book_n call_v a_o help_n to_o better_a heart_n for_o better_a time_n pag._n 196_o 197._o read_n more_o of_o this_o subject_a there_o be_v some_o separate_a duty_n that_o prepare_v for_o other_o as_o examination_n meditation_n prayer_n and_o they_o do_v prepare_v by_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o provide_v a_o heavenly_a assistance_n to_o begin_v with_o we_o in_o the_o duty_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o always_o have_v separate_v time_n betwixt_o other_o occasion_n and_o god_n worship_n yet_o have_v some_o separate_a thought_n ere_o thou_o enter_v upon_o the_o duty_n thou_o be_v not_o fit_a else_o to_o meddle_v with_o wisdom_n thus_o he_o it_o be_v true_a some_o have_v not_o the_o leisure_n that_o other_o have_v yet_o so_o much_o preparation_n be_v necessary_a for_o every_o duty_n as_o may_v withdraw_v the_o heart_n from_o other_o object_n and_o weight_n the_o spirit_n with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o work_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o sometime_o this_o may_v be_v do_v sudden_o yet_o as_o for_o such_o as_o have_v more_o time_n to_o work_v upon_o their_o heart_n and_o state_n their_o soul_n case_n by_o muster_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o work_n neglect_v a_o duty_n and_o can_v ground_o expect_v the_o lord_n presence_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n people_n miss_v of_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n at_o least_o one_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o make_v such_o conscience_n and_o take_v such_o care_n of_o prepare_v their_o heart_n as_o they_o ought_v ah_o christian_n when_o you_o come_v into_o your_o closet_n sit_v down_o and_o pause_v a_o little_a before_o you_o fall_v down_o upon_o your_o knee_n clear_v up_o your_o state_n shake_v off_o other_o business_n set_v yourselves_o in_o god_n presence_n and_o muster_v up_o your_o sin_n or_o want_n or_o mercy_n you_o purpose_v to_o spread_v before_o the_o lord_n a_o client_n will_v consider_v all_o his_o matter_n before_o he_o come_v to_o state_n his_o case_n to_o his_o advocate_n a_o poor_a patient_n will_v bethink_v himself_o how_o he_o be_v that_o he_o may_v tell_v his_o ailing_n to_o his_o physician_n and_o a_o petitioner_n will_v not_o go_v hand_n over_o head_n unto_o his_o prince_n but_o order_n his_o cause_n before_o hand_n that_o he_o may_v plead_v it_o more_o effectual_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o much_o more_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n sect_n iii_o direction_n concern_v the_o essential_o of_o secret_a prayer_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o rule_n be_v concern_v some_o thing_n essential_o requisite_a to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n which_o you_o be_v to_o look_v to_o in_o the_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v such_o as_o be_v require_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o prayer_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v perform_v 1._o with_o the_o heart_n 2._o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o according_a to_o god_n will_n 4._o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 1._o secret_a prayer_n must_v he_o hearty_a prayer_n a_o heartless_a duty_n be_v a_o worthless_a duty_n yea_o the_o whole_a heart_n must_v be_v engage_v in_o it_o psal_n 119.10_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n have_v i_o seek_v thou_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o god_n chief_o look_v after_o prov._n 23.26_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n nothing_o else_o can_v please_v god_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v want_v if_o the_o heart_n be_v engage_v in_o the_o duty_n he_o will_v rather_o dispense_v with_o other_o weakness_n where_o there_o be_v not_o wilful_a negligence_n observe_v it_o in_o that_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o perform_v with_o other_o a_o man_n gift_n may_v be_v of_o use_n though_o his_o heart_n go_v not_o along_o with_o his_o voice_n but_o in_o closet-prayer_n it_o do_v no_o good_a at_o all_o except_o the_o heart_n be_v engage_v therefore_o god_n principal_o require_v the_o heart_n in_o other_o duty_n in_o this_o he_o only_o require_v the_o heart_n for_o the_o voice_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o love_n and_o serve_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n 33._o mark_v 12.30_o 33._o soul_n mind_n strength_n be_v a_o keep_n of_o the_o law_n and_o more_o than_o all_o whole_a burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n we_o shall_v pray_v with_o every_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o with_o the_o utmost_a strength_n of_o every_o faculty_n 9_o mat._n 15.8_o 9_o god_n deserve_v and_o require_v our_o strong_a affection_n that_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a worship_n that_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o heart_n right_a attendance_n on_o god_n be_v a_o engage_v the_o heart_n to_o approach_v to_o god_n christian_n 30.21_o jer._n 30.21_o in_o all_o your_o address_n to_o god_n mind_n the_o object_n of_o worship_n let_v the_o subject_n worship_v and_o object_n worship_v be_v close_o unite_v look_v beyond_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o a_o ordinance_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o a_o ordinance_n god_n dear_a child_n know_v what_o this_o mean_n for_o sometime_o they_o be_v more_o take_v up_o with_o expression_n affection_n or_o some_o accidental_n in_o the_o performance_n than_o with_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n they_o shall_v be_v intent_n upon_o but_o this_o be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o whatsoever_o interpose_v betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o god_n to_o divert_v the_o thought_n from_o god_n be_v a_o idol_n 70._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 70._o ezek._n 14.3_o these_o man_n have_v set_v up_o their_o idol_n in_o their_o heart_n sept._n read_v it_o they_o have_v put_v their_o thought_n upon_o their_o heart_n i_o e._n they_o have_v commit_v idolatry_n with_o their_o own_o imagination_n instead_o of_o worship_v god_n their_o mind_n have_v stick_v upon_o something_o short_a of_o god_n after_o which_o they_o have_v as_o it_o be_v run_v a_o whore_v even_o in_o the_o duty_n i_o shall_v not_o deliver_v that_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o useful_a note_n i_o fear_v many_o of_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a finespun_a idolatry_n by_o heterogeneal_a thought_n in_o holy_a duty_n that_o pluck_v we_o from_o god_n when_o we_o be_v approach_v to_o he_o the_o lord_n humble_v we_o for_o this_o and_o fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o god_n that_o we_o may_v say_v as_o the_o church_n isa_n 26.8_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o thy_o name_n and_o to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o cyprian_n say_v 246._o cogitatio_fw-la omnis_fw-la secularis_fw-la &_o carnalis_fw-la at_o sced_a nec_fw-la quicquam_fw-la tunc_fw-la animus_n quam_fw-la id_fw-la solum_fw-la cogitet_fw-la quod_fw-la precatur_fw-la ideo_fw-la &_o sacerdos_fw-la ante_fw-la orationem_fw-la prefatione_fw-la praemissa_fw-la parat_fw-la sratrum_fw-la mentes_fw-la dicendo_fw-la sursam_fw-la corda_fw-la ut_fw-la dura_fw-la respondet_fw-la plebs_fw-la habemus_fw-la ad_fw-la dominum_fw-la ad_fw-la moneatur_fw-la nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la se_fw-la quam_fw-la dominum_fw-la cogitare_fw-la debere_fw-la câ—p._n serm._n de_fw-fr orat_fw-la dâ—m_fw-la p_o 246._o every_o secular_a thought_n must_v depart_v and_o the_o mind_n must_v be_v take_v up_o with_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o be_v about_o he_o tell_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n be_v that_o the_o minister_n before_o prayer_n prepare_v the_o people_n mind_n say_n sursum_fw-la corda_fw-la lift_v up_o your_o heart_n and_o they_o answer_v habemus_fw-la