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
the_o more_o diligent_a he_o be_v to_o hinder_v the_o performance_n but_o must_v satan_n be_v gratify_v rather_o than_o god_n glorify_v or_o thy_o soul_n edify_v will_v thou_o give_v way_n to_o he_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o thou_o think_v not_o thou_o can_v perform_v a_o flesh-displeasing_a duty_n when_o satan_n be_v quiet_a and_o do_v not_o molest_v he_o will_v be_v busy_a to_o tempt_v when_o thou_o be_v go_v to_o thy_o god_n this_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n he_o will_v jog_v thy_o hand_n when_o thou_o be_v write_v thy_o letter_n to_o thy_o friend_n in_o heaven_n think_v not_o to_o be_v more_o exempt_v than_o even_o thy_o saviour_n himself_o he_o be_v set_v upon_o by_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o solitary_a recess_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o oh_o the_o horrible_a nature_n of_o those_o temptation_n mat._n 4._o when_o joshua_n the_o highpriest_n pray_v satan_n stand_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o resist_v he_o but_o the_o issue_n be_v good_a god_n rebuke_v he_o zech._n 3.1_o 2._o and_o thus_o he_o will_v do_v for_o thou_o he_o will_v tread_v satan_n under_o thy_o foot_n and_o make_v thou_o a_o conqueror_n only_o when_o thou_o be_v annoy_v with_o this_o foul_a spirit_n turn_v to_o thy_o god_n leave_v not_o thy_o work_n let_v not_o satan_n take_v thou_o off_o duty_n then_o he_o have_v attain_v his_o end_n fall_v close_o to_o the_o work_n consider_v fast_v and_o prayer_n cast_v out_o the_o devil_n 6.18_o matt._n 26.4_o eph_n 6.18_o watch_v and_o prayer_n be_v preservative_n from_o infection_n yea_o prayer_n itself_o be_v a_o chief_a piece_n of_o a_o christian_n armour_n if_o you_o be_v beat_v off_o this_o you_o be_v rout_v this_o engage_v god_n for_o you_o without_o this_o you_o be_v but_o like_o other_o man_n and_o the_o philistin_n will_v put_v out_o your_o eye_n lead_v you_o captive_a and_o make_v sport_n of_o you_o stick_v close_o to_o this_o what_o ever_o you_o do_v though_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n roar_v upon_o you_o yet_o run_v to_o your_o god_n in_o prayer_n they_o be_v sluggard_n or_o coward_n that_o say_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n when_o they_o be_v call_v out_o to_o hard_a service_n or_o difficult_a duty_n nay_o rather_o say_v as_o he_o once_o in_o a_o arduous_a undertake_n here_o be_v a_o work_n fit_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o alexander_n so_o here_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n to_o manage_v by_o your_o god_n you_o may_v run_v through_o a_o troop_n and_o leap_v over_o a_o wall_n but_o more_o of_o that_o anon_o 8._o obj._n but_o i_o get_v no_o good_a by_o closet-prayer_n i_o have_v use_v it_o so_o long_o and_o still_o my_o heart_n be_v as_o cold_a hard_a dead_a as_o ever_o i_o will_v give_v over_o now_o answ_n be_v not_o this_o too_o like_o the_o language_n of_o those_o that_o say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n mal._n 3.14_o and_o be_v you_o like_o those_o atheist_n that_o think_v prayer_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n i_o hope_v not_o you_o think_v it_o do_v good_a to_o some_o but_o not_o to_o you_o well_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n be_v it_o not_o because_o you_o do_v not_o pray_v aright_o therefore_o search_v yourselves_o see_v how_o you_o pray_v mourn_v over_o your_o defect_n and_o mend_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a one_o who_o see_v the_o well_o dry_a break_v or_o throw_v away_o his_o pitcher_n but_o be_v god_n a_o barren_a wilderness_n be_v it_o not_o good_a for_o you_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n be_v they_o ever_o ashamed_a that_o wait_v on_o he_o have_v not_o thou_o sometime_o find_v benefit_n by_o secret_a prayer_n god_n be_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o seek_v he_o try_v again_o you_o will_v not_o lose_v