n to_o he_o some_o comfortable_a &_o encourrage_a knowledge_n this_o holy_a man_n wisdom_n doctor_n ames_n get_v his_o learning_n by_o private_a prayer_n and_o so_o do_v solomon_n his_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v attain_v unto_o before_o by_o his_o frequent_a and_o constant_a study_n in_o the_o word_n and_o this_o egg_n he_o on_o to_o private_a prayer_n and_o private_a prayer_n post_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n to_o give_v he_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a light_n private_a prayer_n be_v a_o golden-key_n to_o unlock_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o choice_n and_o bless_a truth_n be_v but_o the_o return_n of_o private_a prayer_n the_o word_n dwell_v most_o rich_o in_o their_o heart_n who_o be_v most_o in_o pour_v out_o of_o their_o heart_n before_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n when_o bonaventure_n that_o seraphical_a doctor_n as_o some_o call_v he_o be_v ask_v by_o aquinas_n from_o what_o book_n and_o help_n he_o derive_v such_o holy_a and_o divine_a expression_n and_o contemplation_n he_o point_v to_o a_o crucifix_n and_o say_v iste_fw-la est_fw-la libre_fw-la etc._n etc._n prostrate_a in_o prayer_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o this_o image_n my_o soul_n receive_v great_a light_n from_o heaven_n than_o from_o all_o study_n and_o disputation_n though_o this_o be_v a_o monkish_a tradition_n &_o superstitious_a fiction_n yet_o some_o improvement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o it_o certain_o that_o christian_n or_o that_o minister_n that_o in_o private_a prayer_n lie_v most_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o shall_v understand_v most_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o he_o shall_v have_v most_o of_o heaven_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o peace_n bring_v down_o into_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o service_n wherein_o christian_n have_v such_o a_o near_a familiar_a and_o friendly_a intercourse_n with_o god_n as_o in_o this_o of_o private_a prayer_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o service_n wherein_o god_n do_v more_o delight_n to_o make_v know_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n his_o mercy_n and_o bounty_n his_o beauty_n and_o glory_n luther_n bene_fw-la orasse_n est_fw-la bene_fw-la studuisse_fw-la luther_n to_o poor_a soul_n than_o this_o of_o private_a prayer_n luther_n profess_v that_o he_o profit_v more_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o private_a prayer_n in_o a_o short_a space_n than_o he_o do_v by_o study_n in_o a_o long_a space_n as_o john_n by_o weep_v in_o a_o corner_n get_v the_o seal_a book_n open_v private_a prayer_n crown_v god_n with_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n that_o be_v due_a to_o his_o name_n and_o god_n crown_v private_a prayer_n with_o a_o discovery_n of_o those_o bless_a weighty_a truth_n to_o his_o servant_n that_o be_v a_o seal_a book_n to_o other_o certain_o the_o soul_n usual_o enjoy_v most_o communion_n with_o god_n 2._o nunquam_fw-la minus_fw-la solus_fw-la quam_fw-la cum_fw-la solus_fw-la never_o less_o alone_o than_o when_o alone_o say_v the_o heathen_a and_o may_v not_o a_o saint_n say_v so_o much_o more_o that_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n jer._n 13._o 1_o 2._o in_o secret_a when_o a_o christian_n be_v
6_o 7_o 8._o so_o luther_n perceive_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n to_o be_v great_o straighten_a and_o in_o danger_n he_o go_v into_o his_o closet_n and_o never_o leave_v wrestle_v with_o god_n till_o he_o have_v receive_v a_o gracious_a answer_n from_o heaven_n upon_o which_o he_o come_v out_o of_o his_o closet_n to_o his_o friend_n leap_v and_o triumph_v with_o vicimus_fw-la vicimus_fw-la we_o have_v overcome_v we_o have_v overcome_v in_o his_o mouth_n at_o which_o time_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o there_o come_v out_o a_o proclamation_n from_o charles_n the_o five_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v further_o molest_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o another_o time_n luther_n be_v in_o private_a prayer_n for_o a_o sick_a friend_n of_o his_o who_o be_v very_o comfortable_a and_o useful_a to_o he_o have_v a_o particular_a answer_n for_o his_o recovery_n whereupon_o he_o be_v so_o confident_a that_o he_o send_v word_n to_o his_o friend_n that_o he_o shall_v certain_o recover_v and_o so_o it_o fall_v out_o according_o and_o so_o latimer_n pray_v with_o great_a zeal_n for_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o queen_n elizabeth_n may_v come_v to_o the_o crown_n 2._o that_o he_o may_v seal_v the_o truth_n with_o his_o heart_n blood_n and_o 3._o that_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v restore_v once_o again_o once_o again_o which_o he_o express_v with_o great_a vehemency_n of_o spirit_n all_o which_o three_o god_n hear_v he_o in_o constantine_n command_v that_o his_o effigy_n shall_v be_v engrave_v not_o as_o other_o emperor_n in_o their_o armour_n lean_v but_o as_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o prayer_n kneel_v to_o manifest_a to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o win_v more_o by_o secret_a prayer_n than_o by_o open_a battle_n mr._n dod_n report_v that_o when_o many_o good_a people_n have_v often_o seek_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o yet_o can_v not_o prevail_v at_o last_o they_o appoint_v a_o day_n for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n at_o which_o time_n there_o come_v a_o poor_a woman_n to_o the_o chamber_n door_n where_o the_o exercise_n be_v begin_v and_o crave_v entrance_n but_o she_o be_v poor_a they_o will_v not_o admit_v she_o in_o upon_o that_o the_o poor_a woman_n kneel_v down_o behind_o the_o door_n and_o seek_v god_n by_o prayer_n but_o she_o have_v not_o pray_v long_o before_o the_o evil_a spirit_n rage_v roar_v and_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o possess_a woman_n take_v away_o the_o old_a woman_n behind_o the_o door_n for_o i_o must_v be_v go_v take_v away_o the_o old_a woman_n behind_o the_o door_n for_o i_o must_v be_v go_v and_o so_o by_o the_o old_a woman_n prayer_n behind_o the_o