ad_fw-la dominum_fw-la we_o have_v they_o up_o to_o the_o lord_n whereby_o say_v he_o we_o be_v admonish_v that_o in_o prayer_n we_o must_v think_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o lord_n what_o the_o minister_n say_v to_o the_o people_n do_v you_o say_v to_o yourselves_o sursum_fw-la corda_fw-la lift_v up_o your_o heart_n let_v every_o one_o say_v i_o be_o now_o worship_v a_o heart-searching_a god_n oh_o that_o my_o heart_n be_v with_o god_n 239._o ascensus_fw-la mentis_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la luth._o collâ—q_n mist_n fol._n 239._o the_o ancient_n say_v luther_n fine_o describe_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o ascent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n oh_o that_o i_o do_v experimental_o know_v what_o this_o mean_n in_o syntaxi_n i._n e._n in_o couple_v and_o join_v of_o my_o heart_n to_o god_n lord_n gather_v in_o my_o rove_a and_o wander_a spirit_n this_o be_v the_o first_o direction_n mind_v the_o frame_n of_o your_o heart_n 2._o implore_v and_o expect_v the_o spirit_n assistance_n prayer_n must_v be_v by_o the_o spirit_n enlarge_n influence_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n 8.26_o zech._n 12.10_o rom._n 8.26_o it_o help_v our_o infirmity_n by_o make_v soul_n to_o cry_v out_o abba_n father_n with_o unutterable_a groan_n a_o christian_a shall_v spread_v the_o sail_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o the_o gale_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o will_v carry_v the_o pray_a saint_n apace_o towards_o god_n yea_o and_o
reach_v the_o ear_n of_o god_n for_o he_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n 20._o phil._n 3.3_o judas_n 20._o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o worship_a god_n in_o the_o spirit_n a_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i._n e._n either_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n or_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o pray_v the_o soul_n be_v actuate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 13.11_o see_v mark_n 11.36_o &_o 13.11_o for_o i_o conceive_v it_o may_v import_v the_o former_a as_o well_o as_o the_o latter_a as_o other_o scripture_n compare_v hold_v forth_o alas_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v put_v up_o such_o petition_n as_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v or_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v no_o way_n suitable_a to_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n the_o truth_n be_v christian_n you_o will_v but_o bungle_v at_o the_o work_n without_o this_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o god_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o you_o except_o he_o hear_v his_o own_o language_n do_v not_o think_v you_o can_v wrestle_v out_o the_o business_n yourselves_o you_o must_v be_v behold_v to_o god_n for_o help_v in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o for_o hear_v your_o prayer_n your_o own_o spirit_n will_v not_o carry_v you_o to_o heaven_n that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o earth_n be_v earthly_a and_o rise_v no_o high_a than_o earth_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v elevate_v your_o soul_n to_o god_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o sir_n beg_v the_o spirit_n yield_v to_o its_o motion_n improve_v its_o operation_n say_v when_o you_o be_v go_v to_o duty_n lord_n now_o stir_v up_o thyself_o and_o stir_v up_o thy_o grace_n in_o my_o heart_n awake_v oh_o northwind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n blow_v upon_o thy_o garden_n cant._n 4.16_o my_o soul_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v out_o that_o grace_n may_v be_v exercise_v and_o exert_v lord_n i_o be_o low_a flat_a hard_o send_v the_o powerful_a arm_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n to_o work_v all_o gracious_a disposition_n in_o i_o and_o raise_v up_o my_o affection_n to_o thou_o i_o see_v i_o be_o below_o the_o duty_n and_o infinite_o below_o thou_o in_o the_o duty_n but_o thou_o and_o thou_o alone_o can_v raise_v i_o up_o quicken_v soften_v my_o dead_a and_o rocky_a heart_n come_v lord_n and_o show_v thy_o powerful_a arm_n let_v it_o appear_v what_o god_n can_v do_v for_o a_o sorry_a worm_n oh_o lift_v i_o up_o to_o thou_o that_o my_o soul_n may_v enjoy_v some_o sweet_a communion_n with_o thou_o send_v thy_o spirit_n to_o fetch_v in_o my_o wanton_a wander_a heart_n oh_o for_o some_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o burn_v up_o my_o sacrifice_n or_o else_o it_o will_v lie_v like_o a_o lump_n of_o flesh_n and_o be_v no_o true_a holocaust_n of_o pure_a incense_n before_o thou_o let_v thy_o spirit_n scatter_v these_o mist_n of_o ignorance_n and_o drive_v away_o these_o fly_n of_o distract_n thought_n that_o my_o heart_n may_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o my_o performance_n may_v be_v as_o sweet_a savour_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o god_n sect_n iu._n more_o essential_o in_o secret_a prayer_n a_o three_o ingredient_n in_o prayer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o god_n will_n it_o must_v have_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n a_o word_n of_o precept_n or_o promise_v or_o example_n must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o petition_n a_o command_n be_v our_o warrant_n a_o promise_n our_o encouragement_n a_o example_n be_v our_o tract_n and_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n wherein_o we_o must_v walk_v he_o that_o ask_v amiss_o shall_v not_o speed_v but_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o and_o then_o we_o know_v we_o have_v the_o petition_n that_o we_o desire_v of_o he_o 1_o joh._n 5.14_o 15._o now_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n when_o both_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o petition_n be_v aright_o and_o our_o end_n in_o ask_v be_v god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o or_o other_o spiritual_a good_a otherwise_o if_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n what_o we_o conceit_n to_o be_v a_o mercy_n and_o have_v not_o ask_v counsel_n at_o god_n mouth_n or_o ask_v so_o as_o to_o consume_v it_o upon_o our_o lust_n we_o may_v well_o meet_v with_o a_o denial_n my_o friend_n you_o may_v not_o say_v what_o you_o please_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n consider_v god_n be_v in_o heaven_n you_o be_v on_o earth_n therefore_o be_v not_o rash_a with_o your_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n let_v your_o word_n be_v few_o and_o well_o weigh_v eccles_n 5.2_o the_o work_n you_o be_v about_o be_v a_o solemn_a business_n do_v not_o ramble_v in_o extravagant_a desire_n of_o unlawful_a thing_n think_v not_o that_o god_n will_v patronize_v your_o lust_n and_o when_o you_o have_v ask_v that_o which_o you_o conceive_v be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n refer_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o will_n say_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v do_v submit_v yourselves_o to_o his_o dispose_n for_o time_n manner_n mean_n and_o all_o circumstance_n for_o give_v of_o it_o ask_v temporal_a mercy_n conditional_o and_o spiritual_a comfort_n with_o submission_n to_o god_n will_v learn_v that_o petition_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v to_o pray_v it_o as_o well_o as_o say_v it_o indeed_o luther_n can_v say_v let_v thy_o will_n be_v do_v but_o he_o come_v off_o with_o this_o my_o will_n lord_n because_o my_o will_n be_v melt_v into_o thou_o there_o be_v but_o one_o will_n betwixt_o we_o let_v god_n will_v be_v your_o will_n it_o be_v fit_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v wise_a than_o we_o consider_v 255._o haec_fw-la repraesentatio_fw-la debet_fw-la esse_fw-la submissa_fw-la &_o humilis_fw-la alius_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la esset_fw-la precatio_fw-la religiosa_fw-la à _fw-la creatura_fw-la subdita_fw-la ad_fw-la supremum_fw-la