your_o labour_n be_v not_o weary_a of_o well-doing_n in_o due_a time_n you_o shall_v reap_v if_o you_o faint_v not_o let_v not_o your_o hand_n hang_v down_o let_v not_o your_o knee_n grow_v feeble_a the_o text_n tell_v you_o your_o father_n that_o see_v in_o secret_a will_v reward_v you_o open_o and_o dare_v you_o not_o trust_v he_o beyond_o sense_n and_o experience_n there_o may_v be_v more_o advantage_n by_o this_o duty_n than_o you_o be_v aware_a of_o you_o shall_v not_o yet_o know_v the_o profit_n you_o have_v by_o secret_a prayer_n you_o must_v keep_v on_o in_o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n and_o not_o give_v over_o till_o you_o receive_v a_o full_a reward_n but_o oh_o take_v heed_n of_o give_v over_o prayer_n because_o you_o think_v you_o want_v present_a profiâ—_n you_o can_v do_v satan_n great_a service_n or_o your_o soul_n more_o prejudice_n but_o more_o of_o this_o anon_o 9_o obj._n but_o i_o be_o weak_a in_o part_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v fain_o i_o will_v but_o alas_o i_o can_v open_v my_o want_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n i_o want_v gift_n ability_n answ_n i_o be_o glad_a to_o hear_v thou_o thus_o complain_v thou_o be_v fit_a for_o pray_v when_o thou_o can_v lie_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o inability_n to_o pray_v that_o be_v a_o useful_a disposition_n in_o duty_n but_o thou_o say_v thou_o can_v not_o pray_v then_o i_o will_v tell_v thou_o what_o to_o do_v go_v thy_o way_n alone_o and_o fall_v down_o upon_o thy_o knee_n and_o plain_o tell_v the_o lord_n thou_o can_v not_o pray_v and_o entreat_v he_o to_o help_v thou_o by_o his_o bless_a spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o tell_v the_o lord_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n or_o speak_v a_o good_a word_n without_o that_o bless_a spirit_n but_o it_o shall_v help_v thy_o infirmity_n and_o teach_v thou_o what_o to_o say_v oh_o beg_v hard_a for_o that_o holy_a spirit_n and_o then_o let_v some_o mean_n be_v use_v to_o get_v matter_n of_o prayer_n you_o know_v it_o consist_v of_o confession_n of_o sin_n petition_n for_o good_a thing_n deprecation_n of_o evil_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o mercy_n well_o then_o sit_v down_o and_o think_v with_o thyself_o what_o sin_n thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o original_a or_o actual_a of_o omission_n or_o commission_n this_o be_v too_o too_o fruitful_a a_o subject_n take_v they_o home_o tell_v god_n of_o they_o by_o ingenious_a confession_n then_o bethink_v thyself_o what_o thou_o want_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o pardon_n grace_n peace_n heaven_n and_o beg_v these_o consider_v also_o what_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o as_o guilt_n strength_n effect_n of_o sin_n god_n wrath_n satan_n malice_n and_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v these_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o last_o recollect_v what_o mercy_n thou_o have_v have_v from_o god_n and_o reckon_v they_o up_o to_o god_n with_o expression_n of_o thankfulness_n do_v this_o with_o plainness_n and_o seriousness_n heed_v not_o so_o much_o for_o exact_a method_n or_o fine_a phrase_n the_o gilt_n of_o the_o key_n make_v it_o not_o open_v the_o door_n a_o jot_n the_o better_a and_o a_o prayer_n do_v not_o work_v upon_o god_n any_o rather_o because_o of_o the_o neat_a language_n therein_o but_o unbosom_v thyself_o plain_o and_o serious_o before_o thy_o god_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v present_a assistance_n and_o acceptance_n and_o future_a enlargement_n and_o encouragement_n be_v honest_a though_o never_o so_o homely_a in_o prayer_n 10._o obj._n but_o i_o like_v not_o this_o stir_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n i_o will_v rather_o do_v any_o thing_n than_o this_o my_o spirit_n be_v wonderful_a averse_a to_o it_o say_v what_o you_o will_v it_o will_v not_o down_o with_o i_o to_o make_v