door_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o oh_o the_o prevalency_n of_o prayer_n behind_o the_o door_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v by_o all_o these_o great_a instance_n the_o great_a prevalency_n of_o private_a prayer_n private_a prayer_n like_o saul_n sword_n and_o jonathans_n bow_n when_o due_o qualify_v as_o to_o the_o person_n and_o act_n never_o return_v empty_a it_o hit_v the_o mark_n it_o carry_v the_o day_n with_o god_n it_o pierce_v the_o wall_n of_o heaven_n though_o like_o those_o of_o gaza_n make_v of_o brass_n and_o iron_n isa_n 45._o 2._o o_o who_o can_v express_v the_o powerful_a oratory_n of_o private_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n nine_o consider_v that_o secret_a duty_n be_v the_o most_o soul-enriching_a duty_n look_v as_o secret_a meal_n make_v fat_a body_n so_o secret_a duty_n make_v fat_a soul_n and_o as_o secret_a trade_n bring_v in_o great_a earthly_a riches_n so_o secret_a prayer_n make_v many_o rich_a in_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o in_o heavenly_a riches_n private_a prayer_n be_v that_o privy_a key_n of_o heaven_n that_o unlock_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o glory_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o best_a riches_n and_o the_o sweet_a mercy_n god_n usual_o give_v to_o his_o people_n when_o they_o be_v in_o their_o closert_n upon_o their_o knee_n look_v as_o the_o warmth_n the_o chicken_n find_v by_o close_o sit_v under_o the_o hen_n wing_n cherish_v they_o so_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o saint_n enliven_v and_o cherish_v and_o strengthen_v by_o the_o sweet_a secret_a influence_n which_o their_o soul_n fall_v under_o when_o they_o be_v in_o their_o closet-communion_n with_o god_n private_a prayer_n conscientious_o perform_v be_v the_o privy_a key_n of_o heaven_n that_o have_v unlock_v such_o treasure_n and_o such_o secret_n as_o have_v past_o the_o skill_n of_o the_o cunning_a devil_n to_o find_v out_o private_a prayer_n midwife_n the_o choice_a mercy_n and_o the_o chief_a riches_n in_o upon_o we_o certain_o there_o be_v none_o so_o rich_a in_o gracious_a experience_n as_o those_o that_o be_v most_o exercise_v in_o closet_n duty_n ps_n 34._o 6._o this_o poor_a man_n cry_v say_v david_n and_o the_o lord_n save_v he_o out_o of_o all_o his_o trouble_n david_n point_v to_o himself_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o cry_v that_o be_v silent_o and_o secret_o as_o moses_n do_v at_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o as_o 4._o exod._n 14._o 15._o neh._n 1._o 11._o &_o 2._o 4._o nehemiah_n do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o the_o lord_n save_v he_o out_o of_o all_o his_o trouble_n and_o o_o what_o addition_n be_v these_o deliverance_n to_o his_o experience_n o_o my_o friend_n look_v as_o the_o tender_a dew_n that_o fall_v in_o the_o silent_a night_n make_v the_o grass_n and_o herb_n and_o flower_n to_z flourish_z and_o grow_v more_o abundant_o than_o great_a shower_n of_o rain_n that_o fall_v in_o the_o day_n so_o secret_a prayer_n will_v more_o abundant_o cause_v the_o sweet_a herb_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n to_o grow_v and_o flourish_v in_o the_o soul_n than_o all_o those_o more_o open_a public_a and_o visible_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o too_o too_o often_o be_v mingle_v and_o mix_v with_o the_o sun_n and_o wind_n of_o pride_n and_o hypocrisy_n belove_a you_o know_v that_o many_o time_n a_o favourite_n at_o court_n get_v more_o by_o one_o secret_a motion_n by_o one_o private_a request_n to_o his_o prince_n than_o a_o tradesman_n or_o a_o merchant_n get_v in_o twenty_o year_n labour_n and_o pain_n etc._n etc._n so_o a_o christian_a many_o time_n get_v more_o by_o one_o secret_a motion_n by_o one_o private_a request_n to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n than_o many_o other_o do_v by_o trading_n long_o in_o the_o more_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n o_o sir_n remember_v that_o in_o private_a prayer_n we_o have_v a_o far_o great_a advantage_n as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o own_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o part_n than_o we_o have_v in_o public_a for_o in_o public_a we_o only_o hear_v other_o exercise_v their_o part_n and_o gift_n etc._n etc._n in_o public_a duty_n we_o be_v more_o passive_a but_o in_o private_a duty_n we_o be_v more_o active_a now_o the_o more_o our_o gift_n and_o part_n and_o grace_n be_v exercise_v the_o more_o they_o be_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v all_o act_n strengthen_v habit_n the_o more_o sin_n be_v act_v the_o more_o it_o be_v strengthen_v and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o our_o gift_n and_o grace_n the_o more_o they_o be_v act_v the_o more_o they_o be_v strengthen_v but_o ten_o take_v many_o thing_n together_o all_o christian_n have_v their_o secret_a sin_n psal_n 19_o 12._o who_o can_v understand_v his_o error_n cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a fault_n secret_n not_o only_o to_o other_o man_n but_o himself_o even_o such_o secret_a sin_n as_o grow_v from_o error_n which_o he_o understand_v not_o it_o be_v incident_a to_o every_o man_n to_o err_v and_o then_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o error_n many_o sin_n i_o see_v in_o myself_o say_v he_o and_o more_o there_o be_v which_o i_o can_v espy_v which_o i_o can_v find_v out_o nay_o i_o think_v say_v he_o that_o every_o man_n sin_n do_v arise_v beyond_o his_o account_n there_o be_v not_o the_o best_a the_o wise_a nor_o the_o holy_a man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v give_v a_o full_a and_o entire_a list_n of_o his_o sin_n who_o can_v understand_v his_o error_n this_o interrogation_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o affirmation_n who_o can_v no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o innocent_a man_n in_o the_o world_n o_o friend_n who_o can_v reckon_v up_o the_o secret_a sinful_a imagination_n the_o secret_a sinful_a inclination_n or_o the_o secret_a pride_n the_o secret_a blasphemy_n the_o secret_a hypocrisy_n the_o secret_a atheistical_a rise_n the_o secret_a murmur_n the_o secret_a repine_n the_o secret_a discontent_n the_o secret_a insolence_n the_o secret_a filthyness_n the_o secret_a unbelieving_n etc._n etc._n that_o god_n may_v every_o day_n charge_n upon_o his_o soul_n shall_v the_o best_a and_o holy_a man_n on_o earth_n have_v