numen_fw-la &_o creatorem_fw-la directa_fw-la sed_fw-la vel_fw-la imperium_fw-la superioris_fw-la ergo_fw-la inferiorem_fw-la vel_fw-la quasi_fw-la familiaris_fw-la collocutio_fw-la quatis_fw-la est_fw-la inter_fw-la aequales_fw-la ames_n medull_n theol_fw-it lib._n 2.6_o p._n 255._o a_o man_n can_v pray_v in_o faith_n for_o that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o ask_v beside_o amesius_n say_v if_o a_o man_n come_v not_o with_o a_o humble_a submission_n to_o god_n will_v it_o be_v not_o a_o religious_a prayer_n direct_v to_o the_o supreme_a creator_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o command_n by_o a_o superior_a to_o a_o inferior_a or_o a_o familiar_a discourse_n as_o among_o equal_n therefore_o let_v we_o humble_o plead_v go_n will_n as_o abraham_n do_v gen._n 18.27_o further_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o to_o incline_v god_n before_o unwilling_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o desire_n for_o with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o change_n but_o that_o we_o may_v obtain_v of_o he_o by_o prayer_n what_o we_o know_v aforehand_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v last_o consider_v we_o christ_n example_n mat._n 26.39_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v this_o be_v right_o pray_v to_o ground_v our_o petition_n upon_o a_o promise_n yet_o free_o to_o leave_v all_o at_o god_n foot_n to_o dispose_v of_o we_o as_o he_o see_v good_a our_o prayer_n and_o god_n promise_n shall_v point_v towards_o each_o other_o as_o those_o two_o figure_n 9_o and_o 6._o promise_n do_v bend_v downward_o and_o after_o the_o same_o motion_n must_v our_o prayer_n ascend_v upward_o so_o will_v there_o be_v a_o bless_a harmony_n and_o seasonable_a return_n this_o be_v the_o three_o direction_n let_v your_o prayer_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n 4._o improve_v your_o advocate_n joh._n 14.13_o whatsoever_o you_o ask_v in_o my_o name_n that_o will_v i_o do_v to_o ask_v any_o thing_n in_o his_o name_n be_v not_o rude_o customary_o or_o complemental_o to_o conclude_v with_o these_o word_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o confidence_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n to_o call_v upon_o our_o heavenly_a father_n as_o daniel_n plead_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n dan._n 9.17_o for_o since_o the_o fall_n none_o can_v come_v immediate_o to_o god_n but_o through_o a_o mediator_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o fetch_v a_o compass_n by_o the_o groundless_a invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n i_o hope_v you_o have_v otherwise_o learned_a christ_n i_o be_o most_o afraid_a in_o the_o practic_a part_n that_o in_o particular_a act_n at_o least_o precious_a soul_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o miscarry_v especial_o in_o closet-prayer_n when_o a_o christian_a be_v get_v alone_o and_o there_o find_v a_o sweet_a gale_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n help_v his_o heart_n to_o mourn_v for_o sin_n bewail_v
you_o leave_v any_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n tarry_v for_o your_o attendance_n the_o thought_n of_o they_o will_v attend_v you_o and_o make_v you_o cut_v your_o duty_n short_a and_o run_v away_o before_o your_o heart_n be_v warm_v therefore_o if_o it_o may_v be_v dispatch_v they_o however_o rid_v your_o heart_n of_o they_o the_o heathen_a leave_v their_o shoe_n at_o the_o temple-door_n to_o show_v that_o all_o earthly_a occasion_n and_o affection_n must_v be_v leave_v behind_o when_o we_o go_v to_o god_n let_v vain_a or_o busy_a thought_n have_v there_o no_o part_n bring_v not_o thy_o blow_n thy_o plot_n thy_o pleasure_n thither_o christ_n purge_v his_o temple_n so_o must_v thou_o thy_o heart_n all_o worldly_a thought_n be_v but_o thief_n meet_v together_o to_o cozen_v thou_o herbert_n sect_n ii_o two_o more_o preparative_n to_o secret_a prayer_n 3._o set_v yourselves_o in_o god_n presence_n although_o you_o be_v not_o within_o the_o view_n of_o any_o mortal_a creature_n yet_o the_o eternal_a god_n see_v what_o you_o be_v a_o go_v about_o so_o say_v the_o text_n your_o father_n see_v in_o secret_a darkness_n or_o clossness_n hide_v not_o from_o he_o and_o it_o be_v more_o that_o one_o god_n see_v you_o than_o if_o all_o the_o man_n on_o earth_n gaze_v at_o you_o his_o eye_n be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n bright_a than_o the_o sun_n and_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n 66.18_o heb._n 1.13_o psal_n 26.6_o psal_n 66.18_o therefore_o wash_v your_o hand_n in_o innocency_n before_o you_o compass_v his_o altar_n for_o if_o you_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o your_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v your_o prayer_n therefore_o set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o you_o especial_o now_o you_o be_v set_n yourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n if_o that_o caveat_n be_v enough_o to_o beget_v reverence_n in_o a_o heathen_a cato_n cave_n spectat_fw-la cato_n cato_n see_v thou_o oh_o what_o reverence_n will_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n omnipresence_n beget_v in_o thy_o heart_n if_o due_o weigh_v christian_n weight_n your_o spirit_n with_o such_o meditation_n as_o these_o god_n eye_n be_v never_o off_o i_o i_o be_o daily_o walk_v in_o the_o sun_n but_o now_o i_o be_o set_v myself_o to_o pray_v in_o secret_a i_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n i_o may_v deceive_v man_n and_o myself_o but_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v i_o have_v need_v now_o engage_v my_o heart_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o look_v for_o oh_o for_o a_o spirit_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o majesty_n who_o i_o come_v to_o worship_n lord_n draw_v out_o my_o affection_n unite_v my_o heart_n excite_v my_o grace_n that_o my_o whole_a soul_n may_v be_v carry_v after_o god_n thus_o commit_v thy_o work_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o thy_o thought_n shall_v be_v establish_v 16.3_o psal_n 37.5_o prov._n 16.3_o when_o thou_o be_v set_v thy_o face_n towards_o a_o duty_n where_o thou_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v satan_n and_o carry_v with_o thou_o a_o corrupt_a deceitful_a heart_n let_v god_n know_v from_o thy_o mouth_n whither_o thou_o be_v go_v what_o thy_o fear_n be_v never_o say_v one_o do_v the_o soul_n march_v in_o so_o good_a order_n as_o when_o it_o put_v itself_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n and_o never_o be_v it_o so_o awful_a as_o when_o it_o set_v itself_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n gen._n 17.1_o i_o be_o god_n almighty_a walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a when_o you_o sensible_o discern_v you_o be_v kneel_v before_o god_n will_v not_o this_o make_v you_o perfect_a sincere_a and_o grow_v holy_a if_o you_o think_v god_n be_v not_o in_o your_o closet_n what_o do_v you_o go_v to_o pray_v there_o for_o and_o if_o you_o know_v he_o see_v you_o there_o why_o do_v you_o not_o think_v so_o and_o set_v yourselves_o as_o in_o his_o presence_n the_o child_n will_v stand_v demure_o before_o his_o father_n the_o scholar_n before_o his_o master_n and_o so_o will_v the_o gracious_a soul_n before_o god_n in_o duty_n if_o sensible_a of_o his_o presence_n 4._o muster_v up_o your_o thought_n and_o way_n our_o thought_n and_o affection_n be_v like_o the_o string_n of_o a_o instrument_n out_o of_o tune_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o wind_n and_o screw_v they_o up_o this_o be_v that_o which_o zophar_n advise_v to_o job_n 11.13_o to_o prepare_v the_o heart_n and_o then_o stretch_v forth_o the_o hand_n and_o for_o this_o end_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o when_o you_o come_v into_o a_o private_a room_n to_o pray_v in_o secret_a first_o to_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o scripture_n which_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o