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
and_o be_v safe_a 18.10_o prov._n 18.10_o a_o soul_n hide_v with_o god_n can_v be_v hurt_v by_o man_n if_o any_o be_v secure_v in_o a_o day_n of_o danger_n it_o be_v those_o that_o be_v most_o with_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n flood_n of_o great_a water_n shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o to_o pray_v saint_n psal_n 32.6_o hence_o say_v david_n ver_fw-la 7._o thou_o be_v my_o hide_v place_n thou_o shall_v preserve_v i_o from_o trouble_n some_o way_n or_o other_o god_n will_v attest_v and_o testify_v the_o integrity_n of_o his_o pray_a servant_n before_o the_o world_n 91.15_o see_v psal_n 31.19_o 20_o &_o 91.15_o thus_o he_o deal_v in_o the_o case_n of_o job_n god_n child_n may_v be_v long_o conceal_v from_o the_o view_n of_o man_n both_o as_o to_o their_o person_n and_o action_n but_o in_o god_n good_a time_n he_o bring_v they_o out_o with_o honour_n as_o he_o do_v with_o elijah_n sometime_o god_n give_v clear_a demonstration_n of_o his_o tender_a affection_n to_o his_o despise_a saint_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n rev._n 3.9_o i_o will_v make_v they_o to_o come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o to_o know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o this_o be_v not_o a_o religious_a adoration_n adblandiuntur_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seize_v ad_fw-la pedeâ—_n alicujus_fw-la subjectionis_fw-la causa_fw-la provolvere_fw-la qualiter_fw-la catelli_fw-la heris_fw-la suis_fw-la adblandiuntur_fw-la but_o a_o civil_a reverence_n due_a to_o real_a saint_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o repentance_n or_o special_a respect_n as_o dog_n fawn_v upon_o their_o master_n lay_v themselves_o at_o their_o foot_n as_o the_o word_n import_v natural_a conscience_n sometime_o do_v homage_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o the_o saint_n however_o this_o be_v a_o well-known_a truth_n that_o as_o god_n have_v bring_v forth_o wicked_a man_n secret_a work_n of_o darkness_n into_o open_a light_n to_o their_o confusion_n in_o this_o world_n so_o he_o have_v clear_o discover_v his_o saint_n upright_a service_n in_o secret_a corner_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o safety_n in_o the_o nick_n of_o time_n jaddus_n hear_v of_o alexander_n approach_n to_o jerusalem_n set_v himself_o to_o pray_v then_o put_v on_o his_o priestly_a garment_n and_o meet_v the_o conqueror_n who_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n before_o he_o parmenio_n ask_v he_o why_o he_o adore_v the_o jew_n highpriest_n 5._o see_v clark_n general_a martyrol_n fol._n 5._o when_o as_o other_o man_n adore_v he_o alexander_n answer_v i_o do_v not_o adore_v he_o but_o that_o god_n who_o the_o highpriest_n worship_v for_o in_o my_o sleep_n i_o see_v he_o in_o such_o a_o habit_n when_o i_o be_v in_o macedonia_n but_o example_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v frequent_a everywhere_o what_o strange_a effect_n prayer_n have_v bring_v forth_o both_o for_o defence_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o offence_n to_o their_o enemy_n so_o that_o the_o clear_a evidence_n hereof_o have_v wrest_v from_o many_o stout_a opposer_n that_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o scot_n that_o she_o fear_v more_o the_o prayer_n of_o john_n knox_n than_o a_o army_n of_o ten_o thousand_o fight_a man_n but_o this_o be_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o last_o reason_n god_n open_o reward_v by_o manifest_a deliverance_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n sect_n v._o the_o three_o way_n of_o reward_v secret_a prayer_n be_v increase_v of_o grace_n 3._o god_n reward_v secret_a prayer_n open_o by_o confer_v upon_o secret_a wrestler_n more_o eminent_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o other_o they_o that_o be_v most_o constant_a in_o secret_a prayer_n shall_v be_v most_o eminent_a in_o open_a prayer_n such_o as_o with_o moses_n converse_v with_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n shall_v have_v shine_a face_n the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v upon_o they_o when_o a_o soul_n have_v be_v with_o its_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n the_o effect_n be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o other_o shall_v take_v knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v be_v with_o jesus_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o converse_v with_o god_n be_v of_o a_o transform_a nature_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o but_o we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n appointment_n be_v as_o glass_n through_o which_o we_o may_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n now_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o glass_n broad_a and_o narrow_a the_o broad_a glass_n be_v public_a ordinance_n and_o the_o narrow_a glass_n be_v these_o private_a duty_n in_o both_o these_o a_o soul_n may_v seek_v and_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o so_o become_v like_o he_o for_o see_v here_o be_v assimilate_v as_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n hereafter_o be_v glorify_v oh_o it_o be_v a_o beautify_v and_o beatifical_a fight_n to_o see_v god_n fullness_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o glory_n peace_n and_o joy_n be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o gloss_n and_o varnish_n of_o this_o fullness_n of_o grace_n now_o the_o more_o a_o soul_n enjoy_v god_n the_o more_o godlike_a and_o heaven-like_a he_o be_v for_o his_o grace_n shine_v bright_a and_o he_o be_v still_o mount_v high_a and_o private_a or_o secret_a duty_n be_v notable_a way_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n yea_o sometime_o a_o soul_n may_v miss_v of_o christ_n in_o public_a ordinance_n and_o find_v he_o in_o secret_a so_o some_o interpret_v that_o place_n in_o cant._n 3.24_o loc_n see_v mr._n cotton_n in_o loc_n the_o soul_n have_v seek_v she_o belove_v in_o the_o bed_n of_o temple-worship_n and_o public_a ordinance_n in_o the_o street_n and_o broad_a way_n of_o synagogue_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n still_o she_o find_v not_o her_o belove_a then_o she_o seek_v he_o in_o conference_n and_o occasional_a meeting_n with_o the_o watchman_n but_o she_o can_v yet_o hear_v no_o tiding_n of_o 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person_n and_o act_n that_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o other_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o such_o a_o soul_n as_o isaac_n speak_v of_o his_o son_n jacob_n gen._n 27.27_o see_v the_o smell_n of_o my_o son_n be_v as_o the_o smell_n of_o a_o field_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v so_o when_o a_o serious_a christian_a come_v down_o from_o his_o closet_n where_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o his_o god_n oh_o what_o a_o sweet_a perfume_n of_o well-scented_n grace_n do_v he_o cast_v forth_o the_o savour_n of_o religion_n be_v upon_o he_o some_o breathe_a odour_n of_o holiness_n break_v from_o his_o lip_n hand_n and_o foot_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n do_v manifest_v itself_o in_o his_o expression_n action_n conversation_n where_o have_v such_o a_o one_o be_v sure_o he_o have_v be_v converse_v with_o god_n there_o be_v the_o lively_a image_n and_o inscription_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o and_o while_o that_o bless_a frame_n continue_v he_o be_v not_o like_o himself_o as_o he_o excel_v carnal_a man_n at_o all_o time_n so_o now_o he_o excel_v himself_o yea_o observe_v it_o a_o soul_n converse_v much_o with_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n and_o secret_a prayer_n grow_v tall_a by_o head_n and_o shoulder_n than_o other_o ordinary_a christian_n as_o all_o godly_a man_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o their_o neighbour_n so_o a_o soul_n that_o wait_v much_o on_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o most_o of_o his_o godly_a neighbour_n and_o it_o appear_v so_o at_o present_a by_o his_o gift_n in_o pray_v and_o may_v appear_v in_o his_o support_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o day_n of_o suffer_v oh_o what_o a_o mighty_a man_n in_o closet-prayer_n be_v magnanimous_a luther_n and_o what_o noble_a achievement_n do_v he_o go_v
way_n to_o hire_v soul_n to_o approach_v to_o he_o by_o hold_v out_o promise_v of_o reward_n as_o we_o do_v offer_v apple_n fruit_n etc._n etc._n to_o child_n to_o entice_v they_o to_o we_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o bait_n to_o cozen_v and_o ensnare_v we_o but_o real_a offer_n of_o kindness_n to_o we_o whereof_o we_o may_v partake_v and_o wherewith_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a suppose_v a_o prince_n desire_v a_o beggar_n company_n with_o expression_n of_o dear_a affection_n and_o promise_n of_o many_o kindness_n be_v it_o not_o gross_a ingratitude_n if_o she_o fling_v away_o and_o scorn_v the_o motion_n or_o suppose_v a_o potent_a person_n send_v to_o a_o poor_a man_n a_o love_a message_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v consider_v his_o case_n and_o have_v appoint_v time_n and_o place_n that_o they_o two_o together_o may_v confer_v about_o the_o necessary_a concernment_n of_o this_o poor_a man_n he_o shall_v have_v free_a admission_n and_o liberty_n without_o disturbance_n to_o present_v his_o petition_n and_o ask_v what_o he_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v none_o shall_v be_v present_a but_o only_o they_o two_o shall_v converse_v familiar_o together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o poor_a man_n but_o instead_o of_o a_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o this_o kindness_n the_o poor_a man_n pick_v quarrel_n with_o the_o messenger_n or_o message_n grow_v sullen_a and_o perverse_a run_v away_o and_o say_v i_o need_v neither_o his_o counsel_n nor_o assistance_n let_v he_o bestow_v his_o kindness_n where_o he_o will_v i_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o he_o be_v not_o this_o gross_a ingratitude_n and_o how_o will_v it_o be_v take_v the_o case_n be_v thou_o soul_n that_o neglecte_v secret_a duty_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n give_v thou_o notice_n to_o meet_v he_o in_o such_o a_o room_n to_o negotiate_v free_o the_o main_a concernment_n of_o thy_o precious_a soul_n and_o thou_o be_v coy_a and_o shy_a and_o will_v not_o come_v near_o he_o but_o either_o plain_o deny_v or_o 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the_o mediator_n but_o you_o must_v also_o slight_a the_o motion_n of_o god_n the_o bless_a spirit_n this_o be_v sad_a how_o often_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n knock_v at_o your_o door_n stir_v you_o up_o spur_v you_o forward_o unto_o duty_n and_o take_v you_o by_o the_o hand_n offer_v its_o assistance_n if_o you_o will_v go_v to_o god_n and_o yet_o do_v you_o refuse_v