like_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n some_o enjoy_v much_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n and_o other_o enjoy_v but_o little_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n moses_n have_v a_o more_o clear_a glorious_a 8._o exod._n 33._o 11._o deut._n 5._o 4._o num._n 12._o 7_o 8._o and_o constant_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o day_n than_o any_o other_o have_v in_o those_o time_n wherein_o he_o live_v god_n speak_v to_o none_o face_n to_o face_n as_o he_o do_v to_o moses_n and_o abraham_n in_o his_o time_n have_v a_o more_o close_o 18._o gen._n 18._o friendly_a and_o intimate_a communion_n with_o god_n than_o holy_a lot_n or_o any_o other_o have_v in_o that_o day_n and_o though_o all_o the_o disciple_n judas_n except_v have_v sweet_a communion_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n 4._o mat._n 17._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o yet_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n have_v a_o more_o clear_a choice_n and_o full_a communion_n with_o he_o than_o the_o rest_n have_v among_o all_o the_o disciple_n john_n have_v 20._o john_n 13._o 23_o john_n 20._o 2._o and_o chap._n 21._o 20._o most_o bosom_n communion_n with_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o great_a favourite_n in_o christ_n court_n he_o lean_v on_o christ_n bosom_n he_o can_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o christ_n and_o he_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o can_v have_v any_o thing_n of_o christ_n now_o that_o all_o christian_n do_v not_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n alike_o in_o their_o closet_n may_v be_v thus_o make_v evident_a first_o all_o christian_n do_v not_o prepare_v alike_o to_o enjoy_v closet-communion_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o all_o christian_n do_v not_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n alike_o in_o 17._o eccl._n 5._o 1._o psal_n 10._o 17._o their_o closet_n common_o he_o that_o prepare_v and_o fit_v himself_o most_o for_o closet-communion_n with_o god_n he_o be_v the_o man_n that_o enjoy_v most_o closet-communion_n 20._o 2_o chron._n 30._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o with_o god_n second_o all_o christian_n do_v not_o alike_o prize_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n some_o prize_n communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closert_n before_o all_o &_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n as_o that_o noble_a man_n 〈◊〉_d say_v curse_a 46._o job_n 23._o 12._o psal_n 119._o 127._o mat._n 13._o 45_o 46._o be_v he_o that_o prefer_v all_o the_o world_n to_o one_o hour_n communion_n with_o god_n they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o that_o pearl_n of_o price_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o sell_v all_o and_o part_n with_o all_o other_o prize_v it_o at_o a_o low_a rate_n and_o so_o enjoy_v less_o of_o it_o than_o those_o that_o set_v a_o high_a price_n and_o value_n upon_o it_o three_o all_o christian_n do_v not_o alike_o press_v after_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n some_o press_n after_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n as_o a_o condemn_a man_n press_v after_o a_o pardon_n or_o as_o a_o close_a prisoner_n press_v after_o enlargement_n or_o as_o a_o poor_a beggar_n press_v after_o a_o alm_n now_o you_o know_v 9_o psal_n 73._o 8._o isa_n 26._o 8_o 9_o these_o press_n on_o with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n the_o great_a fervency_n and_o the_o great_a importunity_n immaginable_a but_o other_o press_v after_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n more_o cold_o more_o careless_o more_o slight_o more_o lazy_o i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o coat_n how_o shall_v i_o put_v 3._o cant._n 5._o 3._o it_o on_o i_o have_v wash_v my_o foot_n how_o shall_v i_o defile_v they_o 〈◊〉_d â—ow_o they_o that_o press_v hard_a after_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n they_o be_v usual_o blessed_v with_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o closet-communion_n with_o god_n four_o all_o christian_n do_v it_o alike_o improve_v their_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n and_o therefore_o all_o christian_n do_v enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n alike_o in_o their_o closet_n some_o christian_n do_v make_v a_o more_o wise_a a_o more_o humble_a a_o more_o holy_a a_o more_o faithful_a a_o more_o fruitful_a and_o a_o more_o constant_a improvement_n of_o their_o closet-communion_n with_o god_n than_o other_o do_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v blessed_v with_o high_a degree_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n than_o other_o be_v some_o christian_n do_v more_o improve_v their_o closet-communion_n with_o god_n against_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n than_o other_o do_v and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o they_o do_v enjoy_v more_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n than_o other_o do_v five_o all_o christian_n do_v not_o alike_o need_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n and_o therefore_o all_o christian_n have_v not_o alike_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n all_o christian_n have_v not_o alike_o place_n in_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n ult_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 14_o ult_n some_o rule_n and_o other_o be_v rule_v now_o every_o man_n stand_v in_o more_o or_o less_o need_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o place_n that_o he_o bear_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n again_o all_o christian_n have_v not_o alike_a burden_n to_o bear_v nor_o alike_a difficulty_n to_o encounter_v with_o nor_o a_o like_a danger_n to_o escape_v nor_o alike_a temptation_n to_o wrestle_v with_o nor_o alike_a passion_n and_o corruption_n to_o mortify_v nor_o alike_a mercy_n and_o experience_n to_o improve_v etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o all_o christian_n