compose_v your_o spirit_n and_o like_o david_n harp_n to_o saul_n drive_v away_o your_o wild_a imagination_n yea_o the_o word_n read_v may_v afford_v you_o suitable_a matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n more_o particular_o let_v i_o add_v one_o experience_a help_n which_o be_v this_o when_o you_o be_v addressing_z yourselves_o to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n endeavour_v to_o fix_v your_o thought_n upon_o some_o particular_a subject_n to_o enlarge_v upon_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o you_o have_v sometime_o one_o special_a errand_n to_o god_n sometime_o another_o if_o you_o observe_v your_o condition_n well_o be_v sure_a to_o mind_n that_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o confess_v some_o predominant_a sin_n to_o beg_v pardon_n of_o it_o power_n against_o it_o you_o may_v have_v in_o your_o eye_n some_o grace_n that_o you_o need_v more_o than_o ordinary_o and_o see_v your_o weakness_n and_o defect_n therein_o etc._n etc._n now_o do_v not_o satisfy_v yourselves_o in_o run_v out_o into_o general_n only_o but_o set_v yourselves_o to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o your_o soul_n in_o that_o very_a case_n which_o you_o have_v find_v out_o by_o serious_a inquiry_n will_v most_o engage_v you_o at_o that_o time_n to_o go_v to_o god_n about_o expatiate_v principal_o upon_o that_o subject_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o take_n to_o ourselves_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n direct_v we_o to_o lex_fw-la hos_fw-la 14.2_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d verbum_fw-la res_fw-la negotium_fw-la vid._n buxt_n lex_fw-la in_o prayer_n not_o a_o form_n of_o such_o and_o such_o phrase_n but_o some_o special_a subject_a matter_n to_o speak_v to_o our_o god_n about_o the_o word_n in_o hebrew_n import_v so_o much_o now_o a_o intent_n and_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o such_o a_o special_a subject_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o use_n in_o these_o two_o respect_n 1._o you_o will_v find_v it_o a_o help_n against_o distraction_n wander_n withdrawing_n from_o god_n when_o you_o purposely_o set_v yourselves_o to_o mind_n one_o thing_n you_o will_v be_v more_o intent_n upon_o it_o and_o lay_v out_o more_o pain_n about_o it_o than_o when_o you_o allow_v yourselves_o liberty_n in_o variety_n of_o matter_n when_o the_o stream_n run_v one_o way_n fortior_fw-la vis_fw-fr unita_fw-la fortior_fw-la it_o be_v strong_a than_o disperse_v into_o several_a channel_n so_o when_o the_o christian_a unite_v his_o strength_n to_o plead_v with_o god_n about_o a_o particular_a business_n he_o be_v usual_o more_o warm_a and_o affectionate_a and_o so_o less_o subject_a to_o distraction_n 2._o it_o will_v help_v you_o to_o enlarge_v yourselves_o in_o spread_a particular_a case_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o pat_o and_o proper_a expression_n even_o before_o other_o as_o you_o have_v a_o call_v and_o opportunity_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n when_o a_o person_n can_v particular_o and_o pathetical_o lie_v open_v a_o condition_n plead_v with_o god_n improve_v promise_n and_o rational_o expostulate_v even_o with_o the_o almighty_a about_o a_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a concernment_n this_o holy_a art_n be_v get_v by_o a_o frequency_n in_o secret_a prayer_n and_o particular_a plead_n for_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o last_o preparatory_a think_v beforehand_o what_o business_n you_o have_v to_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o drive_v that_o nail_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o head_n you_o can_v think_v to_o speak_v of_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n at_o one_o time_n but_o take_v that_o which_o be_v of_o present_a emergent_a use_n and_o importance_n and_o set_v yourselves_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o that_o follow_v that_o home_n till_o you_o feel_v your_o heart_n be_v warm_v and_o affect_v and_o so_o have_v some_o token_n for_o good_a that_o god_n will_v return_v a_o sensible_a answer_n you_o will_v say_v must_v we_o thus_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o every_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n we_o have_v not_o time_n for_o it_o i_o shall_v answer_v this_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o dear_a and_o reverend_a father_n angier_n subject_a his_o
rule_n 3._o for_o the_o season_n the_o apostle_n say_v pray_v continual_o or_o without_o cease_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o as_o it_o be_v canonical_a hour_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o a_o christian_n discretion_n must_v interpose_v only_o in_o this_o case_n take_v the_o fit_a season_n for_o secret_a prayer_n as_o when_o you_o be_v most_o at_o leisure_n from_o worldly_a business_n most_o free_a from_o company_n lest_o in_o danger_n of_o drowsiness_n oh_o christian_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a put_v not_o off_o your_o secret_a devotion_n too_o long_o till_o you_o go_v to_o bed_n than_o you_o be_v fit_a for_o rest_n and_o sleep_v than_o for_o wrestle_v with_o god_n on_o your_o knee_n and_o then_o for_o the_o frequency_n no_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v david_n and_o daniel_n pray_v three_o time_n a_o day_n 6.10_o psal_n 55.17_o dan._n 6.10_o mourning_n noon_n and_o night_n noontime_n be_v the_o six_o hour_n which_o be_v also_o a_o time_n of_o prayer_n act._n 10.9_o other_o also_o observe_v the_o nine_o hour_n which_o be_v three_o a_o clock_n in_o the_o afternoon_n act._n 3.1_o 274._o dr._n ham._n pract_n cat._n l._n 3._o sect._n 2._o p._n 274._o certain_o the_o three_o hour_n i._n e._n nine_o in_o the_o morning_n be_v a_o hour_n of_o prayer_n act_n 2.15_o and_o so_o be_v evening_n six_o at_o night_n say_v some_o david_n add_v a_o seven_o in_o psal_n 119.164_o seven_o time_n a_o day_n will_v i_o praise_v thou_o which_o may_v only_o denote_v frequency_n in_o the_o duty_n some_o of_o these_o may_v seem_v extraordinary_a case_n the_o ordinary_a season_n the_o saint_n have_v take_v 141.2_o exod._n 29.38_o 39_o psal_n 5.3_o &_o 88.13_o &_o 141.2_o have_v be_v morning_n and_o evening_n according_a to_o the_o jew_n sacrifice_n of_o a_o lamb_n at_o those_o season_n in_o the_o morning_n our_o spirit_n be_v fresh_a and_o lively_a at_o evening_n we_o may_v find_v the_o bypass_a matter_n of_o the_o day_n a_o fit_a occasion_n for_o prayer_n and_o praise_n it_o will_v do_v well_o to_o take_v isaac_n season_n for_o devotion_n even_o about_o sunset_a or_o the_o shut_n in_o of_o the_o day_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o too_o peremptory_o impose_v in_o these_o undetermined_a circumstance_n only_o take_v that_o general_a rule_n 1_o pet._n 4.7_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o three_o 4._o for_o the_o voice_n the_o articulate_a sound_n of_o word_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o prayer_n and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o convenient_a in_o closet-prayer_n which_o shall_v be_v manage_v private_o betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n approve_v the_o heart_n to_o god_n as_o sole_a witness_n of_o his_o sincerity_n except_o through_o some_o ecstasy_n and_o strong_a motion_n of_o the_o affection_n the_o soul_n desire_n break_v out_o in_o the_o lip_n beyond_o its_o first_o intention_n i_o know_v mr._n john_n carter_n that_o eminent_a man_n of_o god_n do_v purposely_o use_v his_o voice_n in_o secret_a prayer_n for_o these_o two_o reason_n life_n mr._n clark_n in_o his_o life_n 1_o because_o he_o sound_v it_o a_o help_n to_o his_o affection_n 2._o because_o it_o be_v a_o example_n to_o his_o family_n i_o must_v not_o therefore_o lay_v any_o necessity_n in_o these_o variable_a circumstance_n only_o i_o humble_o conceive_v it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o closet-prayer_n to_o perform_v it_o so_o as_o none_o