do_v you_o make_v nothing_o of_o quench_v grieve_v yea_o vex_a the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n consider_v what_o you_o do_v as_o you_o deal_v with_o it_o so_o it_o will_v deal_v with_o you_o if_o you_o do_v not_o embrace_v its_o call_n perhaps_o it_o will_v not_o be_v present_a at_o your_o call_n and_o what_o can_v you_o do_v in_o duty_n without_o it_o if_o you_o strive_v against_o it_o it_o will_v cease_v strive_v with_o you_o be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o you_o have_v not_o this_o heavenly_a wind_n at_o your_o command_n and_o you_o may_v toss_v in_o the_o boat_n of_o duty_n long_o but_o shall_v not_o approach_v the_o port_n without_o it_o nothing_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v carry_v thy_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o what_o can_v excite_v and_o comfort_v thou_o when_o thy_o assistant_n and_o comforter_n be_v slight_v and_o sadn_v grieve_v therefore_o christian_n for_o thy_o grieve_v of_o the_o spirit_n lay_v to_o heart_n thy_o careless_a quench_v of_o this_o holy_a fire_n and_o let_v those_o water_n of_o lust_n or_o negligence_n cost_v thou_o the_o water_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o repentance_n that_o this_o sin_n may_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o thy_o charge_n say_v as_o that_o divine_a poet_n and_o be_v thou_o grieve_v sweet_a and_o sacred_a dove_n when_o i_o be_o sour_a and_o cross_v thy_o love_n grieve_v for_o i_o the_o god_n of_o strength_n and_o power_n grieve_v for_o a_o worm_n which_o when_o i_o tread_v i_o pass_v away_o and_o leave_v it_o dead_a see_v the_o rest_n in_o herbert_n poem_n on_o eph._n 5.30_o pag._n 128._o 9_o if_o you_o can_v only_o pray_v in_o company_n what_o will_v you_o do_v when_o your_o company_n be_v go_v a_o time_n may_v come_v when_o you_o may_v be_v leave_v alone_o as_o christ_n say_v he_o be_v you_o have_v need_n engage_v the_o father_n to_o be_v with_o you_o that_o you_o may_v say_v as_o the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 1.3_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n it_o be_v true_a communion_n of_o saint_n be_v desirable_a but_o external_a communion_n be_v not_o always_o attainable_a you_o may_v be_v thrust_v out_o by_o divine_a providence_n now_o it_o will_v be_v sad_a to_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n when_o person_n be_v alone_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a expression_n of_o some_o that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o live_v it_o such_o and_o such_o christian_a friend_n or_o godly_a relation_n be_v take_v away_o why_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n be_v they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n be_v your_o spiritual_a life_n maintain_v by_o the_o leaden_a pipe_n or_o by_o the_o live_a spring_n that_o stream_n through_o they_o alas_o sir_n if_o you_o more_o understand_v and_o use_v this_o art_n of_o draw_v influence_n from_o god_n immediate_o through_o christ_n by_o secret_a prayer_n you_o will_v not_o be_v so_o discourage_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n you_o will_v say_v indeed_o it_o be_v true_a my_o loss_n be_v great_a such_o a_o one_o have_v a_o notable_a gift_n in_o prayer_n and_o speak_v my_o very_a heart_n to_o god_n but_o though_o he_o be_v go_v be_v my_o god_n go_v be_v prayer_n go_v though_o i_o can_v get_v such_o move_a expression_n as_o such_o have_v yet_o i_o open_v my_o heart_n to_o god_n as_o i_o can_v in_o secret_a former_o and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o refuge_n now_o the_o same_o road_n unto_o this_o city_n and_o sanctuary_n i_o go_v in_o and_o therefore_o all_o my_o comfort_n be_v not_o go_v bless_a be_v my_o god_n but_o a_o poor_a soul_n that_o have_v lean_v upon_o the_o staff_n of_o other_o inlargement_n will_v be_v shrewd_o put_v to_o it_o when_o that_o staff_n be_v go_v and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a disparagement_n to_o a_o noble_a and_o immortal_a soul_n that_o it_o can_v treat_v and_o entertain_v its_o god_n alone_o what_o can_v god_n and_o a_o heaven_n bear_v soul_n converse_v together_o without_o auxiliary_n must_v another_o interpose_v as_o a_o instrument_n without_o who_o you_o can_v enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o chide_v yourselves_o as_o not_o act_v suitable_o to_o your_o rational_a spirit_n much_o less_o to_o a_o supernatural_a principle_n of_o grace_n 10._o last_o let_v i_o further_o demand_v of_o you_o what_o if_o our_o lord_n shall_v call_v you_o away_o and_o find_v you_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o know_a duty_n what_o confusion_n grief_n and_o jealousy_n will_v possess_v you_o if_o death_n arrest_v you_o in_o such_o a_o state_n what_o a_o hurry_n be_v forlorn_a saul_n in_o when_o the_o philistine_n be_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o have_v not_o offer_v sacrifice_n unto_o god_n and_o what_o a_o desperate_a plunge_n will_v you_o be_v put_v to_o when_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o have_v not_o personal_o and_o private_o be_v seek_v god_n though_o you_o may_v be_v right_a and_o safe_a for_o the_o main_a yet_o your_o spirit_n will_v be_v much_o perplex_v and_o you_o will_v suffer_v shrewd_a rebuke_n from_o your_o own_o conscience_n for_o your_o omission_n and_o will_v be_v put_v to_o that_o last_o prayer_n of_o a_o die_a saint_n eminent_a in_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n forgive_v i_o my_o sin_n of_o omission_n and_o possible_o may_v want_v that_o spiritual_a solace_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n that_o pray_v soul_n may_v have_v oh_o what_o a_o bless_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v if_o our_o dear_a
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
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
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 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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
affect_v with_o the_o sweetness_n of_o pardon_v grace_n and_o ardent_o plead_v with_o god_n for_o acceptance_n again_o when_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v act_v in_o the_o duty_n as_o a_o holy_a awe_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n faith_n love_n humility_z zeal_n and_o fervency_n and_o a_o willingness_n to_o forgive_v other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v forgive_v by_o the_o lord_n last_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v when_o it_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n by_o the_o consequence_n of_o duty_n as_o when_o the_o christian_a be_v more_o vile_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n as_o abraham_n be_v give_v god_n all_o the_o glory_n see_v and_o bewail_v his_o defect_n in_o great_a inlargement_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v leave_v in_o a_o better_a frame_n and_o fit_a to_o bear_v cross_n and_o perform_v after-duty_n etc._n etc._n i_o do_v but_o hint_n these_o thing_n 4._o case_n suppose_v i_o have_v pray_v and_o pray_v and_o find_v not_o my_o heart_n affect_v it_o be_v dead_a dull_a distract_a i_o do_v no_o good_a get_v no_o good_a in_o duty_n i_o fear_v i_o offend_v god_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v ans_fw-fr such_o a_o case_n be_v sad_a yet_o consider_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o gracious_a heart_n david_n be_v so_o depress_v and_o trouble_v that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v psal_n 77.3_o 4._o god_n best_a child_n be_v sometime_o out_o of_o frame_n their_o spirit_n unfit_a for_o duty_n 2._o a_o total_a neglect_n will_v not_o mend_v the_o matter_n nor_o help_v the_o frame_n of_o your_o heart_n one_o sin_n will_v never_o cure_v another_o run_v from_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o be_v warm_a your_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v better_o but_o worse_o by_o forbearance_n omission_n indispose_v 3._o who_o know_v but_o god_n may_v come_v in_o the_o next_o time_n keep_v upon_o the_o royal_a exchange_n still_o ply_v the_o oar_n give_v god_n no_o rest_n gratify_v not_o satan_n by_o neglect_n tradesman_n keep_v their_o market_n though_o for_o small_a gain_n you_o will_v get_v 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because_o there_o be_v most_o obedience_n in_o those_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o other_o a_o christian_n be_v as_o it_o be_v hire_v to_o performance_n by_o the_o earnest-peny_n of_o inlargement_n oh_o it_o be_v a_o brave_a thing_n to_o persevere_v in_o duty_n under_o discouragement_n he_o that_o can_v trade_v when_o time_n be_v so_o dead_a that_o all_o his_o ware_n lie_v upon_o his_o hand_n yet_o trade_v more_o sure_o his_o stock_n be_v great_a so_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o much_o faith_n love_n sincerity_n when_o the_o soul_n can_v maintain_v this_o heavenly_a trade_n when_o his_o sensible_a income_n be_v small_a yet_o when_o god_n thus_o withdraw_v from_o you_o you_o must_v deep_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n inquire_v the_o cause_n make_v your_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o ply_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o great_a importunity_n thus_o much_o brief_o for_o these_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o now_o belove_a friend_n i_o have_v dispatch_v this_o subject_a concern_v closet-prayer_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v all_o fall_v close_o to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n what_o do_v minister_n preach_v sermon_n or_o print_v book_n for_o be_v it_o to_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v in_o public_a be_v it_o to_o be_v applaud_v or_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o to_o do_v good_a to_o people_n soul_n and_o can_v people_n get_v any_o good_a by_o hear_v a_o sound_n of_o word_n or_o a_o complemental_a read_n what_o be_v write_v be_v there_o not_o something_o else_o require_v of_o you_o now_o even_o a_o set_n about_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o what_o be_v before_o you_o what_o say_v you_o sir_n to_o this_o point_n be_v closet-prayer_n a_o christian_a duty_n or_o be_v it_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o why_o do_v christ_n direct_v we_o to_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o performance_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o our_o father_n will_v reward_v it_o open_o will_v god_n reward_v any_o thing_n but_o command_v duty_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o disprove_v it_o now_o and_o to_o stand_v to_o his_o assertion_n another_o day_n before_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n but_o i_o think_v none_o will_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o sir_n dare_v any_o man_n that_o profess_v religion_n live_v in_o the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o plain_a duty_n do_v you_o think_v it_o