do_v need_v alike_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n now_o common_o god_n let_v himself_o out_o more_o or_o less_o in_o way_n of_o communion_n according_a as_o the_o various_a necessity_n and_o condition_n of_o his_o people_n do_v require_v six_o and_o last_o all_o christian_n do_v not_o alike_o meet_v with_o outward_a interruption_n nor_o inward_a interruption_n and_o therefore_o all_o christian_n have_v not_o alike_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n some_o christian_n meet_v with_o a_o world_n of_o outward_a and_o inward_a interruption_n more_o than_o other_o do_v some_o christian_n outward_a calling_n relation_n condition_n and_o station_n etc._n etc._n do_v afford_v more_o plentiful_a matter_n and_o occasion_n to_o interrupt_v they_o in_o their_o closet-communion_n with_o god_n than_o other_o christian_n calling_n relation_n condition_n and_o station_n do_v etc._n etc._n beside_o satan_n be_v more_o busy_a with_o some_o christian_n than_o he_o be_v with_o other_o christian_n and_o corruption_n work_v more_o strong_o and_o violent_o in_o some_o christian_n than_o they_o do_v in_o other_o christian_n etc._n etc._n and_o let_v i_o add_v this_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o the_o very_a natural_a temper_n of_o some_o christian_n be_v more_o averse_a to_o closet_n duty_n than_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o other_o christian_n be_v and_o therefore_o all_o christian_n have_v not_o alike_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n but_o some_o have_v more_o and_o some_o have_v less_o according_a as_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n see_v best_a now_o let_v no_o christian_a say_v that_o he_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o closet-prayer_n because_o he_o have_v not_o such_o a_o full_a such_o a_o choice_n such_o a_o sweet_a such_o a_o sensible_a and_o such_o a_o constant_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o closet-prayer_n as_o such_o and_o such_o saint_n have_v have_v or_o as_o such_o and_o such_o saint_n now_o have_v for_o all_o saint_n do_v not_o alike_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n some_o have_v more_o some_o have_v less_o some_o have_v a_o high_a degree_n other_o a_o low_a some_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o three_o heaven_n when_o other_o be_v but_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o cloud_n what_o man_n be_v there_o so_o child_a and_o babish_a as_o to_o argue_v thus_o that_o he_o have_v no_o wisdom_n because_o he_o have_v not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n or_o that_o he_o have_v no_o strength_n because_o he_o have_v not_o the_o strength_n of_o samson_n or_o that_o he_o have_v no_o life_n because_o he_o have_v not_o the_o swiftness_n of_o ahimaaz_n or_o that_o he_o have_v no_o estate_n because_o he_o have_v not_o the_o riches_n of_o dives_n and_o yet_o so_o childish_a and_o babish_a many_o weak_a christian_n be_v as_o to_o argue_v thus_o viz._n that_o they_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n because_o they_o have_v not_o such_o high_a such_o comfortable_a and_o such_o constant_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n as_o such_o and_o such_o saint_n have_v have_v or_o as_o such_o and_o such_o saint_n now_o have_v whereas_o they_o shall_v serious_o consider_v that_o though_o some_o saint_n have_v a_o great_a communion_n with_o god_n yet_o other_o saint_n have_v but_o a_o
blind_a i_o will_v and_o yet_o rebel_v i_o hate_v and_o yet_o i_o love_v i_o follow_v and_o yet_o i_o fall_v i_o press_v forward_o yet_o i_o faint_v i_o wrestle_v yet_o i_o halt_v then_o he_o may_v be_v confident_a that_o he_o have_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o closet_n he_o that_o come_v off_o from_o closet-duty_n in_o a_o self-debasing_a way_n and_o in_o lay_v of_o himself_o low_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o god_n he_o certain_o have_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n but_o when_o man_n come_v out_o of_o their_o closet_n with_o their_o 12._o luke_n 18._o 11_o 12._o heart_n swell_v and_o lift_v up_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o pharisee_n be_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o god_n god_n have_v not_o be_v near_o to_o their_o soul_n who_o say_v stand_v by_o thyself_o come_v not_o near_o to_o i_o for_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o isa_n 65._o 5._o but_o eighthly_a and_o last_o when_o a_o man_n find_v such_o a_o secret_a virtue_n and_o power_n run_v through_o his_o closet-duty_n as_o wound_n and_o weaken_v his_o belove_a corruption_n as_o break_v the_o strength_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o special_a sin_n as_o set_v his_o heart_n more_o full_o resolute_o and_o constant_o against_o his_o darling_n lust_n as_o stir_v up_o a_o great_a rage_n and_o a_o more_o bitter_a hatred_n and_o a_o more_o fierce_a indignation_n against_o the_o toad_n in_o the_o bosom_n then_o certain_o he_o have_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o closet-duty_n consult_v these_o scripture_n isa_n 2._o 20._o in_o that_o day_n a_o man_n shall_v cast_v his_o idol_n of_o silver_n and_o his_o idol_n of_o gold_n which_o they_o have_v make_v each_o one_o for_o himself_o to_o worship_n to_o the_o mole_n and_o to_o the_o bat_n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o god_n shall_v take_v these_o poor_a heart_n 3._o vers_fw-la 3._o into_o communion_n with_o himself_o their_o heart_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o such_o rage_n and_o indignation_n against_o their_o most_o delectable_a and_o desirable_a idol_n that_o they_o shall_v take_v not_o only_o those_o make_v of_o tree_n and_o stone_n but_o even_o their_o most_o precious_a and_o costly_a idol_n those_o that_o be_v make_v of_o silver_n and_o gold_n and_o cast_v they_o to_o the_o mole_n and_o to_o the_o bat_n to_o note_v their_o horrible_a hatred_n and_o indignation_n against_o they_o idolatry_n be_v the_o darling_n sin_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o heart_n be_v so_o exceed_o affect_v and_o delight_v with_o their_o idol_n that_o they_o do_v not_o care_n what_o they_o spend_v upon_o they_o isa_n 46._o 6._o they_o lavish_a gold_n out_o of_o the_o bag_n