all_o this_o ado_n in_o closet-prayer_n it_o be_v pretty_a fair_a if_o i_o can_v keep_v up_o such_o duty_n as_o church_n and_o family_n require_v answ_n this_o be_v the_o plead_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n this_o be_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o former_a objection_n i_o expect_v this_o all_o along_o if_o the_o tongue_n speak_v not_o thus_o the_o heart_n do_v let_v a_o duty_n be_v press_v never_o so_o home_o a_o carnal_a heart_n will_v make_v some_o evasion_n though_o the_o mouth_n be_v stop_v yet_o a_o cavil_v heart_n will_v have_v something_o to_o say_v against_o a_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v mad_a with_o reason_n it_o grow_v mad_a without_o reason_n and_o against_o scripture_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o bring_v argument_n to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n than_o to_o draw_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o a_o through_o obedience_n but_o soul_n will_v thou_o plead_v for_o baal_n will_v thou_o take_v the_o devil_n part_n and_o yield_v to_o carnal_a reason_n or_o will_v thou_o balk_v any_o divine_a command_n to_o gratify_v a_o lazy_a humour_n or_o a_o base_a lust_n god_n forbid_v methinks_v if_o thou_o can_v not_o obey_v as_o thou_o ought_v yet_o
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 heedless_o delay_v oh_o monstrous_a folly_n oh_o gross_a ingratitude_n be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o thy_o god_n take_v it_o ill_a that_o thou_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o be_v happy_a that_o thou_o even_o forsake_v thy_o own_o mercy_n and_o will_v go_v twice_o as_o far_o another_o way_n to_o gratify_v a_o friend_n rather_o than_o go_v alone_o into_o thy_o closet_n to_o please_v thy_o god_n and_o profit_n thy_o poor_a soul_n how_o long_o must_v god_n watch_v and_o wait_v and_o strive_v and_o sue_v to_o have_v thy_o company_n and_o thou_o do_v still_o neglect_v and_o grow_v averse_a thereto_o oh_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o sect_n vi_o three_o more_o sad_a consideration_n for_o our_o humiliation_n 8._o do_v you_o not_o by_o neglect_n of_o secret_a prayer_n resist_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n and_o be_v this_o no_o fault_n be_v it_o nothing_o to_o neglect_v communion_n with_o god_n the_o father_n or_o to_o improve_v the_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 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
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 work_n rather_o put_v they_o upon_o it_o encourage_v they_o in_o it_o bless_v god_n that_o you_o have_v pray_v servant_n this_o be_v a_o hopeful_a presage_n of_o good_a success_n let_v not_o your_o servant_n fare_v the_o worse_o but_o the_o better_a for_o be_v god_n servant_n 4._o obj._n but_o i_o have_v no_o closet_n to_o pray_v in_o no_o convenient_a room_n for_o secret_a prayer_n i_o have_v a_o little_a house_n a_o busy_a full_a family_n and_o can_v retire_v myself_o answ_n a_o good_a good_a heart_n will_v find_v room_n either_o within_o door_n or_o without_o a_o gracious_a soul_n will_v seek_v out_o place_n to_o pray_v in_o any_o sorry_a cote_n will_v be_v a_o bethel_n where_o it_o can_v enjoy_v its_o god_n or_o if_o he_o can_v get_v to_o it_o under_o the_o roof_n he_o will_v with_o good_a isaac_n walk_v out_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v and_o to_o pray_v can_v heathen_n and_o idolatrous_a jew_n plant_v grove_n for_o their_o superstition_n in_o a_o apish_a imitation_n of_o abraham_n practice_n and_o can_v a_o bird_n of_o paradise_n take_v its_o flight_n out_o of_o some_o wood_n or_o arbour_n into_o heaven_n but_o most_o need_v not_o make_v this_o silly_a slight_a excuse_n they_o have_v good_a roof_n to_o be_v in_o and_o need_v not_o worship_n god_n sub_fw-la dio_n in_o the_o open_a air_n few_o of_o we_o but_o we_o have_v convenient_a room_n but_o most_o of_o we_o want_v affectionate_a heart_n to_o visit_v god_n