be_v fit_a it_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o will_v you_o not_o do_v it_o shall_v your_o own_o tongue_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o witness_n against_o yourselves_o will_v you_o be_v like_o that_o son_n that_o say_v i_o go_v sir_n but_o go_v not_o shall_v god_n wait_v your_o leisure_n and_o you_o will_v not_o give_v he_o a_o visit_n will_v you_o go_v into_o your_o closet_n to_o make_v up_o your_o account_n and_o will_v you_o not_o reckon_v straight_o betwixt_o god_n and_o your_o soul_n dare_v you_o go_v from_o day_n to_o day_n under_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o know_a sin_n if_o you_o do_v not_o what_o you_o have_v read_v this_o book_n will_v fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o conscience_n another_o day_n but_o i_o be_o most_o afraid_a lest_o christian_n trifle_v about_o this_o work_n and_o shuffle_v it_o off_o after_o any_o fashion_n and_o so_o put_v off_o god_n with_o a_o mere_a outside_n performance_n to_o pacify_v conscience_n without_o that_o warmth_n and_o life_n we_o shall_v have_v in_o our_o closet_n it_o be_v record_v of_o luther_n that_o he_o pray_v every_o day_n three_o hour_n and_o even_o then_o when_o his_o spirit_n be_v most_o lively_a per_fw-la tres_fw-la horas_fw-la easq_fw-la ad_fw-la studia_fw-la aptissimas_fw-la nor_o be_v his_o closet-prayer_n dull_a careless_a heartless_a be_v so_o fervent_a and_o ardent_a say_v melancthon_n that_o they_o which_o stand_v under_o his_o window_n where_o he_o stand_v pray_v may_v see_v his_o tear_n fall_v and_o drop_v down_o oh_o but_o where_o be_v this_o zeal_n and_o ardency_n in_o our_o secret_a devotion_n be_v we_o not_o ready_a to_o drop_v asleep_a even_o upon_o our_o knee_n alas_o how_o formal_a be_v we_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n be_v want_v in_o our_o sacrifice_n nay_o do_v we_o not_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a many_o time_n and_o know_v not_o what_o we_o say_v oh_o why_o do_v we_o thus_o forget_v god_n omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n do_v not_o he_o know_v our_o heart_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o our_o closet_n yea_o do_v not_o satan_n stand_v under_o our_o closet-window_n or_o rather_o at_o our_o elbow_n and_o hear_v what_o we_o say_v to_o god_n in_o our_o closet_n if_o you_o take_v not_o notice_n of_o your_o mistake_n in_o closet-prayer_n satan_n do_v and_o take_v advantage_n by_o they_o indeed_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o make_v this_o a_o scruple_n whethey_a shall_v in_o secret_n confess_v heart-sin_n lest_o satan_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o what_o he_o know_v not_o before_o and_o so_o be_v furnish_v with_o matter_n to_o accuse_v they_o of_o but_o a_o ingenious_a confession_n 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say_v nay_o as_o pretend_v and_o promise_v to_o do_v it_o and_o not_o perform_v fall_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o therefore_o this_o day_n there_o be_v danger_n in_o delay_n if_o you_o do_v it_o not_o to_o day_n you_o will_v be_v more_o unfit_a to_o morrow_n at_o this_o instant_n fall_v upon_o thy_o knee_n beg_v a_o blessing_n upon_o this_o book_n for_o the_o good_a of_o thy_o soul_n and_o other_o look_v upon_o closet-prayer_n as_o thy_o privilege_n as_o well_o as_o thy_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n thou_o may_v go_v to_o god_n as_o often_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o for_o what_o thou_o need_v it_o be_v no_o small_a favour_n that_o god_n have_v allow_v thou_o the_o use_n of_o this_o privy_a key_n to_o open_a heaven-gate_n when_o thou_o have_v not_o the_o more_o public_a key_n of_o other_o help_v in_o prayer_n yet_o this_o be_v thy_o encouragement_n thy_o father_n that_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v thou_o open_o i_o shall_v shut_v up_o all_o with_o a_o piece_n of_o herbert_n poetry_n call_v artillery_n as_o i_o one_o evening_n sit_v before_o my_o cell_n methinks_v a_o star_n do_v shoot_v into_o my_o lap_n i_o rise_v and_o shake_v my_o clothes_n as_o know_v well_o that_o from_o small_a fire_n come_v oft_o no_o small_a mishap_n when_o sudden_o i_o hear_v one_o say_v do_v as_o thou_o use_v disobey_v expel_v good_a motion_n from_o thy_o breast_n which_o have_v the_o face_n of_o fire_n but_o end_n in_o rest_n i_o who_o have_v hear_v of_o music_n in_o the_o sphere_n but_o not_o of_o speech_n in_o star_n begin_v to_o muse_v but_o turn_v to_o my_o god_n who_o minister_n the_o star_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v if_o i_o refuse_v dread_a lord_n say_v i_o so_o oft_o my_o good_a then_o i_o refuse_v not_o even_o with_o blood_n to_o wash_v away_o my_o stubborn_a thought_n for_o i_o will_v do_v or_o suffer_v what_o i_o ought_v but_o i_o have_v also_o star_n and_o shooter_n too_o bear_v where_o thy_o servant_n both_o artillery_n use_v my_o tear_n and_o prayer_n night_n and_o day_n do_v woe_n and_o work_v up_o to_o thou_o yet_o thou_o do_v refuse_v not_o but_o i_o be_o i_o must_v say_v still_o much_o more_o oblige_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n than_o thou_o to_o grant_v i_o but_o because_o thy_o promise_n now_o have_v even_o set_v thou_o law_n then_o we_o be_v shooter_n both_o thou_o do_v deign_v to_o enter_v combat_n with_o we_o and_o contest_v with_o thy_o own_o clay_n but_o i_o will_v parley_v fain_o shun_v not_o my_o arrow_n and_o behold_v my_o breast_n yet_o if_o thou_o shun_v i_o be_o thou_o i_o must_v be_v so_o if_o i_o be_o i_o there_o be_v no_o article_v with_o thou_o i_o be_o but_o finite_a yet_o thy_o infinite_o finis_fw-la
closet-prayer_n a_o christian_a duty_n or_o a_o treatise_n upon_o mat._n vi_o vi_o tend_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o secret_n be_v the_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o all_o christian_n both_o by_o sundry_a example_n and_o argument_n together_o with_o a_o severe_a rebuke_n of_o christian_n for_o their_o neglect_n of_o or_o negligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n and_o many_o direction_n for_o the_o manage_n thereof_o exhortation_n to_o it_o objection_n answer_v case_n of_o conscience_n clear_v by_o o._n hetwood_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n jer._n 13.17_o but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o hear_v it_o my_o soul_n shall_v weep_v in_o secret_a place_n for_o your_o pride_n and_o my_o eye_n shall_v weep_v sore_o and_o run_v down_o with_o tear_n because_o the_o lord_n flock_v be_v carry_v away_o captive_a â—â—ndon_v print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o â—…ce_n crown_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1671._o there_o be_v of_o this_o author_n two_o other_o book_n print_v 1._o heart-treasure_n from_o mat._n 12.35_o 2._o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n explain_v and_o apply_v in_o several_a sermon_n from_o isa_n 55.3_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n especial_o to_o the_o strict_a and_o serious_a professor_n of_o christianity_n christian_n friend_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v much_o speak_v of_o but_o i_o be_o afraid_a very_o rare_o to_o be_v find_v among_o even_o famous_a professor_n most_o content_a themselves_o with_o external_a visible_a duty_n which_o formalist_n may_v carry_v on_o with_o as_o much_o seem_a zeal_n and_o applause_n as_o sincere_a worshipper_n a_o formal_a spirit_n be_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o present_a day_n the_o beam_n of_o gospel-light_n in_o the_o late_a noon-tyde-dispensation_n have_v so_o far_o extract_v a_o assent_n to_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o practical_a duty_n that_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n in_o some_o place_n not_o to_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n many_o will_v be_v find_v orthodox_n in_o their_o judgement_n and_o external_o conformable_a in_o their_o practice_n yet_o without_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o life_n in_o the_o day_n of_o account_n witness_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n thousand_o do_v final_o miscarry_v beside_o the_o gross_o profane_a some_o go_v to_o hell_n with_o a_o candle_n in_o their_o hand_n christ_n colour_n in_o their_o hat_n his_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o religion_n every_o one_o be_v not_o a_o saint_n that_o look_v like_o one_o a_o paint_a picture_n make_v a_o fair_a show_n but_o want_v life_n a_o formalist_n will_v be_v comely_a indeed_o if_o animate_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o leaven_n of_o hippocras_n spoil_v many_o good_a duty_n this_o be_v that_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n that_o sour_v their_o prayer_n and_o render_v they_o distasteful_a to_o god_n they_o make_v religious_a duty_n a_o stage_n to_o act_v vain_a glory_n upon_o their_o prayer_n have_v a_o thick_a shell_n and_o little_a kernel_n our_o saviour_n will_v not_o have_v the_o saint_n like_o they_o christ_n disciple_n must_v do_v some_o singular_a thing_n more_o than_o other_o their_o righteousness_n must_v go_v beyond_o that_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n sincerity_n be_v that_o spirit_n and_o life_n that_o be_v to_o run_v through_o religion_n else_o it_o be_v a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n or_o clothes_n without_o the_o man_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a drift_n of_o our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o main_a design_n of_o gospel-commands_a to_o render_v professor_n sincere_a and_o spiritual_a approve_v their_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o evangelical_n performance_n i_o have_v many_o time_n bewail_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v very_o busy_a in_o external_o of_o religion_n abroad_o and_o be_v gross_o negligent_a of_o the_o main_a essential_o at_o home_o they_o be_v like_o those_o who_o be_v prop_v up_o some_o remote_a member_n of_o their_o body_n while_o their_o vital_n be_v waste_v in_o a_o languish_a consumption_n these_o be_v like_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fever_n his_o face_n and_o hand_n burn_v but_o his_o heart_n shake_v and_o quiver_n for_o cold_a these_o i_o may_v call_v pepper-professor_n hot_a in_o the_o mouth_n but_o cold_a at_o the_o stomach_n there_o be_v thousand_o in_o the_o world_n will_v run_v many_o mile_n to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n will_v countenance_v the_o best_a preacher_n will_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o good_a book_n will_v pray_v in_o their_o family_n yea_o keep_v day_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n with_o other_o that_o yet_o will_v not_o set_v about_o heart-work_n and_o flesh-displeasing_a duty_n of_o mortify_v belove_v lust_n love_a forgive_a and_o pray_v for_o enemy_n yea_o that_o will_v not_o set_v themselves_o solemn_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n self-examination_n