and_o weigh_v silver_n in_o the_o balance_n and_o hire_v a_o goldsmith_n and_o he_o make_v it_o a_o god_n they_o fall_v down_o yea_o they_o worship_v the_o word_n here_o use_v for_o lavish_a in_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v proper_o to_o waste_v or_o spend_v riotous_o they_o set_v so_o light_a by_o their_o treasure_n that_o they_o care_v not_o what_o they_o spend_v upon_o their_o idol_n god_n give_v they_o gold_n and_o silver_n as_o pledge_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o bounty_n and_o they_o lavish_a it_o out_o upon_o their_o idol_n as_o if_o god_n have_v hire_v they_o to_o be_v wicked_a o_o but_o when_o god_n shall_v come_v and_o take_v these_o poor_a wretch_n into_o a_o close_a and_o near_o communion_n with_o himself_o than_o you_o shall_v find_v their_o wrath_n and_o rage_n to_o rise_v against_o their_o idol_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o that_o isa_n 30._o vers_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21._o their_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v more_o than_o hint_v but_o mark_v verse_n 22._o you_o shall_v defile_v also_o the_o cover_n of_o thy_o grave_a image_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o ornament_n of_o thy_o melt_a image_n of_o gold_n thou_o shall_v cast_v they_o away_o as_o a_o monstrous_a cloth_n thou_o shall_v say_v unto_o it_o get_v thou_o hence_o none_o defile_v deface_v detest_v and_o disgrace_v their_o idol_n like_o those_o that_o be_v take_v into_o communion_n with_o god_n fellowship_n with_o god_n will_v make_v a_o man_n cast_v away_o as_o a_o monstrous_a cloth_n those_o very_a idol_n in_o which_o he_o have_v most_o delight_v and_o with_o which_o he_o have_v be_v most_o please_v and_o enamour_v idol_n be_v ephraim_n bosom_n sin_n hos_n 4._o 17._o ephraim_n be_v join_v or_o glue_v as_o the_o hebrew_n have_v it_o to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o o_o but_o when_o you_o find_v ephraim_n take_v into_o a_o close_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o you_o do_v in_o that_o hos_fw-la 14._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o then_o you_o shall_v find_v another_o spirit_n upon_o he_o v._o 8._o ephraim_n shall_v say_v what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v any_o more_o with_o idol_n i_o have_v have_v too_o much_o to_o do_v with_o they_o already_o i_o will_v never_o have_v to_o do_v with_o they_o any_o more_o o_o how_o do_v my_o soul_n detest_v and_o abhor_v they_o and_o rise_v up_o against_o they_o o_o how_o do_v i_o now_o more_o loath_a and_o abominate_a they_o than_o ever_o i_o have_v former_o love_v they_o or_o delight_v in_o they_o after_o the_o return_n of_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o babylon_n they_o so_o hate_v and_o abhor_a idol_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o roman_n they_o choose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o suffer_v the_o eagle_n which_o be_v the_o imperial_a arm_n to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o their_o temple_n though_o closet-duty_n be_v weak_a in_o themselves_o yet_o when_o a_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o they_o than_o they_o prove_v exceed_o powerful_a to_o the_o cast_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n and_o vain_a imagination_n 5._o â—_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o and_o every_o high_a thing_n and_o thought_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n when_o a_o man_n come_v out_o of_o his_o closet_n with_o a_o heart_n more_o full_o and_o steadfast_o set_v against_o every_o know_a sin_n but_o especial_o against_o his_o bosom_n sin_n his_o darling_n sin_n his_o dalilah_n that_o he_o play_v and_o sport_v himself_o most_o with_o and_o that_o he_o have_v hug_v with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o his_o bosom_n then_o certain_o he_o have_v have_v private_a communion_n with_o god_n after_o moses_n have_v enjoy_v forty_o day_n private_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n how_o do_v his_o heart_n rise_v and_o his_o anger_n wax_v hot_a against_o the_o molten_n calf_n that_o his_o people_n have_v make_v exod._n 32._o 19_o 20._o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o come_v nigh_o unto_o the_o camp_n that_o he_o see_v the_o calf_n and_o the_o dance_n and_o moses_n anger_n wax_v hot_a and_o he_o cast_v the_o table_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o break_v they_o beneath_o the_o mount_n and_o he_o take_v the_o calf_n which_o they_o have_v make_v and_o burn_v it_o in_o the_o fire_n and_o ground_n it_o to_o powder_n &_o straw_v it_o upon_o the_o water_n &_o make_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n drink_n of_o it_o moses_n have_v never_o more_o intimate_a fellowship_n with_o god_n than_o now_o and_o he_o never_o discover_v so_o much_o holy_a zeal_n anger_n and_o indignation_n against_o sin_n as_o now_o when_o a_o man_n come_v off_o from_o the_o mount_n of_o closet-duty_n with_o a_o great_a hatred_n anger_n wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o bosom_n sin_n darling_n sin_n complexion_n sin_n that_o be_v once_o as_o dear_a to_o he_o as_o right_a hand_n or_o right_a eye_n or_o as_o dalilah_n be_v to_o samson_n or_o herodias_n to_o herod_n or_o isaac_n to_o abraham_n or_o joseph_n to_o jacob_n then_o certain_o he_o have_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o those_o duty_n when_o a_o man_n find_v his_o belove_a sin_n his_o dalilah_n which_o like_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n command_v all_o other_o sin_n to_o fall_v before_o his_o closet-duty_n as_o dagon_n fall_v before_o the_o ark_n or_o as_o goliath_n fall_v before_o david_n then_o assure_o he_o have_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o they_o pliny_n write_v of_o some_o family_n that_o have_v privy_a mark_n on_o their_o body_n peculiar_a to_o those_o of_o that_o line_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o family_n no_o person_n but_o have_v some_o sin_n or_o sin_n some_o privy_a mark_n on_o their_o soul_n that_o may_v in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n be_v call_v they_o now_o when_o in_o private_a duty_n they_o find_v the_o bent_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o purpose_n resolution_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o soul_n more_o raise_v inflame_v and_o set_v against_o these_o they_o may_v safe_o and_o comfortable_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o they_o o_o sir_n there_o be_v no_o bosom_n sin_n so_o sweet_a or_o profitable_a that_o be_v worth_a burn_a in_o hell_n for_o or_o worth_a shut_v