else_o may_v take_v notice_n thereof_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o mention_v a_o few_o passage_n out_o of_o cyprian_a to_o this_o purpose_n 410._o no_o ut_fw-la impudentis_fw-la eye_n clamoribus_fw-la strepere_fw-la itae_fw-la contra_fw-la congruit_fw-la verocundo_fw-la modestis_fw-la precibus_fw-la or_o be_v quia_fw-la deus_fw-la non_fw-la vocis_fw-la sed_fw-la cordis_fw-la auditor_n est_fw-la et_fw-la paulo_n post_fw-la quod_fw-la anni_fw-la in_o primo_fw-la regno_fw-la they_o libro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la typum_fw-la portans_fw-la custodit_fw-la &_o seruat_fw-la quae_fw-la dominum_fw-la non_fw-la clamosa_fw-la petitione_n sed_fw-la tacit_a &_o modeste_fw-la intrae_fw-la ipsas_fw-la pectoris_fw-la latebras_fw-la precabatuâ—_n loquebatur_fw-la prece_fw-la occulta_fw-la sed_fw-la man_n feâ—a_fw-la fide_fw-la cypr._n serm._n de_fw-fr orat._n dom._n p._n 409._o 410._o it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o unmannerly_a impudence_n to_o make_v a_o noise_n with_o loud_a clamour_n but_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o a_o modest_a spirit_n to_o pray_v with_o silent_a groan_n for_o god_n be_v the_o hearer_n not_o of_o the_o voice_n but_o of_o the_o heart_n he_o make_v hannah_n a_o type_n of_o the_o church_n who_o pray_v not_o with_o clamorous_a petition_n but_o with_o work_a affection_n within_o the_o lurk_a hole_n as_o it_o be_v of_o her_o breast_n she_o speak_v with_o hide_a prayer_n but_o manifest_a faith_n so_o he_o thus_o much_o for_o circumstance_n of_o closet-prayer_n wherein_o i_o be_o more_o short_a and_o rich_a in_o impose_v any_o thing_n on_o the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v free_a in_o his_o word_n only_o in_o general_n take_v notice_n that_o though_o accidental_a circumstance_n that_o concern_v a_o duty_n be_v mutable_a yet_o by_o the_o wise_a order_n of_o those_o circumstance_n they_o will_v become_v singular_a help_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o a_o duty_n sect_n ii_o duty_n concomitant_a to_o closet-prayer_n 4._o the_o last_o sort_n of_o duty_n and_o direction_n concern_v closet-prayer_n be_v such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v after_o the_o duty_n be_v perform_v which_o i_o call_v consequent_a or_o concomitant_a duty_n these_o be_v four_o viz._n 1._o observe_v god_n appearance_n 2._o walk_v suitable_o 3._o wait_v for_o return_n 4._o communicate_v experience_n 1._o when_o you_o have_v be_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o closet-prayer_n observe_v how_o god_n have_v be_v deal_v with_o your_o heart_n that_o you_o may_v be_v suitable_o dispose_v and_o affect_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v with-drawn_a himself_o from_o you_o leave_v you_o under_o hardness_n deadness_n distraction_n uncomfortablenesse_n you_o be_v to_o mourn_v for_o it_o inquire_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o reflect_v upon_o yourselves_o see_v what_o guilt_n there_o be_v upon_o conscience_n which_o separate_v betwixt_o god_n and_o your_o soul_n and_o then_o if_o time_n permit_v fall_v to_o it_o again_o lament_v the_o sin_n be_v ingenuous_a in_o confession_n make_v strong_a resolution_n remove_v all_o obstruction_n that_o god_n and_o your_o soul_n may_v not_o be_v at_o any_o distance_n reckon_v straight_o and_o make_v up_o your_o account_n part_v friend_n that_o you_o may_v meet_v friend_n the_o next_o time_n you_o go_v to_o he_o if_o you_o find_v that_o god_n have_v help_v melt_v and_o gracious_o manifest_v himself_o to_o your_o soul_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o it_o record_v that_o for_o time_n to_o come_v slight_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o god_n own_v he_o in_o praise_v he_o for_o these_o sweet_a manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n learn_v this_o lesson_n even_o of_o hagar_n the_o bondwoman_n when_o she_o be_v in_o a_o solitary_a wilderness_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n comfort_v she_o tell_v her_o god_n have_v hear_v her_o affliction_n she_o be_v with_o child_n her_o seed_n shall_v be_v multiply_v she_o in_o a_o answerable_a return_n to_o god_n for_o his_o kindness_n set_v a_o asterism_n of_o observation_n upon_o the_o place_n as_o a_o memorial_n of_o god_n see_v and_o look_v after_o she_o so_o the_o well_o be_v call_v beer-la-hai-roi_a i._n e._n the_o well_o of_o he_o that_o live_v and_o see_v i_o gen._n 16.13_o 14._o thus_o do_v you_o think_v and_o think_v again_o oh_o who_o or_o what_o be_o i_o that_o god_n shall_v look_v after_o i_o or_o take_v notice_n of_o i_o in_o this_o desolate_a state_n and_o place_n i_o shall_v remember_v this_o time_n of_o love_n while_o i_o live_v in_o such_o a_o room_n i_o meet_v with_o god_n such_o a_o chamber_n or_o câ—oset_n be_v a_o bethel_n a_o mount_n nebo_n a_o sycomore-tree_n where_o i_o behold_v my_o jesus_n and_o take_v a_o bless_a view_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n thus_o christian_n reflect_v upon_o and_o recollect_v your_o experience_n in_o god_n presence_n which_o may_v be_v of_o use_n unto_o you_o all_o your_o day_n 2._o let_v your_o carriage_n at_o all_o time_n be_v suitable_a to_o your_o closet_n prayer_n let_v it_o appear_v that_o you_o be_v whole_o devote_v to_o god_n cross_v not_o your_o prayer_n with_o your_o practice_n pray_v much_o &_o live_v well_o let_v it_o appear_v you_o have_v be_v with_o god_n that_o you_o have_v be_v draw_v your_o influence_n from_o the_o springhead_n walk_v with_o man_n as_o those_o that_o walk_v with_o god_n let_v the_o smell_n and_o savour_n of_o your_o heavenly_a conversing_n break_v forth_o in_o your_o gracious_a expression_n and_o exemplary_a conversation_n live_v not_o after_o the_o ordinary_a rate_n of_o professor_n as_o your_o heart_n be_v god-ward_n so_o let_v your_o light_n be_v men-ward_n that_o
the_o more_o diligent_a he_o be_v to_o hinder_v the_o performance_n but_o must_v satan_n be_v gratify_v rather_o than_o god_n glorify_v or_o thy_o soul_n edify_v will_v thou_o give_v way_n to_o he_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o thou_o think_v not_o thou_o can_v perform_v a_o flesh-displeasing_a duty_n when_o satan_n be_v quiet_a and_o do_v not_o molest_v he_o will_v be_v busy_a to_o tempt_v when_o thou_o be_v go_v to_o thy_o god_n this_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n he_o will_v jog_v thy_o hand_n when_o thou_o be_v write_v thy_o letter_n to_o thy_o friend_n in_o heaven_n think_v not_o to_o be_v more_o exempt_v than_o even_o thy_o saviour_n himself_o he_o be_v set_v upon_o by_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o solitary_a recess_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o oh_o the_o horrible_a nature_n of_o those_o temptation_n mat._n 4._o when_o joshua_n the_o highpriest_n pray_v satan_n stand_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o resist_v he_o but_o the_o issue_n be_v good_a god_n rebuke_v he_o zech._n 3.1_o 2._o and_o thus_o he_o will_v do_v for_o thou_o he_o will_v tread_v satan_n under_o thy_o foot_n and_o make_v thou_o a_o conqueror_n only_o when_o thou_o be_v annoy_v with_o this_o foul_a spirit_n turn_v to_o thy_o god_n leave_v not_o thy_o work_n let_v not_o satan_n take_v thou_o off_o duty_n then_o he_o have_v attain_v his_o end_n fall_v close_o to_o the_o work_n consider_v fast_v and_o prayer_n cast_v out_o the_o devil_n 6.18_o matt._n 26.4_o eph_n 6.18_o watch_v and_o prayer_n be_v preservative_n from_o infection_n yea_o prayer_n itself_o be_v a_o chief_a piece_n of_o a_o christian_n armour_n if_o you_o be_v beat_v off_o this_o you_o be_v rout_v this_o engage_v god_n for_o you_o without_o this_o you_o be_v but_o like_o other_o man_n and_o the_o philistin_n will_v put_v out_o your_o eye_n lead_v you_o captive_a and_o make_v sport_n of_o you_o stick_v close_o to_o this_o what_o ever_o you_o do_v though_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n roar_v upon_o you_o yet_o run_v to_o your_o god_n in_o prayer_n they_o be_v sluggard_n or_o coward_n that_o