and_o secret_a prayer_n the_o vessel_n will_v not_o stir_v except_o the_o wind_n of_o applause_n blow_v the_o sail_n these_o be_v like_o the_o nightingale_n in_o the_o wood_n of_o which_o it_o be_v record_v that_o she_o sing_v most_o sweet_o when_o she_o think_v any_o be_v near_o she_o a_o hypocrite_n can_v pray_v best_a when_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o man_n you_o shall_v seldom_o see_v he_o at_o work_n with_o his_o heart_n in_o a_o closet_n he_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o carnal_a person_n of_o christ_n natural_a kindred_n joh._n 7.4_o who_o say_v to_o christ_n if_o thou_o do_v these_o thing_n show_v thyself_o to_o the_o world_n for_o say_v the_o text_n ver_fw-la 5._o neither_o do_v his_o brethren_n believe_v in_o he_o q._n d._n such_o as_o carry_v on_o duty_n or_o counsel_v other_o to_o such_o undertake_n as_o may_v expose_v they_o to_o public_a view_n for_o ostentation_n declare_v plain_o they_o want_v true_a grace_n which_o make_v person_n jew_n inward_o who_o circumcision_n be_v of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n rom._n 2.29_o the_o main_a trade_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v his_o home-trade_n as_o one_o say_v 304._o jurnal_a christian_a armour_n chap._n 12._o sect._n 3._o p._n 304._o which_o be_v spend_v in_o secret_a betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n here_o he_o drive_v a_o unknown_a trade_n he_o be_v at_o heaven_n and_o home_n again_o rich_o lade_v in_o his_o thought_n with_o heavenly_a meditation_n before_o the_o world_n know_v where_o he_o have_v be_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v engage_v i_o to_o spend_v some_o thought_n concern_v this_o great_a and_o much_o neglect_a duty_n of_o closet_n prayer_n which_o when_o i_o have_v deliver_v and_o several_a have_v get_v copy_n thereof_o it_o be_v judge_v fit_a for_o the_o press_n some_o hope_n conceive_v of_o its_o further_a usefulness_n i_o peruse_v it_o again_o and_o methodise_v it_o into_o this_o form_n and_o communicate_v my_o thought_n to_o some_o concern_v the_o publication_n of_o it_o a_o friend_n give_v i_o notice_n there_o be_v a_o book_n extant_a upon_o the_o same_o subject_a which_o i_o inquire_v after_o and_o find_v one_o of_o mr._n brooks_n on_o the_o same_o text_n that_o book_n i_o look_v over_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v it_o will_v save_v i_o a_o labour_n but_o upon_o second_o thought_n i_o consider_v that_o this_o may_v fall_v into_o some_o hand_n that_o that_o will_v not_o that_o several_a man_n write_v on_o the_o same_o subject_a may_v be_v useful_a be_v ordinary_a that_o our_o method_n and_o most_o of_o our_o matter_n be_v different_a for_o i_o have_v finish_v i_o before_o i_o see_v the_o other_o except_z two_o or_o three_o leaf_n in_o the_o close_a beside_o that_o the_o other_o be_v large_a this_o a_o small_a piece_n and_o more_o portable_a as_o a_o pocket-book_n or_o vade_fw-la mecum_fw-la let_v it_o be_v then_o a_o short_a appendix_n to_o that_o excellent_a piece_n i_o be_o hearty_o glad_a any_o of_o god_n servant_n have_v set_v themselves_o to_o promote_v this_o part_n of_o practical_a piety_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a design_n and_o i_o be_o well_o assuâ—…_n if_o christian_n be_v more_o in_o their_o closet_n with_o god_n their_o own_o soul_n will_v thrive_v better_o and_o thing_n will_v succeed_v better_o abroad_o mr._n rogers_n be_v silence_v from_o public_a work_n desire_v his_o hearer_n to_o spend_v that_o time_n they_o be_v want_v to_o come_v to_o his_o lecture_n in_o in_o serious_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n in_o their_o closet_n and_o he_o be_v confident_a satan_n will_v be_v a_o loser_n and_o their_o soul_n gainer_n by_o that_o providence_n and_o this_o i_o can_v affirm_v that_o if_o person_n will_v spend_v part_n of_o that_o time_n in_o secret_a prayer_n they_o take_v to_o run_v abroad_o to_o sermon_n in_o they_o will_v be_v better_a proficient_o not_o but_o that_o hear_n
the_o word_n be_v necessary_a and_o so_o be_v this_o nor_o must_v the_o one_o justle_v out_o the_o other_o yea_o these_o secret_a duty_n help_v we_o to_o profit_v by_o public_a ordinance_n if_o dung_n be_v pour_v down_o on_o heap_n in_o the_o field_n it_o do_v no_o good_a it_o must_v be_v spread_v abroad_o before_o it_o make_v fruitful_a ground_n the_o plaster_n heal_v not_o except_o it_o be_v apply_v so_o the_o word_n must_v be_v spread_v on_o our_o heart_n by_o serious_a and_o secret_a meditation_n and_o application_n or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o make_v our_o soul_n healthful_a and_o fruitful_a and_o then_o we_o must_v pray_v over_o it_o for_o the_o shower_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o wash_v it_o and_o work_v it_o into_o our_o heart_n many_o sermon_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o soul_n take_v they_o home_o to_o their_o closet_n and_o turn_v they_o to_o prayer_n i_o fear_v all_o will_v be_v little_a enough_o that_o minister_n can_v preach_v or_o write_v upon_o this_o theme_n i_o doubt_v still_o this_o work_n will_v be_v either_o total_o neglect_v or_o negligent_o perform_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a work_n the_o spirit_n must_v travel_v in_o it_o and_o say_v good_a mr._n bains_n the_o saint_n can_v endure_v better_a to_o hear_v a_o hour_n than_o to_o pray_v a_o quarter_n yea_o our_o trifle_a heart_n will_v make_v any_o excuse_n to_o shift_v from_o this_o duty_n or_o shuffle_v it_o off_o nay_o though_o it_o be_v in_o exchange_n for_o another_o a_o sign_n the_o work_n be_v of_o god_n and_o tend_v much_o to_o the_o soul_n good_a or_o else_o satan_n and_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n will_v never_o so_o much_o hinder_v or_o oppose_v it_o poor_a soul_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o look_v abroad_o and_o see_v much_o wickedness_n commit_v holiness_n persecute_v thy_o god_n dishonour_v many_o thing_n out_o of_o order_n thou_o want_v a_o capacity_n to_o bring_v a_o remedy_n i_o must_v therefore_o say_v to_o thou_o as_o it_o be_v report_v albertus_n crantzius_n say_v to_o â—…her_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o oppose_v the_o pope_n frater_fw-la vade_v in_fw-la cellam_fw-la &_o die_v miserere_fw-la mei_fw-la deus_fw-la brother_n go_v into_o thy_o cell_n and_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o so_o say_v i._o alas_o thy_o interest_n and_o influence_n reach_v but_o a_o little_a way_n to_o mend_v a_o wicked_a world_n though_o thou_o must_v seek_v to_o perform_v as_o far_o as_o thy_o place_n and_o calling_n extend_v but_o go_v thy_o way_n to_o thy_o god_n in_o thy_o closet_n bewail_v thy_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o plead_v with_o god_n for_o thy_o own_o soul_n busy_a thyself_o about_o thyself_o set_v all_o straight_a at_o home_n take_v heed_n of_o that_o which_o the_o poor_a church_n complain_v of_o cant._n 1.6_o they_o make_v i_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o vineyard_n but_o my_o own_o vineyard_n have_v i_o not_o keep_v oh_o leave_v other_o thing_n undo_v rather_o than_o this_o great_a matter_n that_o concern_v the_o affair_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n mr._n fox_n tell_v we_o of_o one_o peter_n moyce_n a_o german_a martyr_n be_v call_v before_o the_o synod_n at_o dornick_n 1â—2_n act_n mon._n 2._o vol._n lib._n 8._o fol._n 1â—2_n they_o begin_v to_o examine_v he_o in_o certain_a article_n of_o religion_n to_o who_o as_o he_o be_v about_o to_o answer_v bold_o and_o express_o to_o every_o point_n they_o interrupt_v he_o bid_v he_o say_v in_o two_o word_n yea_o or_o nay_o then_o say_v he_o if_o you_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o answer_v for_o myself_o in_o thing_n of_o such_o importance_n send_v i_o to_o my_o prison_n again_o among_o my_o toad_n and_o frog_n which_o will_v not_o interrupt_v i_o while_o i_o talk_v with_o my_o lord_n my_o god_n oh_o christian_n the_o time_n may_v come_v or_o be_v already_o when_o man_n may_v stop_v thy_o mouth_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v thou_o to_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n withdraw_v thyself_o from_o man_n and_o retire_v unto_o thy_o god_n who_o will_v make_v thou_o free_o welcome_a to_o pour_v out_o thy_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o secret_a he_o will_v neither_o stop_v thy_o mouth_n nor_o stop_v his_o car_n he_o bid_v thou_o open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a psal_n 81.10_o and_o he_o tell_v thou_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o thy_o cry_n psal_n 34.15_o that_o cast_v not_o ask_v such_o great_a thing_n as_o he_o can_v and_o will_v give_v only_o see_v thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n naturalist_n tell_v of_o a_o precious_a stone_n of_o a_o excellent_a virtue_n yet_o lose_v all_o its_o efficacy_n when_o it_o be_v put_v into_o a_o dead_a man_n mouth_n so_o prayer_n in_o the_o lip_n of_o a_o saint_n or_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o but_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v not_o only_o ineffectual_a but_o abominable_a to_o god_n see_v to_o your_o state_n and_o then_o see_v that_o you_o pray_v aright_o for_o manner_n matter_n end_n many_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o they_o ask_v amiss_o above_o all_o soul_n in_o thy_o secret_a address_n to_o god_n take_v heed_n of_o a_o trifle_a spirit_n will_v find_v most_o ado_n with_o thyself_o herein_o our_o wanton_a spirit_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v pen_v up_o in_o the_o narrow_a room_n of_o a_o spiritual_a performance_n we_o love_v to_o take_v our_o liberty_n in_o range_v abroad_o to_o a_o thousand_o object_n but_o christian_n as_o thou_o love_v thy_o peace_n thy_o soul_n thy_o god_n look_v to_o thy_o spirit_n in_o secret_a prayer_n do_v not_o trifle_v away_o thy_o time_n upon_o thy_o knee_n let_v not_o thy_o word_n freeze_v as_o they_o come_v from_o thou_o let_v no_o discouragement_n beat_v thou_o off_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n as_o one_o say_v take_v the_o bullet_n that_o christ_n shoot_v at_o she_o and_o with_o a_o humble_a boldness_n of_o faith_n send_v they_o back_o again_o in_o prayer_n which_o indeed_o reach_v his_o heart_n and_o prevail_v with_o god_n for_o mercy_n but_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v no_o more_o at_o present_a but_o refer_v thou_o to_o this_o small_a treatise_n wherewith_o i_o have_v according_a to_o my_o poor_a talon_n lay_v before_o thou_o this_o great_a duty_n what_o effect_v it_o shall_v have_v i_o know_v not_o my_o god_n know_v in_o who_o hand_n the_o blessing_n of_o our_o endeavour_n lie_v get_v alone_o and_o pray_v over_o this_o book_n and_o for_o the_o unworthy_a sinful_a author_n as_o he_o desire_v to_o do_v for_o thou_o into_o who_o hand_n this_o may_v come_v let_v our_o prayer_n daily_o meet_v at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n till_o our_o soul_n