what_o temptation_n a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o no_o man_n know_v what_o liberty_n a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o no_o man_n know_v what_o bond_n a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o no_o man_n know_v what_o good_a success_n a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o no_o man_n know_v what_o bad_a success_n a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o and_o therefore_o a_o man_n have_v need_n be_v every_o day_n in_o his_o closet_n with_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v prepare_v and_o fit_v to_o entertain_v and_o improve_v all_o the_o occurrence_n success_n and_o emergency_n that_o may_v attend_v he_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o let_v thus_o much_o suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o this_o first_o objection_n but_o object_n 2._o second_o other_o may_v object_n and_o say_v sir_n we_o grant_v that_o private_a prayer_n be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v servant_n and_o we_o have_v no_o time_n that_o we_o can_v call_v our_o own_o and_o our_o master_n business_n be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o any_o time_n for_o private_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o we_o hope_v we_o may_v be_v excuse_v sol._n 1._o first_o the_o text_n be_v indefinite_a and_o not_o limit_v to_o any_o sort_n or_o rank_n of_o saint_n private_a prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o saint_n as_o saint_n person_n whether_o high_a or_o low_o rich_a or_o poor_a bond_n or_o free_a servant_n or_o master_n but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v the_o door_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a here_o be_v three_o thou_fw-mi thou_o thou_o thou_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v indefinite_o thou_o servant_n as_o well_o as_o thou_o master_n thou_o bondman_n as_o well_o as_o thou_o freeman_n thou_o poor_a man_n as_o well_o as_o thou_o rich_a man_n thou_o maid_n as_o well_o as_o thou_o mistress_n thou_o child_n as_o well_o as_o thou_o father_n thou_o wife_n as_o well_o as_o thou_o husband_n private_a prayer_n be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o sort_n and_o rank_n of_o person_n a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o that_o pronoun_n tutor_n thou_o that_o run_v through_o the_o ten_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o 18._o exod._n 20._o 3_o 18._o god_n before_o i_o thou_o shall_v not_o make_v unto_o thou_o any_o grave_a image_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o thyself_o to_o they_o nor_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o vain_a six_o day_n shall_v thou_o labour_v thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n against_o thy_o neighbour_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v thy_o neighbour_n house_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v thy_o neighbour_n wife_n nor_o his_o man_n servant_n nor_o his_o maid_n servant_n nor_o his_o ox_n nor_o his_o ass_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v thy_o neighbour_n etc._n etc._n relate_v to_o the_o rich_a and_o not_o to_o the_o poor_a to_o master_n and_o not_o to_o servant_n to_o the_o free_a and_o not_o to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o bond_n etc._n etc._n as_o he_o may_v say_v that_o the_o three_o thou_fw-mi in_o the_o text_n relate_v to_o the_o rich_a and_o not_o to_o the_o poor_a to_o master_n and_o not_o to_o servant_n to_o those_o that_o be_v free_a but_o not_o to_o those_o that_o be_v bind_v but_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n that_o will_v say_v so_o that_o will_v affirm_v such_o a_o thing_n doubtless_o this_o pronoune_n thou_o reach_v every_o man_n of_o what_o rank_n or_o quality_n soever_o he_o be_v in_o this_o world_n but_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o first_o the_o three_o the_o four_o the_o five_o the_o six_o the_o seven_o and_o the_o eight_o answer_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o first_o objection_n be_v here_o very_o applicable_a and_o o_o that_o all_o master_n and_o servant_n be_v so_o wise_a so_o serious_a and_o so_o ingenious_a as_o to_o lay_v all_o those_o answer_v warm_a on_o their_o own_o heart_n it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o prevent_v much_o sin_n and_o to_o bespeak_v master_n and_o mistress_n to_o give_v their_o pious_a servant_n a_o little_a more_o time_n to_o lift_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o christ_n in_o a_o corner_n but_o three_o i_o answer_v if_o thou_o be_v a_o servant_n that_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v a_o new_a master_n thou_o be_v better_o remove_v 5._o psal_n 84._o 10_o psal_n 120._o 5._o thy_o station_n than_o live_v under_o such_o a_o master_n roof_n who_o be_v such_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n to_o christ_n to_o religion_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o thy_o poor_a soul_n as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v thou_o half_a a_o hour_n time_n in_o a_o day_n to_o spend_v in_o thy_o chamber_n thy_o closet_n though_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o his_o own_o family_n and_o the_o everlasting_a happiness_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o it_o be_v better_a for_o thou_o to_o shift_v thy_o master_n than_o to_o neglect_v thy_o duty_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 21._o be_v thou_o call_v be_v a_o servant_n care_n not_o for_o it_o but_o if_o thou_o may_v be_v make_v free_a use_v it_o rather_o unvaluable_a justinus_n the_o second_o fmperours_n motto_n be_v libertas_n res_fw-la inestimabilis_fw-la liberty_n be_v unvaluable_a we_o lose_v our_o liberty_n by_o sin_n and_o we_o affect_v nothing_o more_o than_o liberty_n by_o nature_n the_o rabin_n say_v of_o liberty_n that_o if_o the_o heaven_n be_v parchment_n the_o