say_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n when_o they_o be_v call_v out_o to_o hard_a service_n or_o difficult_a duty_n nay_o rather_o say_v as_o he_o once_o in_o a_o arduous_a undertake_n here_o be_v a_o work_n fit_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o alexander_n so_o here_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n to_o manage_v by_o your_o god_n you_o may_v run_v through_o a_o troop_n and_o leap_v over_o a_o wall_n but_o more_o of_o that_o anon_o 8._o obj._n but_o i_o get_v no_o good_a by_o closet-prayer_n i_o have_v use_v it_o so_o long_o and_o still_o my_o heart_n be_v as_o cold_a hard_a dead_a as_o ever_o i_o will_v give_v over_o now_o answ_n be_v not_o this_o too_o like_o the_o language_n of_o those_o that_o say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n mal._n 3.14_o and_o be_v you_o like_o those_o atheist_n that_o think_v prayer_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n i_o hope_v not_o you_o think_v it_o do_v good_a to_o some_o but_o not_o to_o you_o well_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n be_v it_o not_o because_o you_o do_v not_o pray_v aright_o therefore_o search_v yourselves_o see_v how_o you_o pray_v mourn_v over_o your_o defect_n and_o mend_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a one_o who_o see_v the_o well_o dry_a break_v or_o throw_v away_o his_o pitcher_n but_o be_v god_n a_o barren_a wilderness_n be_v it_o not_o good_a for_o you_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n be_v they_o ever_o ashamed_a that_o wait_v on_o he_o have_v not_o thou_o sometime_o find_v benefit_n by_o secret_a prayer_n god_n be_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o seek_v he_o try_v again_o you_o will_v not_o lose_v your_o labour_n be_v not_o weary_a of_o well-doing_n in_o due_a time_n you_o shall_v reap_v if_o you_o faint_v not_o let_v not_o your_o hand_n hang_v down_o let_v not_o your_o knee_n grow_v feeble_a the_o text_n tell_v you_o your_o father_n that_o see_v in_o secret_a will_v reward_v you_o open_o and_o dare_v you_o not_o trust_v he_o beyond_o sense_n and_o experience_n there_o may_v be_v more_o advantage_n by_o this_o duty_n than_o you_o be_v aware_a of_o you_o shall_v not_o yet_o know_v the_o profit_n you_o have_v by_o secret_a prayer_n you_o must_v keep_v on_o in_o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n and_o not_o give_v over_o till_o you_o receive_v a_o full_a reward_n but_o oh_o take_v heed_n of_o give_v over_o prayer_n because_o you_o think_v you_o want_v present_a profiâ—_n you_o can_v do_v satan_n great_a service_n or_o your_o soul_n more_o prejudice_n but_o more_o of_o this_o anon_o 9_o obj._n but_o i_o be_o weak_a in_o part_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v fain_o i_o will_v but_o alas_o i_o can_v open_v my_o want_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n i_o want_v gift_n ability_n answ_n i_o be_o glad_a to_o hear_v thou_o thus_o complain_v thou_o be_v fit_a for_o pray_v when_o thou_o can_v lie_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o inability_n to_o pray_v that_o be_v a_o useful_a disposition_n in_o duty_n but_o thou_o say_v thou_o can_v not_o pray_v then_o i_o will_v tell_v thou_o what_o to_o do_v go_v thy_o way_n alone_o and_o fall_v down_o upon_o thy_o knee_n and_o plain_o tell_v the_o lord_n thou_o can_v not_o pray_v and_o entreat_v he_o to_o help_v thou_o by_o his_o bless_a spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o tell_v the_o lord_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n or_o speak_v a_o good_a word_n without_o that_o bless_a spirit_n but_o it_o shall_v help_v thy_o infirmity_n and_o teach_v thou_o what_o to_o say_v oh_o beg_v hard_a for_o that_o holy_a spirit_n and_o then_o let_v some_o mean_n be_v use_v to_o get_v matter_n of_o prayer_n you_o know_v it_o consist_v of_o confession_n of_o sin_n petition_n for_o good_a thing_n deprecation_n of_o evil_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o mercy_n well_o then_o sit_v down_o and_o think_v with_o thyself_o what_o sin_n thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o original_a or_o actual_a of_o omission_n or_o commission_n this_o be_v too_o too_o fruitful_a a_o subject_n take_v they_o home_o tell_v god_n of_o they_o by_o ingenious_a confession_n then_o bethink_v thyself_o what_o thou_o want_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o pardon_n grace_n peace_n heaven_n and_o beg_v these_o consider_v also_o what_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o as_o guilt_n strength_n effect_n of_o sin_n god_n wrath_n satan_n malice_n and_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v these_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o last_o recollect_v what_o mercy_n thou_o have_v have_v from_o god_n and_o reckon_v they_o up_o to_o god_n with_o expression_n of_o thankfulness_n do_v this_o with_o plainness_n and_o seriousness_n heed_v not_o so_o much_o for_o exact_a method_n or_o fine_a phrase_n the_o gilt_n of_o the_o key_n make_v it_o not_o open_v the_o door_n a_o jot_n the_o better_a and_o a_o prayer_n do_v not_o work_v upon_o god_n any_o rather_o because_o of_o the_o neat_a language_n therein_o but_o unbosom_v thyself_o plain_o and_o serious_o before_o thy_o god_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v present_a assistance_n and_o acceptance_n and_o future_a enlargement_n and_o encouragement_n be_v honest_a though_o never_o so_o homely_a in_o prayer_n 10._o obj._n but_o i_o like_v not_o this_o stir_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n i_o will_v rather_o do_v any_o thing_n than_o this_o my_o spirit_n be_v wonderful_a averse_a to_o it_o say_v what_o you_o will_v it_o will_v not_o down_o with_o i_o to_o make_v all_o this_o ado_n in_o closet-prayer_n it_o be_v pretty_a fair_a if_o i_o can_v keep_v up_o such_o duty_n as_o church_n and_o family_n require_v answ_n this_o be_v the_o plead_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n this_o be_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o former_a objection_n i_o expect_v this_o all_o along_o if_o the_o tongue_n speak_v not_o thus_o the_o heart_n do_v let_v a_o duty_n be_v press_v never_o so_o home_o a_o carnal_a heart_n will_v make_v some_o evasion_n though_o the_o mouth_n be_v stop_v yet_o a_o cavil_v heart_n will_v have_v something_o to_o say_v against_o a_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v mad_a with_o reason_n it_o grow_v mad_a without_o reason_n and_o against_o scripture_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o bring_v argument_n to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n than_o to_o draw_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o a_o through_o obedience_n but_o soul_n will_v thou_o plead_v for_o baal_n will_v thou_o take_v the_o devil_n part_n and_o yield_v to_o carnal_a reason_n or_o will_v thou_o balk_v any_o divine_a command_n to_o gratify_v a_o lazy_a humour_n or_o a_o base_a lust_n god_n forbid_v methinks_v if_o thou_o can_v not_o obey_v as_o thou_o ought_v yet_o