therein_o but_o christian_n make_v good_a use_n of_o your_o house_n to_o serve_v god_n therein_o else_o they_o may_v just_o spew_v you_o out_o and_o leave_v you_o harbourless_o and_o then_o what_o a_o dreadful_a sting_n and_o guilt_n will_v follow_v you_o whither-soev_a you_o go_v oh_o consider_v london_n flame_n and_o ruin_n your_o house_n be_v no_o better_o build_v nor_o more_o secure_v from_o the_o like_a catastrophe_n do_v not_o weaken_v their_o foundation_n by_o wilful_a neglect_n or_o scandalous_a sin_n 5._o obj._n but_o i_o know_v some_o good_a christian_n that_o never_o use_v it_o yea_o that_o maintain_v it_o in_o their_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a except_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n what_o say_v you_o to_o that_o i_o answ_n i_o never_o yet_o meet_v with_o such_o person_n that_o have_v the_o face_n of_o religion_n that_o ever_o speak_v against_o the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v meet_v with_o some_o who_o be_v urge_v to_o family-prayer_n have_v put_v it_o off_o with_o this_o evasion_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v in_o their_o closet_n how_o well_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n know_v but_o if_o any_o professor_n judgement_n be_v so_o far_o bribe_v to_o plead_v for_o the_o flesh_n in_o this_o neglect_n the_o lord_n rebuke_v they_o and_o forgive_v they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v this_o be_v a_o lamentation_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_a any_o truth_n so_o sacred_a or_o duty_n so_o spiritual_a but_o it_o have_v be_v contradict_v in_o these_o licentious_a day_n some_o have_v plead_v against_o family-prayer_n catechise_v christian-meeting_n and_o what_o not_o but_o they_o can_v produce_v no_o solid_a argument_n do_v not_o you_o follow_v their_o example_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n precept_n and_o precedent_n many_o be_v produce_v for_o confirmation_n most_o whereof_o be_v not_o only_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n but_o be_v a_o ordinary_a practice_n and_o can_v you_o find_v the_o day_n that_o afford_v not_o some_o special_a matter_n to_o occasion_v you_o to_o make_v address_n to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n if_o you_o be_v sensible_a and_o observant_a sure_o you_o will_v see_v great_a need_n for_o such_o retirement_n in_o ordinary_a practice_n remember_v this_o that_o you_o follow_v no_o man_n but_o as_o he_o follow_v christ_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a our_o precious_a saviour_n use_v this_o practice_n sect_n iii_o more_o objection_n answer_v 6._o obj._n but_o i_o find_v not_o my_o heart_n 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 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to_o make_v the_o right_a use_n of_o solitariness_n by_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n no_o man_n care_v for_o be_v alone_o but_o the_o serious_a person_n and_o no_o man_n care_v for_o go_v to_o god_n when_o alone_o but_o the_o sincere_a christian_a man_n be_v a_o sociable_a creature_n and_o natural_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o entertain_v ourselves_o by_o ourselves_o a_o carnal_a heart_n hate_v a_o domestical_a audit_n man_n that_o have_v shrewish_a wife_n love_v not_o to_o be_v at_o home_n and_o person_n that_o have_v guilty_a conscience_n can_v endure_v to_o hold_v discourse_n with_o they_o leave_v they_o be_v torment_v before_o the_o time_n oh_o but_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v upright_o and_o downright_a will_v know_v all_o that_o concern_v his_o own_o heart_n the_o best_a and_o worst_a therefore_o he_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n 77.6_o psal_n 77.6_o as_o david_n do_v and_o leave_v he_o miss_v or_o mistake_v in_o his_o search_n he_o turn_v he_o to_o the_o 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the_o laity_n not_o of_o the_o clergy_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n 