sea_n ink_n and_o every_o pile_n of_o grass_n a_o pen_n the_o praise_n of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v comprise_v nor_o express_v laban_n house_n be_v full_a of_o idol_n great_a house_n be_v often_o so_o jacob_n tent_n be_v little_a but_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v in_o it_o it_o be_v infinite_o better_a to_o live_v in_o jacob_n tent_n than_o in_o laban_n house_n it_o be_v best_a be_v with_o such_o master_n where_o we_o may_v have_v least_o of_o sin_n and_o most_o of_o god_n where_o we_o may_v have_v the_o most_o help_v the_o best_a example_n and_o the_o choice_a encouragement_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o happy_a the_o religious_a servant_n shall_v be_v as_o careful_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o master_n as_o the_o religious_a master_n be_v careful_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o servant_n gracious_a servant_n be_v great_a blessing_n to_o the_o family_n where_o they_o live_v and_o that_o master_n may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o unhappy_a master_n who_o will_v rather_o part_v with_o a_o gracious_a servant_n than_o spare_v he_o a_o little_a time_n in_o a_o day_n to_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o corner_n but_o four_o i_o answer_v if_o thou_o be_v a_o gracious_a servant_n than_o thou_o be_v spirit_v and_o principled_a by_o god_n to_o that_o very_a purpose_n that_o thou_o may_v cry_v abba_n father_n when_o thou_o be_v 14._o rom._n 8._o 15._o gal._n 4._o 6._o 1_o cor._n 6._o 19_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 14._o alone_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o corner_n and_o no_o eye_n see_v thou_o but_z his_o who_o see_v in_o secret_a if_o thou_o be_v a_o gracious_a servant_n than_o thou_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o now_o he_o that_o have_v this_o tree_n of_o life_n he_o have_v also_o the_o fruit_n that_o grow_v upon_o this_o tree_n gal._n 5._o 22_o 23._o but_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n now_o grace_n be_v call_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o because_o all_o grace_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o fruit_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o root_n and_o 2._o to_o note_v the_o pleasantness_n and_o delightfulness_n of_o grace_n for_o what_o be_v more_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a than_o 2._o cant._n 4._o 16._o chap._n 6._o 2._o sweet_a and_o wholesome_a fruit_n 3._o to_o note_v the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n that_o do_v redown_a to_o they_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n for_o as_o many_o grow_v rich_a by_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o garden_n and_o orchard_n so_o many_o grow_v rich_a in_o grace_n in_o holiness_n in_o comfort_n in_o spiritual_a experience_n by_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o why_o have_v god_n give_v thou_o his_o spirit_n and_o why_o have_v he_o lay_v into_o thy_o soul_n a_o stock_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n but_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v every_o way_n qualify_v dispose_v and_o fit_v for_o private_a prayer_n and_o to_o
maintain_v secret_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n certain_o god_n never_o give_v any_o poor_a servant_n a_o talon_n of_o gift_n or_o a_o talon_n of_o grace_n but_o in_o order_n to_o his_o drive_v of_o a_o secret_a trade_n heaven-ward_n five_o i_o answer_v though_o king_n darius_n have_v make_v a_o degree_n that_o none_o shall_v ask_v any_o petition_n of_o any_o god_n or_o man_n for_o thirty_o day_n upon_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n yet_o daniel_n who_o be_v both_o a_o subject_n and_o a_o servant_n to_o king_n darius_n and_o one_o upon_o who_o 10._o dan._n 6._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o hand_n the_o chief_a and_o great_a affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v lie_v do_v keep_v up_o his_o private_a devotion_n in_o the_o first_o &_o second_o verse_n of_o that_o 6_o of_o daniel_n you_o will_v find_v that_o daniel_n have_v abundance_n of_o great_a and_o weighty_a employment_n upon_o his_o hand_n he_o be_v set_v over_o the_o whole_a affair_n of_o the_o whole_a empire_n of_o persia_n and_o he_o with_o two_o other_o precedent_n of_o who_o himself_o be_v chief_a be_v to_o receive_v the_o account_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n from_o all_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o prince_n which_o in_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n be_v employ_v in_o all_o public_a business_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o such_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o business_n as_o lay_v upon_o his_o hand_n and_o notwithstanding_o his_o servile_a condition_n yet_o he_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o redeem_v time_n for_o private_a prayer_n yea_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o heart_n of_o daniel_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o mighty_a business_n be_v so_o much_o set_v upon_o private_a prayer_n upon_o his_o secret_a retirement_n for_o religious_a exercise_n that_o he_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v all_o his_o honour_n profit_n pleasure_n yea_o and_o life_n itself_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v be_v deprive_v of_o convenient_a time_n &_o opportunity_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o his_o chamber_n certain_o daniel_n will_v one_o day_n rise_v in_o judgement_n against_o all_o those_o subject_n and_o servant_n who_o think_v to_o evade_v private_a prayer_n by_o their_o plea_n of_o much_o business_n and_o of_o their_o be_v servant_n etc._n etc._n but_o sixthly_a i_o answer_v if_o you_o who_o be_v gracious_a servant_n notwithstanding_o your_o master_n business_n can_v redeem_v a_o little_a time_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n what_o singular_a thing_n do_v you_o what_o do_v you_o more_o than_o other_o do_v you_o hear_v so_o do_v other_o do_v you_o read_v so_o do_v other_o do_v you_o follow_v your_o master_n to_o public_a prayer_n so_o do_v other_o do_v you_o join_v with_o your_o master_n in_o family_n prayer_n