meet_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n if_o thou_o receive_v any_o good_a by_o this_o or_o any_o other_o work_v this_o poor_a worm_n have_v hand_v to_o thou_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o the_o instrument_n but_o all_o to_o the_o agent_n and_o efficient_a our_o good_a god_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n disdain_v not_o the_o work_n for_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o stile_n it_o be_v purposely_o put_v in_o this_o dress_n for_o the_o vulgar_n benefit_n and_o if_o it_o or_o myself_o be_v expose_v to_o censure_v for_o that_o it_o be_v welcome_a i_o write_v not_o to_o please_v learned_a scholar_n but_o to_o profit_v plain_a christian_n who_o spiritual_a good_a i_o prefer_v above_o any_o credit_n to_o myself_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v none_o due_a there_o be_v few_o of_o my_o brethren_n but_o they_o transcend_v i_o in_o part_n and_o learning_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o nor_o be_v that_o grace_n altogether_o in_o vain_a for_o as_o it_o have_v help_v i_o in_o labour_n so_o he_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n bless_v my_o labour_n though_o i_o be_v nothing_o the_o least_o of_o saint_n not_o meet_v to_o be_v call_v a_o minister_n do_v those_o that_o read_v my_o labour_n know_v i_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o despise_v my_o undertake_n this_o i_o speak_v because_o my_o former_a book_n have_v find_v such_o good_a acceptance_n and_o this_o be_v so_o much_o desire_v and_o that_o no_o man_n think_v of_o i_o above_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v in_o i_o my_o heart_n have_v be_v near_o faint_v through_o discouragement_n from_o my_o great_a weakness_n have_v i_o not_o be_v support_v many_o a_o time_n with_o that_o word_n in_o 2_o cor._n 4.7_o but_o we_o have_v this_o treasure_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man._n whence_o i_o gather_v that_o god_n can_v make_v use_n of_o weak_a unlearned_a sinful_a instrument_n to_o do_v great_a work_n and_o he_o can_v use_v person_n of_o mean_a ability_n to_o accomplish_v his_o glorious_a end_n in_o convert_v soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o profound_a clerk_n or_o wise_a man_n on_o
place_n so_o fit_a for_o that_o great_a duty_n as_o a_o closet_n or_o some_o close_o chamber_n therefore_o he_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o his_o god_n in_o good_a hard_a earnest_n about_o this_o important_a business_n say_v the_o text_n he_o carry_v he_o up_o into_o a_o loft_n where_o he_o abide_v and_o lay_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o bed_n and_o then_o he_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 19_o 20._o it_o be_v not_o the_o first_o time_n elijah_n have_v there_o wrestle_v with_o god_n if_o it_o be_v his_o lodging_n room_n it_o be_v his_o pray_a room_n and_o here_o god_n hear_v he_o and_o wrought_v the_o miracle_n what_o he_o do_v for_o elijah_n he_o can_v and_o will_v do_v for_o we_o if_o he_o see_v fit_a for_o elijah_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n and_o subject_a to_o like_a passion_n as_o we_o be_v 7._o jeremiah_n be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n he_o be_v a_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n sanctify_v from_o his_o mother_n womb_n yet_o he_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o discouragement_n that_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o leave_v his_o people_n 2._o jer._n 9.1_o 2._o and_o he_o wish_v for_o a_o lodging-place_n in_o the_o wilderness_n i._n e._n some_o solitary_a retirement_n that_o there_o he_o may_v take_v his_o fill_n of_o weep_v however_o he_o resolve_v at_o present_a that_o wherever_o he_o be_v he_o will_v get_v retire_v and_o say_v he_o my_o soul_n shall_v weep_v in_o secret_a place_n for_o your_o pride_n jer._n 13.17_o yet_o more_o punctual_o to_o the_o business_n of_o secret_a prayer_n see_v jer._n 15.17_o say_v he_o i_o sit_v alone_o because_o of_o thy_o hand_n but_o what_o do_v he_o alone_a do_v he_o only_o poor_a and_o muse_v upon_o the_o church_n sin_n and_o suffering_n no_o he_o have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o his_o god_n ver_fw-la 18._o why_o be_v my_o pain_n perpetual_a and_o god_n then_o have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o he_o by_o way_n of_o gracious_a answer_n ver_fw-la 19_o if_o thou_o return_v then_o will_v i_o bring_v thou_o again_o and_o thou_o shall_v stand_v before_o i_o this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o his_o secret_a prayer_n a_o restauration_n of_o he_o to_o and_o his_o confirmation_n in_o his_o office_n and_o function_n and_o to_o the_o public_a exercise_n thereof_o this_o be_v worth_a pray_v for_o 8._o daniel_n be_v a_o famous_a pattern_n of_o the_o resolute_a and_o courageous_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n against_o all_o opposition_n although_o he_o may_v have_v plead_v if_o ever_o any_o there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v be_v slay_v in_o the_o street_n or_o den_n for_o my_o work_n in_o my_o chamber_n yet_o he_o fear_v nothing_o he_o venture_v upon_o a_o severe_a law_n his_o prince_n displeasure_n the_o loss_n of_o his_o preferment_n the_o rage_n of_o his_o competitor_n and_o the_o lion_n hungry_a stomach_n rather_o than_o he_o will_v omit_v or_o intermit_v his_o accustom_a course_n of_o chamber-worship_n he_o will_v endure_v the_o lion_n cruelty_n rather_o than_o neglect_v a_o know_a duty_n nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o gratify_v his_o proud_a adversary_n that_o he_o will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o abate_v his_o wont_a frequency_n or_o visibility_n in_o the_o duty_n but_o his_o window_n be_v open_a towards_o jerusalem_n be_v kneel_v upon_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v dan_o 6.10_o but_o do_v daniel_n hold_v out_o a_o flag_n or_o blow_v a_o trumpet_n by_o set_v open_a his_o window_n to_o declare_v to_o man_n what_o he_o be_v a_o go_v to_o do_v be_v not_o this_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o text_n be_v we_o here_o command_v to_o shut_v our_o door_n and_o may_v daniel_n open_v his_o window_n be_v not_o that_o all_o one_o sure_o that_o good_a man_n do_v not_o open_v his_o window_n out_o of_o hypocrisy_n and_o vainglory_n but_o to_o show_v his_o resolution_n courage_n and_o constancy_n out-daring_a these_o impious_a impudent_a command_n of_o man_n he_o do_v not_o fear_v to_o be_v see_v now_o in_o so_o plain_a a_o case_n what_o spirit_n be_v they_o of_o that_o will_v rather_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o roar_a lion_n and_o incur_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v more_o terrible_a than_o a_o thousand_o hungry_a lion_n than_o solemn_o perform_v this_o useful_a duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n let_v careless_a soul_n consider_v this_o 9_o peter_n a_o famous_a apostle_n shall_v be_v another_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n act._n 9.40_o when_o tabytha_n or_o dorcas_n lay_v dead_a in_o a_o upper_a chamber_n and_o the_o widow_n stand_v weep_v by_o she_o and_o he_o be_v to_o raise_v she_o he_o put_v they_o all_o forth_o and_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v and_o turn_v he_o to_o the_o body_n say_v tabytha_n arise_v and_o she_o open_v her_o eye_n see_v here_o another_o miracle_n like_o elijah_n upon_o secret_a prayer_n but_o this_o be_v upon_o a_o extraordinary_a case_n do_v peter_n use_v to_o pray_v alone_o yes_o turn_v but_o to_o the_o next_o chapter_n act._n 10.9_o peter_n go_v up_o upon_o the_o housetop_n to_o pray_v about_o the_o six_o hour_n which_o be_v about_o noon_n another_o pray_a season_n 55.17_o psal_n 55.17_o certain_o he_o miss_v not_o morning_n and_o night_n for_o such_o devotion_n he_o go_v to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o flat-rooft_a house_n which_o be_v a_o private_a place_n and_o equivalent_a to_o a_o closet_n there_o peter_n pray_v and_o in_o that_o prayer_n he_o fall_v into_o a_o trance_n and_o in_o that_o trance_n he_o have_v a_o vision_n concern_v the_o call_n in_o of_o the_o gentile_n a_o glorious_a mystery_n and_o transcendent_a mercy_n towards_o we_o poor_a outcast_n 6._o rom._n 16.25_o col_fw-fr 1.26_o 27._o eph._n 2.4_o 6._o a_o mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v hide_v fromage_n &_o generation_n this_o bless_a mystery_n that_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v fellow-heir_n and_o of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o partaker_n of_o his_o promise_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n yet_o this_o transcendent_a design_n of_o love_n be_v manifest_v to_o a_o choice_n apostle_n while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n this_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o worth_a observation_n 10._o the_o last_o instance_n be_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n our_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n be_v very_o conversant_a in_o this_o duty_n mark_n 1.35_o in_o the_o morning_n rise_v up_o a_o great_a while_n before_o day_n he_o go_v out_o and_o depart_v into_o a_o solitary_a place_n and_o there_o pray_v our_o precious_a redeemer_n go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o the_o day_n time_n he_o usual_o spend_v in_o preach_v confer_v heal_a disease_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o night_n he_o spend_v in_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o such_o other_o holy_a exercise_n he_o have_v scarce_o time_n to_o eat_v or_o sleep_v for_o do_v his_o father_n work_n he_o spend_v not_o one_o moment_n of_o time_n unprofitable_o in_o a_o above_o thirty_o year_n how_o early_o do_v he_o rise_v and_o earnest_o do_v he_o follow_v his_o business_n for_o communion_n with_o his_o father_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n yea_o luk._n 6.12_o he_o continue_v all_o night_n in_o prayer_n to_o god_n i._n e._n in_o a_o mountain_n 26.36_o mar._n 26.36_o in_o secret_a prayer_n and_o frequent_o elsewhere_o we_o shall_v find_v he_o alone_o and_o in_o this_o work_n and_o wherefore_o be_v all_o this_o be_v it_o not_o principal_o for_o our_o sake_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o imitation_n yes_o certain_o he_o design_v our_o good_a in_o all_o he_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v pray_v and_o reap_v the_o profit_n of_o his_o prayer_n and_o purchase_n 425._o nec_fw-la verbis_fw-la tantum_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o factis_fw-la dominus_fw-la orare_fw-la nos_fw-la docuit_fw-la ipse_fw-la orans_fw-la frequentorâ—_n &_o deprecans_fw-la &_o quid_fw-la facere_fw-la noâ—_n oportet_fw-la exempli_fw-la svi_fw-la contestatione_fw-la demonstrans_fw-la cyp._n serm._n de_fw-fr orat_fw-la dom._n p._n 425._o hear_v we_o cyprian_n sweet_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o deed_n himself_o pray_v frequent_o and_o deprecate_v and_o so_o demonstrate_v what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v by_o the_o witness_n give_v of_o his_o own_o example_n thus_o he_o most_o divine_n hold_v the_o obligatory_a power_n of_o scripture-example_n in_o thing_n not_o forbid_v especial_o be_v so_o laudable_a a_o practice_n and_o employ_v in_o other_o scripture_n all_o the_o former_a instance_n seem_v cogent_a argument_n but_o the_o last_o concern_v jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o positive_a precept_n and_o command_n but_o there_o be_v few_o or_o none_o that_o have_v the_o face_n of_o christian_n dare_v deny_v this_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o i_o fear_v many_o that_o will_v go_v for_o christian_n live_v in_o the_o ordinary_a neglect_n of_o it_o