in_o their_o very_a birth_n yet_o the_o disentangled_a soul_n will_v more_o free_o resist_v its_o enemy_n when_o the_o fetter_n of_o impediment_n be_v want_v and_o the_o sight_n discern_v no_o allurement_n and_o the_o conflict_n be_v more_o secure_a when_o particular_a affair_n pluck_v nor_o back_v the_o combatant_n nor_o the_o delight_n of_o entice_a pleasure_n inebriate_v or_o make_v drink_v the_o mind_n thus_o he_o but_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n from_o the_o advantage_n of_o sâ—…_n sect_n ii_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o relation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o pray_v soul_n 2._o another_o reason_n hold_v forth_o also_o in_o the_o text_n be_v draw_v from_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o believe_a soul_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n bid_v pray_v to_o thy_o father_n and_o this_o reason_n have_v two_o part_n 1._o the_o poor_a soul_n can_v more_o free_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o a_o closet_n 2._o god_n will_v more_o clear_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n in_o secret_a 1._o a_o soul_n in_o secret_a make_v its_o address_n to_o god_n go_v to_o he_o as_o a_o father_n now_o we_o know_v child_n can_v be_v so_o free_a in_o their_o address_n to_o their_o father_n in_o company_n and_o before_o stranger_n as_o when_o no_o body_n be_v present_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o a_o child_n have_v any_o special_a business_n to_o his_o father_n he_o take_v he_o aside_o or_o whisper_v to_o he_o that_o none_o may_v overhear_v he_o and_o observe_v it_o god_n child_n have_v a_o errand_n to_o god_n that_o none_o must_v know_v of_o as_o ehud_n say_v to_o eglon_n i_o have_v a_o secret_a errand_n to_o thou_o o_o king_n judg._n 3.19_o so_o a_o gracious_a soul_n may_v say_v oh_o my_o king_n my_o god_n my_o father_n i_o have_v a_o secret_a errand_n to_o thou_o a_o lust_n to_o confess_v or_o mercy_n to_o beg_v or_o bless_v thou_o for_o that_o i_o will_v not_o have_v other_o to_o know_v of_o it_o be_v not_o fit_v any_o shall_v be_v privy_a to_o that_o which_o a_o gracious_a soul_n tell_v god_n of_o in_o this_o case_n it_o may_v be_v say_v discover_v not_o thy_o secret_n to_o another_o prov._n 25.9_o two_o may_v keep_v counsel_n but_o three_o can_v god_n and_o a_o gracious_a soul_n will_v be_v faithful_a to_o each_o other_o but_o a_o three_o must_v not_o know_v of_o these_o matter_n nay_o in_o this_o case_n we_o may_v say_v keep_v the_o door_n of_o thy_o lip_n from_o she_o that_o lie_v in_o thy_o bosom_n mic._n 7.5_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n a_o saint_n tell_v god_n of_o that_o he_o will_v not_o acquaint_v either_o father_n or_o wife_n or_o friend_n with_o that_o be_v as_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o only_o his_o heavenly_a father_n he_o open_v his_o bosom_n free_o to_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o his_o whole_a heart_n best_a and_o worst_a hide_v nothing_o from_o he_o because_o he_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o true_o i_o have_v often_o in_o this_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o have_v so_o far_o consult_v his_o people_n credit_n and_o modesty_n as_o to_o appoint_v they_o place_n and_o way_n of_o speak_v to_o he_o private_o design_v secret_a prayer_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v spread_v its_o letter_n of_o want_n and_o complaint_n before_o its_o father_n and_o present_v its_o petition_n to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v modest_a say_v a_o ancient_n and_o can_v so_o free_o let_v out_o herself_o to_o her_o belove_a before_o other_o as_o in_o a_o corner_n here_o than_o come_v in_o the_o use_n and_o advantage_n of_o closet-prayer_n that_o a_o christian_n may_v as_o jonathan_n and_o david_n do_v unbosom_v themselves_o to_o each_o other_o alone_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o god_n where_o no_o eye_n see_v or_o ear_n hear_v his_o secret_a groan_n and_o tear_n but_o further_o 2._o god_n will_v more_o familiar_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o corner_n he_o also_o have_v something_o to_o whisper_v in_o the_o believer_n ear_n that_o none_o must_v know_v of_o and_o therefore_o get_v it_o by_o itself_o a_o lively_a emblem_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o joseph_n make_v himself_o know_v to_o his_o brethren_n when_o his_o bowel_n be_v work_v and_o he_o can_v not_o refrain_v himself_o he_o cry_v 4._o gen._n 45.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o cause_o every_o man_n to_o go_v out_o from_o i_o then_o he_o weep_v aloud_o and_o say_v i_o be_o joseph_n and_o oh_o what_o endear_a reciprocal_a affection_n do_v work_v in_o all_o their_o breast_n towards_o each_o other_o just_o thus_o be_v it_o betwixt_o our_o joseph_n and_o his_o brethren_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o member_n there_o stand_v none_o with_o he_o while_o jesus_n make_v himself_o know_v unto_o his_o brethren_n and_o though_o at_o first_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v trouble_v at_o his_o presence_n yet_o when_o he_o speak_v love_o and_o pass_v by_o former_a unkindness_n and_o say_v come_v near_o unto_o i_o i_o pray_v you_o than_o they_o come_v near_o and_o he_o say_v convince_o i_o be_o jesus_n who_o you_o sell_v and_o crucify_v this_o melt_v and_o humble_v their_o rocky_a heart_n and_o be_v break_v he_o pour_v oil_n into_o their_o trouble_a spirit_n and_o speak_v many_o sweet_a heart-reviving_a word_n unto_o they_o then_o than_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v most_o sweet_a refresh_v incomes_a 2.14_o hos_fw-la 2.14_o when_o god_n have_v allure_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o wilderness_n he_o speak_v to_o its_o heart_n remotus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d desertum_fw-la sic_fw-la dictum_fw-la per_fw-la antiphr_n quasi_fw-la locus_fw-la à _fw-la sermone_fw-la remotus_fw-la a_o wilderness_n be_v a_o solitary_a place_n where_o other_o speech_n be_v not_o hear_v as_o the_o word_n import_v then_o speak_v god_n to_o the_o soul_n when_o man_n can_v speak_v to_o it_o when_o man_n be_v remote_a god_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n yea_o near_a to_o help_n melt_v comfort_n quicken_v when_o man_n be_v further_a off_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o himself_o 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oppidum_fw-la carceder_n est_fw-la solitudo_fw-la paradisus_fw-la hieronym_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o ancient_n profess_v that_o a_o town_n be_v his_o prison_n a_o solitary_a place_n his_o paradise_n city_n or_o numerous_a society_n draw_v a_o veil_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n which_o solitariness_n withdraw_v and_o so_o many_o time_n become_v most_o sweet_a we_o often_o lose_v god_n in_o a_o crowd_n of_o business_n or_o company_n but_o find_v he_o when_o alone_o hence_o a_o corner_n of_o our_o house_n may_v be_v a_o little_a corner_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o our_o closert_n we_o may_v find_v the_o sweet_a cordial_n and_o contentment_n you_o know_v friend_n do_v most_o familiar_o enjoy_v one_o another_o when_o other_o be_v not_o present_a jonathan_n send_v away_o the_o lad_n when_o he_o will_v be_v familiar_a with_o his_o friend_n david_n and_o then_o they_o kiss_v one_o another_o 41._o 1_o sam._n 20.40_o 41._o and_o weep_v one_o with_o another_o until_o david_n exceed_v even_o so_o husband_n and_o wife_n alone_o have_v the_o sweet_a embrace_n there_o lie_v a_o restraint_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o god_n by_o company_n which_o be_v take_v off_o in_o a_o sort_n by_o solitariness_n oh_o when_o god_n find_v a_o soul_n alone_o by_o itself_o have_v set_v itself_o purposely_o to_o meet_v he_o than_o he_o reveal_v his_o love_n unvail_v his_o face_n unlocks_z his_o bless_a chest_n distribute_v dole_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n kiss_v it_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o send_v it_o not_o away_o empty_a but_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o peace_n thus_o that_o word_n of_o solomon_n be_v verify_v prov._n 14.10_o the_o heart_n know_v his_o own_o bitterness_n and_o a_o stranger_n intermeddle_v not_o with_o his_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
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 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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