5._o they_o have_v no_o conceit_n of_o merit_n in_o a_o monastic_a life_n till_o these_o latter_a age_n i_o may_v add_v 6._o 13._o clark_n eccles_n hist_o fol._n 13._o those_o ancient_a monk_n have_v a_o particular_a call_v and_o do_v work_v as_o the_o monk_n of_o bangor_n that_o live_v by_o the_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n and_o 7._o they_o be_v not_o tie_v up_o from_o converse_v abroad_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o occasion_n there_o be_v manifold_a it_o be_v not_o fit_a person_n shall_v be_v always_o coop_v up_o in_o a_o corner_n but_o that_o they_o be_v of_o use_n to_o other_o in_o their_o place_n and_o capacity_n we_o be_v not_o bear_v for_o ourselves_o nor_o must_v we_o live_v only_o within_o ourselves_o which_o will_v contradict_v the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n discentium_fw-la vita_fw-la solitaria_fw-la communi_fw-la inferior_a est_fw-la quia_fw-la importunis_fw-la cogitationibus_fw-la plena_fw-la quae_fw-la tanquam_fw-la muscae_fw-la minutissimae_fw-la de_fw-la timo_fw-la surgentes_fw-la volunt_fw-la in_o oculos_fw-la coâ—dis_fw-la &_o interrumpunt_fw-la sabbathum_fw-la mentis_fw-la ivo_n carnatensis_fw-la epist_n 258._o videsis_n plura_fw-la in_o perk_n ubi_fw-la supra_fw-la demonstrat_fw-la monasteria_fw-la veterum_fw-la ut_fw-la plurimum_fw-la faisse_fw-fr scholas_fw-la publicas_fw-la i._n e._n communitates_fw-la docentium_fw-la &_o discentium_fw-la a_o constant_a solitariness_n expose_v person_n to_o a_o world_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o be_v alone_o say_v solomon_n a_o ancient_a can_v speak_v it_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o a_o solitary_a life_n be_v inferior_a to_o a_o common_a converse_v because_o it_o be_v full_a of_o importunate_a cogitation_n which_o like_o little_a fly_n arise_v from_o dung_n fly_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o interrupt_v the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o mind_n thus_o he_o but_o i_o need_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o mention_n of_o popish_a foppery_n a_o right-bred_n christian_n that_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n be_v thrust_v into_o a_o corner_n know_v how_o to_o improve_v solitariness_n for_o soul-advantage_n and_o voluntary_o do_v withdraw_v himself_o into_o a_o corner_n that_o he_o may_v set_v himself_o to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o good_a earnest_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n concern_v husband_n and_o wife_n 1_o cor._n 7.5_o defraud_v you_o not_o one_o the_o other_o except_o it_o be_v with_o consent_n for_o a_o time_n that_o you_o may_v give_v yourselves_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n thence_o note_n that_o it_o be_v convenient_a sometime_o for_o christian_n to_o sequester_v themselves_o from_o near_a relation_n loc_fw-la vide_fw-la pareum_fw-la in_o loc_fw-la that_o they_o may_v have_v free_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o holy_a duty_n only_o let_v these_o four_o caution_n and_o limitation_n of_o the_o text_n be_v observe_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v with_o mutual_a consent_n 2._o but_o for_o a_o season_n 3._o the_o end_n a_o advantage_n for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n 4._o that_o they_o come_v together_o again_o this_o respect_v not_o every_o day_n ordinary_a performance_n but_o some_o solemn_a undertake_n of_o state_v and_o extraordinary_a fast_n in_o a_o day_n of_o danger_n or_o calamity_n at_o which_o time_n the_o bridegroom_n be_v to_o go_v forth_o of_o his_o chamber_n and_o the_o bride_n out_o of_o her_o closet_n joel_n 2.16_o i_o e._n to_o sequester_v themselves_o from_o conjugal_a delight_n to_o afflict_v their_o soul_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n but_o in_o these_o case_n a_o sound_n christian_n due_a discretion_n regulate_v by_o the_o general_n rule_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n