chap._n ii_o the_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o closet-prayer_n be_v a_o christian-duty_n sect_n i._o the_o first_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n all_o the_o reason_n that_o i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o at_o this_o time_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o clear_v secret_a prayer_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n shall_v be_v fetch_v out_o of_o the_o text_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 4._o rea._n 1._o the_o conveniency_n of_o privacy_n for_o prayer_n 2._o the_o relation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o saint_n 3._o god_n omniscience_n see_v in_o secret_a 4._o god_n munificence_n reward_v 1._o the_o great_a conveniency_n there_o be_v in_o privacy_n for_o prayer_n and_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o we_o private_a room_n which_o implicit_o call_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n for_o there_o be_v in_o retirement_n a_o great_a advantage_n for_o the_o manage_n of_o any_o work_n of_o wisdom_n prov._n 18.1_o through_o desire_v a_o man_n have_v separate_v himself_o seek_v and_o intermeddle_v with_o all_o wisdom_n i._n e._n he_o that_o be_v real_o studious_a of_o true_a piety_n will_v voluntary_o sequester_v himself_o to_o prosecute_v it_o this_o be_v ancient_o the_o well-meaning_a design_n of_o a_o monastic_a life_n which_o since_o have_v be_v woeful_o abuse_v but_o yet_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n in_o solitariness_n for_o carry_v on_o a_o religious_a business_n take_v only_o two_o at_o present_a which_o be_v advantage_n particular_o refer_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n whereunto_o secrecy_n contribute_v 1._o self-expostulation_n and_o self-abasing_a gesture_n and_o expression_n when_o a_o christian_a in_o prayer_n find_v his_o heart_n hard_o dead_a dull_a distract_a or_o any_o way_n out_o of_o order_n he_o may_v in_o secret_a make_v a_o pause_n and_o begin_v to_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n examine_v the_o matter_n lament_v the_o cause_n chide_v his_o untoward_a heart_n and_o charge_v his_o wanton_a spirit_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o his_o god_n in_o duty_n thus_o david_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n awake_v psaltery_a and_o harp_n i_o myself_o will_v awake_v early_o my_o soul_n wait_v thou_o upon_o god_n nothing_o more_o familiar_a in_o the_o psalm_n than_o such_o intercision_n and_o diversion_n from_o the_o work_n in_o hand_n to_o raise_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o a_o high_a tune_n in_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o this_o may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n for_o by_o such_o heart-reasonings_a and_o debate_v a_o saint_n may_v wind_v up_o his_o spirit_n and_o get_v better_o prepare_v for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o exercise_n now_o such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o will_v not_o be_v so_o seasonable_a and_o convenient_a when_o other_o join_v in_o the_o duty_n so_o also_o for_o bodily_a posture_n sometime_o for_o a_o evidence_n of_o great_a humiliation_n a_o christian_n find_v it_o requisite_a to_o prostrate_v himself_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o use_v such_o gesture_n as_o will_v not_o be_v fit_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o other_o therefore_o closet-prayer_n be_v very_o necessary_a where_o a_o christian_a may_v use_v his_o discretion_n as_o god_n shall_v direct_v he_o for_o the_o humble_v quicken_a raise_v and_o melt_v of_o his_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n alone_o that_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a help_n against_o distraction_n when_o we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o world_n we_o be_v then_o fit_a for_o attendance_n upon_o god_n the_o affair_n discourse_n trouble_n and_o confusion_n of_o a_o family_n if_o within_o hear_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n experience_n testify_v this_o a_o man_n can_v study_v or_o cast_v account_n in_o a_o crowd_n or_o throng_n of_o people_n when_o we_o be_v intent_n upon_o any_o business_n how_o little_a a_o noise_n divert_v we_o it_o may_v be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o that_o hospitable_a gentlewoman_n in_o 2_o king_n 4.10_o will_v have_v a_o chamber_n build_v for_o her_o welcom-guest_n the_o prophet_n elisha_n yea_o build_v upon_o the_o wall_n for_o she_o may_v judge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o contemplative_a man_n and_o though_o she_o may_v have_v lodging-room_n in_o her_o house_n yet_o she_o may_v look_v upon_o that_o at_o a_o little_a distance_n as_o more_o commodious_a for_o his_o devotion_n and_o meditation_n as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o houshold-business_n and_o hurrying_n a_o active_a fancy_n quick_o close_v with_o any_o diversion_n in_o our_o attendance_n upon_o god_n therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o study_v to_o attend_v upon_o the_o lord_n without_o distraction_n when_o abraham_n go_v to_o worship_n in_o the_o mount_n he_o leave_v his_o servant_n below_o in_o the_o valley_n lest_o they_o shall_v obstruct_v his_o communion_n with_o god_n when_o moses_n be_v to_o go_v up_o unto_o the_o lord_n though_o aaron_n nadab_n and_o abihu_n and_o the_o seventy_o elder_n go_v further_a than_o the_o people_n yet_o the_o text_n say_v they_o shall_v worship_v afar_o off_o but_o say_v god_n moses_n alone_o shall_v come_v near_o the_o lord_n exod._n 24.1_o 2._o observe_v it_o when_o moses_n have_v part_v with_o his_o company_n and_o be_v alone_o than_o he_o shall_v come_v near_o the_o lord_n common_a professor_n worship_v not_o god_n at_o all_o acceptable_o sincere_a saint_n worship_v god_n with_o other_o be_v comparative_o far_o off_o but_o soul_n in_o a_o corner_n or_o closet_n be_v admit_v to_o come_v near_o god_n and_o have_v sweet_a intimacy_n with_o he_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v anon_o yet_o mistake_v i_o not_o not_o as_o though_o i_o prefer_v secret_a prayer_n alone_o before_o public_a prayer_n with_o other_o for_o as_o god_n delight_v in_o the_o joint_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n so_o a_o soul_n may_v enjoy_v god_n in_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o be_v ordinary_o more_o carry_v out_o to_o god_n than_o in_o private_a according_a to_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n he_o have_v with_o other_o yet_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o frame_n there_o be_v usual_o more_o intimacy_n express_v betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a in_o secret_a than_o with_o other_o yet_o further_o mistake_v not_o not_o as_o though_o solitariness_n free_v we_o from_o all_o distraction_n iâ—_n we_o take_v our_o heart_n with_o we_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o principle_n of_o diversion_n and_o need_v neither_o noise_n nor_o visible_a object_n to_o hinder_v we_o from_o god_n and_o this_o those_o that_o have_v magnify_v solitariness_n most_o have_v find_v by_o sad_a experience_n and_o leave_v upon_o record_n take_v a_o instance_n plur_n locus_fw-la secretus_fw-la eligitur_fw-la quia_fw-la solus_fw-la dei_fw-la judicio_fw-la â—eâ—unia_fw-la suut_n agenda_fw-la &_o singularem_fw-la inspectorem_fw-la adjutoremque_fw-la deum_fw-la volunt_fw-la haec_fw-la habere_fw-la câ—…tamina_fw-la neque_fw-la in_o ago_o bus_fw-la aliquibus_fw-la periculosus_fw-la militatur_fw-la prope_a hoc_fw-la solitudo_fw-la carent_fw-la arbitris_fw-la &_o eremus_fw-la assentaterum_fw-la satellitio_fw-la vacua_fw-la à _fw-la jejunanâ—e_fw-la christo_fw-la el_fw-es gitur_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la cum_fw-la carne_fw-la &_o sanguine_fw-la sed_fw-la cum_fw-la spiritualibus_fw-la nequiâ—iis_fw-la dimicâ—tur_fw-la &_o amotis_fw-la minorum_fw-la occasionibus_fw-la homo_fw-la cum_fw-la diabolo_fw-it colluctetur_fw-la &_o soli_fw-la sint_fw-la in_o palastra_fw-la christus_fw-la &_o antichristus_fw-la spiritus_fw-la &_o antispiritus_fw-la neque_fw-la putet_fw-la homo_fw-la se_fw-la evasisse_fw-la pericula_fw-la cum_fw-la in_o eremum_fw-la venerit_fw-la quia_fw-la quanto_fw-la saltilius_fw-la tanto_fw-la difficilius_fw-la à _fw-la teâ—tatore_fw-la invaditur_fw-la qui_fw-la cogitationum_fw-la foribus_fw-la assilens_fw-la omne_fw-la virtutum_fw-la germina_fw-la in_o ipso_fw-la ortu_fw-la strangulare_a molitur_fw-la cyp._n de_fw-fr jejun_fw-fr &_o teâ—tat_fw-la christi_fw-la prope_fw-la init_fw-la pag._n 300_o 301._o verum_fw-la siberius_fw-la anima_fw-la expedita_fw-la obviat_fw-la impugnanti_fw-la ubi_fw-la compedes_fw-la impedimentorum_fw-la defueriat_fw-la &_o aspectus_fw-la irritamenta_fw-la non_fw-la noveriat_fw-la securiorque_fw-la est_fw-la congressus_fw-la ubi_fw-la singuâ—a_fw-la non_fw-la vellicant_fw-la dimicante_fw-la nec_fw-la inebriant_fw-la animum_fw-la lenocinio_fw-la voluptatum_fw-la vid._n plur_n cyprian_n speak_v of_o christ_n fast_v and_o be_v tempt_v in_o the_o wilderness_n choose_v that_o place_n for_o its_o secrecy_n because_o say_v he_o fast_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v so_o as_o god_n alone_o may_v be_v judge_n and_o in_o such_o contest_v as_o these_o we_o be_v to_o call_v on_o god_n alone_o as_o spectator_n and_o helper_n and_o show_v notable_o the_o danger_n of_o vainglory_n and_o advantage_n of_o secrecy_n yet_o add_v let_v not_o a_o man_n imagine_v he_o have_v escape_v all_o danger_n when_o he_o come_v into_o a_o wilderness_n or_o solitary_a place_n because_o he_o be_v invade_v by_o the_o tempter_n so_o much_o the_o more_o difficulty_n because_o more_o subtle_o who_o sit_v before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o thought_n seek_v to_o strangle_v all_o the_o bud_n of_o virtue_n