to_o make_v the_o right_a use_n of_o solitariness_n by_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n no_o man_n care_v for_o be_v alone_o but_o the_o serious_a person_n and_o no_o man_n care_v for_o go_v to_o god_n when_o alone_o but_o the_o sincere_a christian_a man_n be_v a_o sociable_a creature_n and_o natural_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o entertain_v ourselves_o by_o ourselves_o a_o carnal_a heart_n hate_v a_o domestical_a audit_n man_n that_o have_v shrewish_a wife_n love_v not_o to_o be_v at_o home_n and_o person_n that_o have_v guilty_a conscience_n can_v endure_v to_o hold_v discourse_n with_o they_o leave_v they_o be_v torment_v before_o the_o time_n oh_o but_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v upright_o and_o downright_a will_v know_v all_o that_o concern_v his_o own_o heart_n the_o best_a and_o worst_a therefore_o he_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n 77.6_o psal_n 77.6_o as_o david_n do_v and_o leave_v he_o miss_v or_o mistake_v in_o his_o search_n he_o turn_v he_o to_o the_o 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monastic_a life_n that_o this_o practice_n begin_v not_o till_o about_o the_o year_n 260_o or_o 300._o some_o say_v hilarion_n other_o paulus_n thebaeus_n other_o antonius_n begin_v this_o manner_n of_o conversation_n but_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o those_o ancient_a christian_n solitary_a life_n and_o the_o papist_n way_n of_o monastic_a live_n 1._o those_o first_o christian_n live_v solitary_a of_o necessity_n that_o they_o may_v lie_v hide_v more_o safe_o in_o a_o time_n of_o persecution_n 2._o they_o be_v not_o compel_v to_o give_v all_o to_o the_o poor_a 3._o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o certain_a rule_n nor_o do_v they_o engage_v themselves_o by_o a_o perpetual_a vow_n to_o that_o place_n and_o state_n 228._o vid._n perk._n demonstr_n problem_n monach._n p._n 227_o 228._o but_o may_v change_v their_o manner_n of_o life_n if_o they_o see_v good_a they_o be_v not_o bind_v as_o to_o meat_n marriage_n fast_v 4._o these_o ancient_a monk_n be_v of_o the_o laity_n not_o of_o the_o clergy_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n 5._o they_o have_v no_o conceit_n of_o merit_n in_o a_o monastic_a life_n till_o these_o latter_a age_n i_o may_v add_v 6._o 13._o clark_n eccles_n hist_o fol._n 13._o those_o ancient_a monk_n have_v a_o particular_a call_v and_o do_v work_v as_o the_o monk_n of_o bangor_n that_o live_v by_o the_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n and_o 7._o they_o be_v not_o tie_v up_o from_o converse_v abroad_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o occasion_n there_o be_v manifold_a it_o be_v not_o fit_a person_n shall_v be_v always_o coop_v up_o in_o a_o corner_n but_o that_o they_o be_v of_o use_n to_o other_o in_o their_o place_n and_o capacity_n we_o be_v not_o bear_v for_o ourselves_o nor_o must_v we_o live_v only_o within_o ourselves_o which_o will_v contradict_v the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n discentium_fw-la vita_fw-la solitaria_fw-la communi_fw-la inferior_a est_fw-la quia_fw-la importunis_fw-la cogitationibus_fw-la plena_fw-la quae_fw-la tanquam_fw-la muscae_fw-la minutissimae_fw-la de_fw-la timo_fw-la surgentes_fw-la volunt_fw-la in_o oculos_fw-la coâ—dis_fw-la &_o interrumpunt_fw-la sabbathum_fw-la mentis_fw-la ivo_n carnatensis_fw-la epist_n 258._o videsis_n plura_fw-la in_o perk_n ubi_fw-la supra_fw-la demonstrat_fw-la monasteria_fw-la veterum_fw-la ut_fw-la plurimum_fw-la faisse_fw-fr scholas_fw-la publicas_fw-la i._n e._n communitates_fw-la docentium_fw-la &_o discentium_fw-la a_o constant_a solitariness_n expose_v person_n to_o a_o world_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o be_v alone_o say_v solomon_n a_o ancient_a can_v speak_v it_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o a_o solitary_a life_n be_v inferior_a to_o a_o common_a converse_v because_o it_o be_v full_a of_o importunate_a cogitation_n which_o like_o little_a fly_n arise_v from_o dung_n fly_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o interrupt_v the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o mind_n thus_o he_o but_o i_o need_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o mention_n of_o popish_a foppery_n a_o right-bred_n christian_n that_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n be_v thrust_v into_o a_o corner_n know_v how_o to_o improve_v solitariness_n for_o soul-advantage_n and_o voluntary_o do_v withdraw_v himself_o into_o a_o corner_n that_o he_o may_v set_v himself_o to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o good_a earnest_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n concern_v husband_n and_o wife_n 1_o cor._n 7.5_o defraud_v you_o not_o one_o the_o other_o except_o it_o be_v with_o consent_n for_o a_o time_n that_o you_o may_v give_v yourselves_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n thence_o note_n that_o it_o be_v convenient_a sometime_o for_o christian_n to_o sequester_v themselves_o from_o near_a relation_n loc_fw-la vide_fw-la pareum_fw-la in_o loc_fw-la that_o they_o may_v have_v free_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o holy_a duty_n only_o let_v these_o four_o caution_n and_o limitation_n of_o the_o text_n be_v observe_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v with_o mutual_a consent_n 2._o but_o for_o a_o season_n 3._o the_o end_n a_o advantage_n for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n 4._o that_o they_o come_v together_o again_o this_o respect_v not_o every_o day_n ordinary_a performance_n but_o some_o solemn_a undertake_n of_o state_v and_o extraordinary_a fast_n in_o a_o day_n of_o danger_n or_o calamity_n at_o which_o time_n the_o bridegroom_n be_v to_o go_v forth_o of_o his_o chamber_n and_o the_o bride_n out_o of_o her_o closet_n joel_n 2.16_o i_o e._n to_o sequester_v themselves_o from_o conjugal_a delight_n to_o afflict_v their_o soul_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n but_o in_o these_o case_n a_o sound_n christian_n due_a discretion_n regulate_v by_o the_o general_n rule_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n will_v help_v in_o such_o performance_n that_o he_o may_v not_o dash_v on_o either_o rock_n of_o superstition_n or_o negligence_n but_o maintain_v a_o close_o and_o constant_a communion_n with_o god_n both_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o general_n and_o particular_a call_n in_o public_a ordinance_n and_o in_o private_a and_o secret_a duty_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o use_n chap._n iu._n the_o second_o use_n viz._n of_o reprehension_n sect_n i._o wicked_a man_n reprove_v 1._o here_o be_v just_a ground_n of_o sharp_a rebuke_n to_o all_o graceless_a prayerless_a person_n who_o understand_v nothing_o of_o this_o duty_n they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o tug_v and_o struggle_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o closet-prayer_n david_n say_v the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o his_o thought_n psal_n 10.4_o he_o can_v pray_v aright_o any_o where_n much_o less_o in_o secret_n the_o same_o psalm_n tell_v we_o what_o he_o do_v in_o secret_a ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10._o in_o the_o secret_a place_n do_v he_o murder_v the_o innocent_a his_o eye_n be_v privy_o set_v against_o the_o poor_a the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v a_o shame_n even_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v of_o they_o in_o secret_a eph._n 5.12_o oh_o the_o abominable_a practice_n of_o profane_a spirit_n in_o a_o corner_n their_o conscience_n can_v tell_v they_o sad_a story_n of_o secret_a sin_n which_o none_o but_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o themselves_o know_v of_o yea_o because_o they_o see_v not_o god_n they_o think_v god_n see_v not_o they_o like_o the_o silly_a bird_n because_o she_o thrust_v her_o head_n into_o a_o bush_n think_v she_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o fowler_n though_o her_o body_n be_v expose_v to_o open_a view_n carnal_a man_n maxim_n be_v like_o that_o monkish_a one_o caute_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la cast_v carry_v it_o wary_o if_o not_o chaste_o if_o they_o can_v hide_v their_o sin_n from_o man_n they_o take_v no_o notice_n whether_o god_n see_v they_o or_o no_o and_o from_o wish_v that_o he_o do_v not_o see_v begin_v to_o suspect_v whether_o he_o do_v see_v or_o no_o and_o