will_v help_v in_o such_o performance_n that_o he_o may_v not_o dash_v on_o either_o rock_n of_o superstition_n or_o negligence_n but_o maintain_v a_o close_o and_o constant_a communion_n with_o god_n both_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o general_n and_o particular_a call_n in_o public_a ordinance_n and_o in_o private_a and_o secret_a duty_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o use_n chap._n iu._n the_o second_o use_n viz._n of_o reprehension_n sect_n i._o wicked_a man_n reprove_v 1._o here_o be_v just_a ground_n of_o sharp_a rebuke_n to_o all_o graceless_a prayerless_a person_n who_o understand_v nothing_o of_o this_o duty_n they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o tug_v and_o struggle_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o closet-prayer_n david_n say_v the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o his_o thought_n psal_n 10.4_o he_o can_v pray_v aright_o any_o where_n much_o less_o in_o secret_n the_o same_o psalm_n tell_v we_o what_o he_o do_v in_o secret_a ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10._o in_o the_o secret_a place_n do_v he_o murder_v the_o innocent_a his_o eye_n be_v privy_o set_v against_o the_o poor_a the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v a_o shame_n even_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v of_o they_o in_o secret_a eph._n 5.12_o oh_o the_o abominable_a practice_n of_o profane_a spirit_n in_o a_o corner_n their_o conscience_n can_v tell_v they_o sad_a story_n of_o secret_a sin_n which_o none_o but_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o themselves_o know_v of_o yea_o because_o they_o see_v not_o god_n they_o think_v god_n see_v not_o they_o like_o the_o silly_a bird_n because_o she_o thrust_v her_o head_n into_o a_o bush_n think_v she_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o fowler_n though_o her_o body_n be_v expose_v to_o open_a view_n carnal_a man_n maxim_n be_v like_o that_o monkish_a one_o caute_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la cast_v carry_v it_o wary_o if_o not_o chaste_o if_o they_o can_v hide_v their_o sin_n from_o man_n they_o take_v no_o notice_n whether_o god_n see_v they_o or_o no_o and_o from_o wish_v that_o he_o do_v not_o see_v begin_v to_o suspect_v whether_o he_o do_v see_v or_o no_o and_o
redeemer_n find_v a_o soul_n upon_o its_o knee_n before_o the_o lord_n oh_o the_o hearty_a welcome_n it_o will_v give_v unto_o its_o god_n this_o be_v the_o time_n he_o wait_v for_o he_o be_v get_v into_o a_o corner_n be_v sigh_v for_o his_o sin_n plead_v for_o mercy_n breathe_v after_o grace_n and_o pant_v for_o glory_n and_o behold_v what_o a_o quick_a return_n do_v his_o god_n make_v even_o while_o he_o be_v speak_v and_o pray_v the_o lord_n do_v send_v a_o guard_n of_o angel_n to_o conduct_v the_o soul_n into_o eternal_a mansion_n where_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n shall_v part_v no_o more_o bless_a for_o ever_o happy_a be_v that_o soul_n who_o its_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v now_o consider_v of_o it_o whether_o state_n will_v you_o be_v find_v in_o and_o do_v not_o you_o know_v his_o come_v may_v be_v sudden_a and_o unexpected_a will_v you_o be_v find_v under_o neglect_n or_o in_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o a_o duty_n will_v you_o not_o be_v carry_v 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secret_a duty_n and_o turn_v we_o unto_o god_n for_o help_v as_o a_o servant_n when_o the_o child_n he_o tend_v be_v troublesome_a and_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o call_v out_o to_o the_o father_n to_o come_v to_o he_o who_o no_o soon_o speak_v the_o word_n but_o all_o be_v whist_a with_o he_o our_o god_n can_v set_v in_o order_n our_o unruly_a spirit_n only_o he_o will_v be_v call_v upon_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n thus_o much_o for_o this_o use_n chap._n v._o the_o three_o use_n be_v of_o instruction_n sect_n