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 joh._n 16.32_o you_o leave_v i_o alone_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a for_o the_o father_n be_v with_o i_o q._n d._n when_o you_o go_v away_o my_o father_n come_v to_o visit_v i_o with_o most_o familiar_a endearing_n oh_o bless_a exchange_n thus_o it_o be_v often_o with_o the_o saint_n when_o man_n leave_v they_o or_o they_o withdraw_v from_o man_n they_o have_v many_o time_n most_o of_o god_n and_o be_v it_o not_o infinite_o better_a to_o have_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n than_o the_o company_n of_o man_n it_o be_v worth_a note_v what_o god_n say_v of_o abraham_n isa_n 51.2_o i_o call_v he_o alone_o and_o bless_a he_o mark_v it_o when_o god_n have_v entice_v abraham_n from_o all_o his_o friend_n and_o get_v he_o alone_o than_o he_o bless_v he_o and_o you_o know_v what_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v even_o a_o covenant-blessing_n such_o god_n distribute_v to_o his_o saint_n when_o he_o have_v withdraw_v they_o from_o company_n into_o a_o corner_n hieronym_n mihi_fw-la 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 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husband_n &_o wife_n apart_o zech._n 12.11_o 12._o and_o of_o gracious_a soul_n to_o be_v like_o dove_n of_o the_o valley_n every_o one_o mourning_n for_o his_o iniquity_n eze._n 7.16_o there_o must_v be_v joynt-prayer_n and_o separate_a prayer_n together_o and_o apart_o let_v not_o christian_n be_v content_a to_o find_v christ_n in_o a_o corner_n for_o themselves_o but_o let_v they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v that_o other_o also_o may_v enjoy_v he_o this_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o church_n or_o believe_a soul_n cant._n 3.4_o when_o she_o have_v find_v he_o i_o hold_v he_o say_v she_o and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v until_o i_o have_v bring_v he_o into_o my_o mother_n house_n i._n e._n into_o more_o public_a assembly_n and_o true_o christian_n that_o man_n have_v not_o find_v christ_n at_o all_o that_o will_v not_o have_v all_o other_o to_o find_v he_o oh_o think_v the_o christian_a in_o his_o retirement_n that_o other_o do_v but_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v what_o my_o soul_n have_v 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that_o they_o that_o have_v find_v christ_n will_v be_v so_o charitable_a to_o soul_n as_o to_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o the_o way_n to_o enjoy_v he_o unto_o other_o thus_o do_v andrew_n come_v to_o simon_n and_o philip_n to_o nathaniel_n and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v as_o a_o man_n find_v a_o jewel_n and_o can_v contain_v overjoy_v and_o cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v find_v he_o we_o have_v find_v the_o messiah_n joh._n 1.41_o 45._o and_o when_o the_o poor_a woman_n of_o samaria_n have_v be_v private_o converse_v with_o jesus_n down_o she_o throw_v at_o least_o leave_v behind_o she_o her_o waterpot_n and_o all_o in_o haste_n go_v to_o the_o city_n and_o say_v to_o the_o man_n come_v see_v a_o man_n which_o tell_v i_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o i_o do_v be_v not_o this_o the_o christ_n john_n 4.28_o 29._o thus_o do_v you_o sir_n promote_v and_o propagate_v this_o choice_a duty_n commend_v it_o unto_o other_o practice_n and_o so_o you_o may_v be_v instrument_n of_o good_a chap._n vii_o concern_v the_o matter_n or_o word_n of_o prayer_n sect_n i._o there_o be_v one_o thing_n yet_o remain_v which_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v something_o shall_v be_v speak_v to_o and_o that_o be_v the_o matter_n in_o pray_v or_o word_n of_o prayer_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o requisite_a to_o use_v a_o form_n or_o no_o most_o judge_n 190._o videas_fw-la ames_n case_n cons_n lib._n 4._o c._n 17._o p._n 190._o that_o as_o form_n be_v lawful_a so_o prescript_n word_n may_v be_v requisite_a to_o some_o young_a beginner_n in_o religion_n and_o other_o christian_n of_o weak_a part_n that_o can_v express_v their_o desire_n to_o god_n in_o fit_a word_n to_o help_v their_o rudeness_n yet_o christian_n ought_v to_o press_v after_o more_o growth_n and_o proficiency_n that_o they_o may_v lay_v aside_o those_o crutch_n and_o arrive_v at_o that_o gift_n of_o prayer_n that_o may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n as_o for_o closet-prayer_n 277._o practical_a catech._n pag._n 277._o dr._n hammond_n do_v assert_v it_o that_o every_o one_o may_v ask_v his_o own_o want_n in_o what_o form_n of_o word_n he_o shall_v think_v fit_a and_o indeed_o all_o particular_a case_n incident_a and_o variable_a can_v scarce_o be_v comprehend_v in_o one_o constant_a form_n beside_o in_o secret_a prayer_n god_n do_v not_o so_o much_o stand_v upon_o phrase_n or_o pat_o sentence_n as_o the_o working_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o be_v the_o best_a rhetoric_n in_o his_o ear_n it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o we_o may_v use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n i_o answer_v we_o may_v use_v it_o as_o other_o prayer_n in_o scripture_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rehearse_v every_o time_n we_o pray_v but_o a_o example_n platform_n or_o directory_n according_a to_o the_o content_n whereof_o we_o must_v direct_v our_o prayer_n therefore_o for_o the_o further_a help_n of_o young_a professor_n i_o shall_v brief_o touch_v at_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o that_o admirable_a compendious_a rule_n of_o prayer_n you_o have_v in_o mat._n 6._o ver_fw-la 9_o to_o v._o 14._o and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o refer_v chief_o though_o not_o only_o to_o closet-devotion_n what_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o it_o may_v be_v a_o practical_a analyse_a of_o it_o in_o its_o several_a part_n and_o branch_n 1._o for_o the_o preface_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n you_o may_v thus_o make_v use_n of_o it_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a majesty_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o in_o the_o low_a heart_n who_o see_v all_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o be_v a_o god_n that_o hear_v prayer_n i_o be_o a_o poor_a worm_n at_o thy_o footstool_n look_v up_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o thy_o grace_n cast_v a_o fatherly_a eye_n up_o on_o i_o and_o though_o i_o be_v by_o nature_n a_o child_n of_o wrath_n yet_o through_o jesus_n christ_n make_v i_o thy_o child_n by_o grace_n and_o adoption_n teach_v i_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n with_o holy_a reverence_n and_o filial_a confidence_n raise_v my_o heart_n to_o heaven_n beget_v in_o i_o faith_n in_o thy_o promise_n love_v to_o my_o brethren_n and_o due_a apprehension_n of_o thy_o sovereign_a power_n and_o gracious_a condescension_n that_o pray_v by_o the_o help_n of_o thy_o spirit_n in_o the_o name_n of_o thy_o son_n i_o may_v obtain_v good_a at_o thy_o fatherly_a hand_n second_o for_o the_o petition_n 1._o petition_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n thus_o o_o my_o god_n i_o have_v dishonour_v thou_o all_o my_o day_n by_o my_o ignorance_n pride_n hardness_n and_o unthankfulness_n and_o i_o be_o unapt_a and_o unable_a to_o glorify_v thou_o but_o do_v thou_o glorify_v thyself_o in_o my_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n help_v i_o to_o know_v and_o adore_v thou_o to_o make_v a_o high_a account_n of_o thy_o title_n attribute_n ordinance_n to_o believe_v thy_o word_n admire_v thy_o work_n in_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n help_v i_o with_o spiritual_a thought_n become_v my_o holy_a profession_n with_o divine_a lip_n speak_v good_a of_o thy_o name_n and_o a_o suitable_a conversation_n to_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n holy_a god_n destroy_v atheism_n ignorance_n idolatry_n and_o profaneness_n magnify_v thy_o name_n through_o the_o world_n and_o direct_v and_o dispose_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o thy_o glory_n by_o thy_o overrule_a providence_n and_o thy_o infinite_a wisdom_n 2._o petition_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thus_o improve_v it_o lord_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o by_o nature_n i_o be_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o a_o bondslave_n to_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n who_o rule_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o lead_v i_o captive_a by_o ignorance_n error_n disobedience_n but_o do_v thou_o by_o the_o power_n of_o thy_o grace_n cast_v out_o the_o strong_a man_n take_v possession_n of_o my_o heart_n sway_v thy_o bless_a sceptre_n in_o i_o bring_v my_o whole_a man_n to_o obedience_n destroy_v satan_n kingdom_n propagate_v the_o gospel_n among_o all_o nation_n purge_v thy_o house_n furnish_v thy_o church_n with_o officer_n order_n and_o pure_a ordinance_n make_v king_n nurse_v father_n to_o it_o convert_v sinner_n confirm_v saint_n comfort_v the_o sad_a hasten_v thy_o second_o come_v to_o judgement_n and_o the_o bless_a kingdom_n of_o glory_n 3._o petition_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n thus_o holy_a majesty_n i_o acknowledge_v my_o natural_a ignorance_n of_o thy_o will_n impotency_n to_o obey_v it_o yea_o enmity_n and_o antipathy_n against_o it_o my_o best_a service_n be_v imperfect_a my_o spirit_n repine_v under_o thy_o hand_n and_o my_o will_n wilful_o resist_v grace_n and_o rush_v into_o sin_n but_o dear_a lord_n
god_n 3._o obj._n but_o i_o be_o a_o servant_n and_o must_v obey_v my_o master_n i_o be_o keep_v too_o hardly_o at_o work_n to_o get_v time_n for_o secret_a prayer_n i_o be_o call_v to_o work_v betimes_o dog_v to_o it_o all_o the_o day_n answ_n though_o you_o be_v servant_n to_o do_v man_n work_n yet_o not_o slave_n to_o their_o lust_n in_o that_o respect_n you_o must_v not_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n if_o you_o be_v servant_n you_o be_v the_o lord_n freeman_n if_o free_a yet_o you_o be_v christ_n servant_n 1_o cor._n 7.22_o 23._o remember_v you_o have_v a_o master_n in_o heaven_n no_o mortal_a creature_n can_v discharge_v you_o from_o your_o attendance_n on_o god_n you_o must_v do_v god_n work_v as_o well_o as_o your_o master_n and_o your_o master_n work_n for_o god_n sake_n 7._o eph._n 6.6_o 7._o oh_o sir_n do_v not_o neglect_v your_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o pleasure_v man_n can_v your_o superior_a answer_n for_o your_o neglect_n or_o interpose_v betwixt_o flame_a wrath_n and_o your_o sin_v soul_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a some_o lie_v the_o blame_n on_o master_n when_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o deceive_v not_o thyself_o by_o accuse_v other_o to_o clear_v thyself_o this_o be_v adam_n fault_n think_v not_o that_o another_o rigour_n can_v excuse_v thy_o neglect_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v never_o a_o servant_n so_o strict_o watch_v but_o may_v steal_v some_o time_n from_o his_o master_n for_o his_o god_n and_o yet_o do_v he_o no_o wrong_n only_o see_v that_o you_o be_v prudent_a in_o choose_v such_o season_n as_o may_v not_o just_o provoke_v your_o master_n or_o prejudice_v his_o occasion_n and_o be_v often_o in_o your_o calling_n lift_v up_o your_o heart_n to_o