so_o do_v other_o o_o but_o now_o gracious_a servant_n shall_v go_v beyond_o all_o other_o servant_n in_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v do_v singular_a thing_n for_o god_n math._n 5._o 47._o what_o do_v you_o more_o than_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o extraordinary_a thing_n do_v you_o what_o more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o find_v servant_n follow_v their_o master_n to_o public_a prayer_n and_o to_o family_n prayer_n o_o but_o now_o to_o find_v poor_a servant_n to_o redeem_v a_o little_a time_n from_o their_o master_n business_n to_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o corner_n this_o be_v not_o ordinary_a yea_o this_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o this_o do_v wonderful_o well_o become_v gracious_a servant_n o_o that_o all_o man_n servant_n who_o be_v servant_n to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n will_v serious_o consider_v first_o how_o singular_o they_o be_v privilege_v by_o god_n above_o all_o other_o servant_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v 23._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 22_o 23._o call_v adopt_v reconcile_a pardon_v justify_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n which_o other_o servant_n be_v not_o etc._n etc._n and_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o such_o servant_n be_v singular_a in_o their_o service_n who_o be_v so_o singular_a in_o their_o privilege_n second_o gracious_a servant_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o other_o servant_n be_v 2_o peter_n 1._o 4._o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o apostle_n being_n none_o but_o familist_n will_v say_v that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o godhead_n for_o that_o be_v incommunicable_a to_o any_o creature_n the_o essence_n of_o god_n can_v be_v impart_v to_o any_o create_a being_n in_o this_o expression_n do_v not_o aim_v at_o any_o essential_a change_n and_o conversion_n of_o our_o substance_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o only_o at_o the_o elevation_n and_o dignify_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o christ_n though_o that_o real_a that_o near_o that_o dear_a that_o choice_n that_o mysterious_a that_o peculiar_a that_o singular_a union_n that_o christian_n have_v with_o christ_n do_v raise_v they_o up_o to_o a_o high_a similitude_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n than_o ever_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o in_o their_o primitive_a perfection_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o introduce_v any_o real_a transmutation_n either_o of_o our_o body_n or_o soul_n into_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n do_v neither_o mingle_v person_n nor_o unite_v substance_n but_o it_o do_v conjoin_v our_o affection_n and_o bring_v our_o will_n into_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n note_n two_o thing_n say_v some_o first_o a_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o his_o holiness_n second_o a_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o his_o blessedness_n viz._n in_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n and_o brightness_n of_o glory_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n say_v other_o be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o those_o holy_a grace_n those_o divine_a quality_n which_o sometime_o be_v call_v the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o likeness_n of_o god_n the_o life_n of_o god_n 10._o eph._n 4._o 24._o col._n 3._o 10._o etc._n etc._n whereby_o we_o resemble_v god_n not_o only_o as_o a_o picture_n do_v a_o man_n in_o outward_a lineament_n but_o as_o a_o child_n do_v his_o father_n in_o countenance_n and_o condition_n now_o take_v the_o word_n which_o way_n you_o will_v how_o high_o do_v it_o concern_v those_o servant_n that_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o do_v singular_a thing_n for_o god_n to_o do_v such_o thing_n for_o god_n that_o other_o servant_n that_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v no_o mind_n no_o heart_n no_o spirit_n to_o do_v yea_o that_o they_o refuse_v and_o scorn_n to_o do_v three_o gracious_a servant_n be_v worthy_o descend_v they_o have_v the_o most_o illustrious_a extraction_n and_o honourable_a original_n 1_o john_n 5._o 19_o john_n 3._o 8._o james_n 2._o 5._o four_o gracious_a servant_n be_v worthy_o attend_v they_o be_v noble_o guard_v psal_n 34._o 14._o heb._n 1._o ult_n deu._n 33._o 26_o 27._o zach._n 2._o 5._o five_o gracious_a servant_n be_v worthy_o dignify_v they_o be_v dignify_v with_o the_o high_a and_o most_o honourable_a title_n peter_n 1._o 2_o 9_o rev._n 1._o 5_o 6._o rev._n 5_o 10._o six_o take_v many_o thing_n in_o one_o gracious_a servant_n have_v more_o excellent_a grace_n experience_n comfort_n communion_n promise_n assurance_n discovery_n hope_n help_n principle_n diet_n raiment_n portion_n than_o all_o other_o servant_n in_o the_o world_n have_v and_o therefore_o god_n may_v well_o expect_v better_a and_o great_a thing_n from_o they_o than_o from_o all_o other_o servant_n in_o the_o world_n god_n may_v very_o well_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v singular_a thing_n for_o his_o glory_n who_o have_v do_v such_o singular_a thing_n for_o their_o good_a certain_o god_n expect_v that_o gracious_a servant_n shall_v be_v a_o blessing_n of_o he_o when_o other_o servant_n be_v a_o blaspheme_n of_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o magnify_v of_o he_o when_o other_o servant_n be_v a_o debase_v of_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o redeem_n of_o precious_a time_n when_o other_o servant_n be_v a_o trifle_a fool_v play_v or_o sin_v away_o of_o procious_a time_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o weep_n in_o a_o corner_n when_o other_o servant_n be_v a_o sport_v and_o make_v themselves_o merry_a among_o their_o jovall_a companion_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o mourning_n in_o secret_a when_o other_o servant_n be_v a_o sin_v in_o secret_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o their_o private_a devotion_n when_o other_o servant_n be_v sleep_v and_o snort_v etc._n etc._n sâ—lâ—mon_n that_o be_v the_o wise_a