i._o my_o next_o and_o main_a work_n be_v to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n by_o propound_v some_o help_n and_o rule_n for_o our_o direction_n which_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o head_n viz._n 1._o preparative_n to_o it_o 2._o essential_o in_o it_o 3._o circumstance_n about_o it_o 4._o consequence_n upon_o it_o 1._o look_v to_o your_o state_n and_o stand_v if_o you_o be_v not_o real_a saint_n you_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o spiritual_a duty_n your_o relation_n must_v be_v change_v by_o convert_v grace_n hence_o the_o text_n say_v pray_v to_o thy_o father_n see_v then_o that_o god_n be_v your_o father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n else_o you_o can_v true_o cry_v abba_n father_n if_o we_o must_v be_v reconcile_v to_o our_o brother_n before_o we_o offer_v our_o gift_n much_o more_o to_o god_n for_o how_o can_v two_o walk_v together_o except_o they_o be_v agree_v i_o deny_v not_o but_o a_o carnal_a soul_n shall_v retire_v himself_o into_o a_o corner_n examine_v his_o state_n fall_v down_o on_o his_o knee_n and_o beg_v convert_v and_o pardon_v grace_n and_o thus_o they_o must_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o god_n that_o they_o may_v come_v before_o he_o for_o unsound_a unconvert_v sinner_n have_v no_o right_a as_o child_n to_o call_v to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n though_o as_o creature_n they_o may_v and_o must_v seek_v unto_o god_n yet_o they_o worship_v afar_o off_o it_o be_v the_o gracious_a christian_a only_a that_o pray_v acceptable_o wicked_a man_n prayer_n be_v abomination_n a_o hypocrite_n shall_v not_o come_v before_o he_o john_n 13.16_o and_o indeed_o till_o you_o be_v real_a saint_n you_o will_v have_v no_o mind_n to_o buckle_v close_o to_o this_o duty_n truth_n of_o grace_n will_v capacitate_v you_o for_o secret_a approach_n to_o god_n strength_n of_o grace_n will_v elevate_v you_o to_o god_n and_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n will_v make_v you_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n therefore_o try_v your_o state_n inquire_v what_o relation_n you_o have_v to_o god_n or_o else_o expect_v no_o familiarity_n with_o he_o god_n will_v not_o take_v the_o wicked_a by_o the_o hand_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o these_o chamber_n of_o communion_n the_o throne_n of_o iniquity_n have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o he_o our_o lord_n jesus_n marry_v none_o but_o widow_n that_o be_v divorce_v from_o all_o other_o husband_n and_o he_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o none_o but_o his_o betroth_a spouse_n she_o he_o lead_v into_o a_o solitary_a place_n and_o speak_v to_o her_o heart_n oh_o sir_n come_v over_o clear_o to_o god_n by_o close_v with_o christ_n renounce_v yourselves_o get_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o then_o come_v and_o welcome_a to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o closet-prayer_n 2._o dispatch_v other_o thing_n off_o your_o heart_n and_o hand_n let_v not_o your_o earthly_a occasion_n intrude_v into_o your_o closet-exercise_n say_v to_o the_o care_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n as_o abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n stay_v there_o while_o i_o go_v and_o worship_v the_o lord_n yonder_o or_o as_o nehemiah_n in_o another_o case_n i_o be_o do_v a_o great_a work_n and_o i_o can_v come_v down_o to_o you_o so_o do_v thou_o say_v i_o have_v appoint_v other_o time_n and_o season_n for_o attend_v worldly_a business_n let_v i_o alone_o with_o my_o god_n every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n communion_n with_o god_n be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v attend_v at_o once_o i_o must_v not_o be_v divert_v by_o other_o object_n the_o business_n i_o be_o about_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n i_o must_v consult_v how_o i_o may_v attend_v upon_o the_o lord_n without_o distraction_n and_o worldly_a matter_n have_v distract_v i_o in_o god_n service_n and_o have_v cost_v i_o many_o a_o tear_n therefore_o get_v away_o from_o i_o why_o shall_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n cease_v why_o shall_v i_o be_v hinder_v from_o my_o god_n what_o can_v you_o afford_v i_o that_o can_v be_v worth_a one_o hour_n communion_n with_o my_o god_n thus_o do_v you_o actual_o renounce_v the_o world_n for_o you_o can_v mind_v two_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o observe_v it_o if_o