god_n be_v content_a with_o your_o condition_n have_v you_o more_o liberty_n it_o may_v be_v your_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v in_o so_o good_a a_o frame_n but_o let_v i_o bespeak_v master_n indulgence_n to_o poor_a and_o pious_a servant_n oh_o hinder_v they_o not_o in_o any_o good_a 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affect_v or_o prepare_v be_v it_o not_o a_o tempt_a of_o god_n to_o go_v when_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o move_v i_o i_o answ_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a mistake_n to_o think_v you_o may_v not_o go_v to_o duty_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n move_v you_o for_o it_o may_v be_v long_o before_o it_o stir_v the_o spirit_n blow_v where_o and_o when_o it_o list_v you_o be_v therefore_o to_o lay_v yourselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n call_v in_o its_o aid_n which_o ordinary_o come_v when_o soul_n do_v their_o duty_n holy_a performance_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o walk_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o air_n where_o he_o breathe_v and_o be_v sure_a he_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o walk_v but_o you_o can_v expect_v he_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o plain_a duty_n try_v this_o way_n put_v god_n to_o it_o plead_v his_o promise_n you_o can_v think_v to_o be_v warm_a if_o you_o run_v from_o the_o fire_n if_o you_o have_v not_o a_o appetite_n to_o pray_v you_o must_v pray_v for_o a_o appetite_n for_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n never_o fit_v but_o always_o unfit_v for_o a_o duty_n if_o you_o will_v heed_v your_o trifle_a spirit_n and_o accept_v every_o excuse_n which_o they_o make_v you_o shall_v never_o pray_v if_o you_o play_v the_o truant_n one_o time_n you_o will_v have_v less_o mind_n to_o go_v to_o god_n the_o next_o time_n guilt_n make_v you_o afraid_a and_o you_o dare_v not_o come_v near_o that_o god_n who_o you_o have_v wrong_v as_o adam_n run_v from_o god_n and_o peter_n will_v thrust_v christ_n from_o he_o when_o conscious_a of_o guilt_n how_o dare_v you_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n who_o you_o have_v slight_v beside_o you_o will_v find_v that_o neglect_n of_o duty_n do_v not_o make_v the_o next_o performance_n more_o easy_a but_o more_o difficult_a it_o will_v as_o one_o say_v require_v more_o time_n and_o pain_n for_o you_o to_o tune_v your_o instrument_n than_o for_o another_o to_o play_v his_o lesson_n and_o be_v it_o not_o more_o likely_a god_n shall_v come_v to_o you_o in_o painstaking_a than_o total_a omission_n do_v you_o not_o read_v in_o the_o psalm_n how_o often_o david_n begin_v faint_o and_o end_v triumphant_o try_v the_o lord_n and_o see_v if_o he_o be_v not_o better_o than_o you_o expect_v 7._o obj._n i_o but_o say_v a_o poor_a soul_n i_o meet_v with_o temptation_n when_o i_o go_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a satan_n assault_v i_o i_o be_o timorous_a and_o dare_v not_o be_v alone_o or_o in_o the_o dark_a but_o be_o affright_v answ_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o duty_n be_v good_a because_o so_o bad_a a_o spirit_n oppose_v it_o the_o more_o satan_n see_v a_o duty_n be_v for_o the_o soul_n advantage_n
thou_o shall_v take_v god_n part_n and_o plead_v for_o obedience_n paul_n do_v so_o rom._n 7.15_o 16._o though_o he_o say_v what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o but_o what_o i_o hate_v that_o do_v i_o yet_o say_v he_o i_o consent_v to_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v good_a i._n e._n i_o take_v patt_n with_o god_n and_o join_v with_o god_n will_v against_o my_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a affection_n that_o will_v draw_v my_o neck_n from_o under_o this_o heavenly_a yoke_n and_o if_o you_o have_v not_o something_o within_o you_o that_o take_v part_n with_o god_n reveal_v will_n you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n do_v facilitate_v and_o make_v easy_a the_o hard_a duty_n because_o there_o be_v a_o likeness_n betwixt_o holy_a heart_n and_o holy_a performance_n love_n make_v every_o thing_n easy_a hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n yoke_n be_v easy_a mat._n 11.30_o his_o way_n pleasant_a and_o his_o commandment_n not_o grievous_a 1_o joh._n 5.3_o if_o thy_o heart_n be_v right_a duty_n will_v be_v sweet_a to_o thy_o soul_n it_o be_v no_o burden_n to_o eat_v drink_v sleep_n the_o act_n of_o nature_n be_v delightful_a to_o person_n in_o a_o right_a temper_n if_o they_o be_v not_o nature_n be_v oppress_v and_o out_o of_o order_n a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o regenerate_v be_v like_o a_o man_n in_o his_o call_n or_o a_o creature_n in_o its_o proper_a element_n beside_o be_v thou_o more_o accustom_v to_o duty_n in_o secret_a it_o will_v be_v more_o familiar_a to_o thou_o and_o less_o irksome_a we_o see_v by_o experience_n use_v make_v heavy_a thing_n light_v we_o hardly_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o our_o clothes_n because_o fit_v to_o we_o and_o constant_o carry_v by_o we_o when_o as_o the_o same_o weight_n upon_o our_o shoulder_n will_v trouble_v we_o christian_n consider_v all_o christian_a duty_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a difficulty_n yet_o withal_o observe_v it_o duty_n that_o be_v hard_a to_o go_v through_o many_o time_n bring_v in_o the_o sweet_a income_n and_o so_o be_v this_o the_o profit_n of_o it_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v for_o your_o pain_n in_o it_o be_v sure_a when_o a_o duty_n be_v line_v with_o difficulty_n and_o your_o corrupt_a heart_n draw_v back_o and_o have_v most_o averseness_n to_o it_o there_o be_v something_o of_o god_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o god_n aim_v you_o more_o than_o ordinary_a advantage_n by_o it_o therefore_o do_v not_o say_v a_o word_n against_o it_o but_o stir_v up_o yourselves_o spur_v on_o your_o heart_n shake_v off_o sloth_n and_o run_v to_o god_n whatever_o satan_n the_o world_n or_o flesh_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_a thus_o much_o for_o the_o objection_n sect_n v._o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n brief_o answer_v there_o be_v yet_o four_o case_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v brief_o propound_v and_o answer_v 1._o case_n whether_o may_v not_o a_o hypocrite_n or_o graceless_a soul_n perform_v this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n and_o what_o difference_n be_v there_o betwixt_o a_o real_a saint_n and_o a_o unregenerate_a person_n in_o this_o work_n i_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v possible_a a_o carnal_a man_n may_v pray_v in_o secret_a but_o with_o these_o difference_n 1._o he_o be_v urge_v to_o it_o by_o the_o challenge_n of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v dog_v to_o it_o he_o dare_v not_o but_o do_v it_o but_o a_o child_n of_o god_n have_v a_o gracious_a principle_n incline_v he_o to_o it_o from_o love_n to_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o please_v and_o enjoy_v he_o yet_o through_o the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n there_o be_v much_o unwillingness_n in_o the_o best_a so_o that_o sometime_o a_o saint_n must_v even_o force_v himself_o to_o the_o performance_n 2._o a_o hypocrite_n will_v not_o thus_o pray_v always_o job_n 27.9_o 10._o it_o be_v but_o in_o some_o pang_n or_o under_o some_o press_a affliction_n and_o when_o this_o good_a mood_n be_v over_o he_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o god_n till_o whip_v to_o he_o again_o by_o the_o like_a but_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n constant_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o duty_n though_o he_o may_v have_v sinful_a omission_n and_o intermission_n yet_o never_o a_o total_a cessation_n from_o duty_n grace_n work_v the_o heart_n god-ward_o and_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o content_a without_o he_o 3._o a_o hypocrite_n do_v not_o make_v conscience_n to_o get_v his_o heart_n up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n he_o be_v content_a with_o the_o work_n do_v word_n say_v but_o a_o real_a saint_n have_v most_o ado_n with_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o hard_a piece_n of_o the_o work_n he_o dare_v not_o leave_v that_o behind_o he_o and_o he_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o get_v it_o up_o 4._o a_o carnal_a man_n keep_v his_o round_n in_o formal_a duty_n but_o get_v nothing_o he_o pray_v to_o little_a profit_n or_o purpose_n and_o indeed_o do_v not_o much_o study_n to_o gain_v a_o spiritual_a good_a but_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a gainer_n he_o get_v at_o sometime_o communion_n with_o god_n communication_n from_o god_n oh_o what_o good_a do_v his_o soul_n meet_v with_o though_o not_o always_o yet_o at_o sometime_o 2._o case_n whether_o may_v a_o christian_a bind_v himself_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n at_o state_v time_n or_o suppose_v a_o christian_a miss_v his_o time_n design_v for_o that_o work_n what_o must_v he_o then_o do_v ans_fw-fr to_o the_o former_a that_o in_o general_n thou_o may_v and_o must_v swear_v and_o vow_n that_o thou_o will_v keep_v god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.106_o so_o do_v david_n and_o in_o scripture_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o make_v vow_n and_o pay_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n psal_n 76.11_o vow_v ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o god_n be_v necessary_a sequester_v some_o part_n of_o our_o time_n to_o his_o service_n be_v requisite_a and_o in_o some_o case_n for_o some_o person_n it_o may_v be_v expedient_a to_o bind_v and_o task_n ourselves_o by_o a_o holy_a resolution_n to_o take_v so_o much_o time_n at_o least_o every_o day_n for_o god_n worship_n yea_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o may_v be_v judge_v most_o commodious_a by_o our_o experience_n and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o good_a help_n to_o keep_v in_o our_o treacherous_a heart_n from_o delay_n or_o dally_v but_o to_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o a_o particular_a hour_n so_o punctual_o and_o unalterable_o as_o not_o to_o take_v another_o may_v not_o be_v so_o safe_a partly_o because_o our_o time_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n and_o we_o know_v not_o what_o intervening_a providence_n may_v fall_v in_o to_o prevent_v our_o performance_n whereby_o conscience_n may_v be_v entangle_v in_o a_o perplex_v labyrinth_n beside_o our_o outward_a occasion_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o spirit_n may_v discover_v a_o great_a fitness_n at_o another_o season_n yet_o though_o i_o will_v not_o have_v christian_n bring_v a_o snare_n upon_o their_o soul_n by_o vow_v yet_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o they_o may_v 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