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
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 sweet_a experience_n of_o will_v to_o god_n my_o husband_n wife_n brother_n father_n child_n neighbour_n will_v but_o try_v this_o course_n a_o while_n oh_o what_o advantage_n will_v they_o get_v by_o it_o though_o i_o eat_v these_o sweet_a morsel_n alone_o yet_o fain_o will_v i_o have_v other_o to_o partake_v with_o i_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n person_n be_v apt_a to_o grudge_v other_o any_o benefit_n by_o what_o they_o have_v steal_v from_o other_o a_o view_n but_o in_o spiritual_a advantage_n there_o be_v no_o envy_n and_o if_o there_o be_v it_o proceed_v not_o from_o grace_n but_o from_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o more_o grace_n the_o less_o envy_n and_o when_o envy_n be_v go_v person_n will_v be_v communicative_a take_v away_o envy_n mea_fw-la tolle_o invidiam_fw-la mea_fw-la tua_fw-la sunt_fw-la &_o tua_fw-la mea_fw-la and_o i_o be_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v i_o true_a grace_n or_o charity_n be_v kind_a envy_v not_o 1_o cor._n 13.4_o now_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v to_o 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
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 consult_v convenience_n and_o design_n some_o time_n for_o that_o work_n and_o purpose_n god_n willing_a to_o keep_v a_o hour_n of_o prayer_n and_o if_o they_o be_v hinder_v by_o a_o journey_n or_o any_o unexpected_a unavoidable_a occasion_n they_o must_v mourn_v for_o it_o as_o their_o burden_n redouble_v their_o diligence_n another_o time_n not_o plead_v needless_a diversion_n lift_v up_o ejaculation_n to_o god_n keep_v a_o pray_a frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o god_n will_v gracious_o pardon_v and_o entertain_v they_o 3._o case_n how_o may_v a_o christian_a know_v that_o he_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o closet-prayer_n ans_fw-fr communion_n with_o god_n be_v twofold_a 1._o as_o to_o grace_n 2._o as_o to_o comfort_n sometime_o a_o christian_a may_v feel_v the_o joy_n of_o god_n salvation_n have_v the_o sweet_a kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n smile_v of_o his_o face_n seal_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o lively_a springing_n of_o joy_n and_o ravish_a pleasure_n these_o carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n along_o with_o they_o but_o all_o have_v not_o these_o nor_o any_o at_o all_o time_n therefore_o the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o inquire_v after_o communion_n with_o god_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o duty_n then_o have_v a_o child_n of_o god_n true_a fellowship_n with_o god_n when_o by_o the_o sweet_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n his_o mind_n be_v knit_v to_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n the_o understanding_n be_v fruitful_a in_o spiritual_a and_o suitable_a thought_n when_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v carry_v out_o in_o strong_a and_o pant_a desire_n and_o long_n after_o god_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v thorough_o break_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n melt_v into_o godly_a sorrow_n
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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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