positive_a scripture-warrant_a to_o bind_v my_o conscience_n i_o dare_v not_o do_v otherwise_o i_o may_v say_v if_o i_o be_v deceive_v thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o but_o i_o be_o sure_a plain_a text_n be_v no_o cheat_n i_o can_v otherwise_o understand_v such_o a_o command_n and_o oh_o my_o god_n since_o thou_o have_v thus_o engage_v i_o in_o thy_o work_n will_v thou_o suffer_v i_o to_o miscarry_v therein_o 4._o he_o plead_v a_o particular_a promise_n i_o will_v deal_v well_o with_o thou_o sure_o a_o comprehensive_a word_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o that_o jacob_n want_v thus_o must_v a_o christian_a search_n the_o scripture_n get_v hold_v of_o a_o promise_n spread_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n whether_o for_o spiritual_a grace_n inward_a comfort_n or_o outward_a supply_n as_o thus_o lord_n i_o find_v a_o promise_n in_o such_o a_o place_n to_o a_o person_n in_o my_o very_a case_n pat_o and_o pertinent_a to_o my_o very_a condition_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v calculate_v purposely_o for_o i_o in_o this_o juncture_n now_o lord_n make_v it_o good_a to_o my_o soul_n and_o seed_n thou_o have_v make_v it_o good_a to_o other_o in_o my_o state_n and_o why_o not_o to_o i_o be_o not_o i_o a_o heir_n of_o promise_n and_o must_v not_o i_o have_v a_o share_n therein_o 5._o jacob_n lay_v himself_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a say_v he_o of_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n this_o be_v the_o property_n and_o excellency_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o nullify_v himself_o and_o omnifie_v god_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v thus_o abraham_n in_o his_o plead_n call_v himself_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o the_o centurion_n judge_v himself_o not_o worthy_a that_o christ_n shall_v come_v under_o his_o roof_n thus_o then_o abase_v thyself_o lord_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o enjoy_v any_o common_a mercy_n not_o fit_a to_o lift_v up_o my_o eye_n to_o thou_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o thy_o mercy_n behold_v i_o be_o vile_a i_o be_o not_o only_o destitute_a of_o merit_n but_o full_a of_o demerit_n hell_n be_v my_o desert_n i_o can_v challenge_v nothing_o as_o i_o but_o sin_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o lord_n i_o condemn_v myself_o do_v not_o thou_o condemn_v i_o and_o cast_v i_o from_o thou_o 6._o he_o be_v affect_v with_o god_n faithfulness_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n show_v to_o his_o servant_n there_o be_v mercy_n in_o god_n make_v a_o promise_n to_o abraham_n mic._n 7.20_o truth_n in_o make_v it_o good_a to_o jacob._n well_o then_o with_o jacob_n thus_o plead_v lord_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v nothing_o of_o desert_n in_o i_o to_o engage_v thou_o either_o to_o make_v or_o keep_v thy_o gracious_a promise_n but_o sure_o the_o word_n be_v go_v from_o thou_o yea_o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o my_o treachery_n and_o unfaithfulness_n thou_o have_v keep_v it_o to_o this_o day_n oh_o keep_v it_o still_o it_o depend_v whole_o on_o thou_o let_v not_o my_o vanity_n alter_v the_o course_n of_o thy_o mercy_n but_o pardon_v and_o accept_v as_o thou_o have_v do_v from_o my_o egypt_n until_o now_o 7._o jacob_n further_o recount_v his_o former_a meanness_n his_o low_a condition_n with_o my_o staff_n i_o pass_v over_o this_o jordan_n i_o come_v hither_o in_o a_o poor_a contemptible_a manner_n a_o sorry_a pilgrim_n thus_o do_v you_o plead_v truth_n it_o be_v lord_n thy_o grace_n be_v absolute_o free_a there_o be_v neither_o wit_n nor_o wealth_n to_o move_v thou_o to_o do_v what_o thou_o have_v do_v i_o can_v remember_v the_o time_n when_o i_o be_v as_o sorry_a and_o silly_a a_o creature_n as_o be_v in_o all_o the_o country_n there_o be_v no_o capacity_n in_o i_o to_o do_v thou_o any_o remarkable_a service_n thou_o do_v not_o set_v thy_o love_n upon_o i_o for_o any_o natural_a or_o moral_a accomplishment_n even_o so_o father_n because_o it_o please_v thou_o and_o will_v thou_o now_o forsake_v i_o thou_o may_v have_v do_v that_o at_o easy_a rate_n 8._o here_o be_v jacob_n stone_n of_o memorial_n for_o bypass_a and_o present_a mercy_n now_o say_v he_o i_o be_o become_v two_o band_n i._n e._n two_o great_a company_n of_o wife_n child_n servant_n flock_n herd_n i_o may_v say_v these_z where_o have_v they_o be_v it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v poor_a worm_n jacob_n thus_o rich_a oh_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n so_o do_v thou_o say_v lord_n take_v notice_n what_o thou_o have_v do_v for_o i_o must_v all_o this_o be_v in_o vain_a will_v thou_o throw_v away_o these_o good_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o rather_o crown_v these_o gift_n with_o continuance_n of_o thy_o kindness_n will_v thou_o return_v to_o do_v i_o hurt_v after_o thou_o have_v do_v i_o all_o this_o good_a do_v thou_o not_o remember_v my_o conviction_n consolation_n my_o fear_n tear_n doubt_n refreshment_n oh_o the_o passage_n of_o love_n betwixt_o thou_o and_o i_o shall_v i_o be_v the_o grave_n of_o these_o mercy_n lord_n forget_v i_o not_o 9_o here_o be_v his_o sense_n of_o approach_a danger_n deliver_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o my_o brother_n for_o i_o fear_v he_o etc._n etc._n a_o brother_n offend_v be_v hard_a to_o be_v win_v than_o a_o strong_a city_n jacob_n danger_n be_v a_o spur_n to_o his_o prayer_n a_o pursue_v hart_n run_v fast_o for_o shelter_n so_o do_v thou_o soul_n when_o afraid_a fly_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v oh_o my_o god_n i_o have_v deadly_a enemy_n within_o without_o my_o case_n be_v forlorn_a desperate_a i_o have_v none_o to_o run_v to_o but_o thyself_o have_v not_o thou_o say_v that_o in_o thou_o the_o fatherless_a find_v mercy_n other_o refuge_n fail_v i_o no_o man_n care_v for_o my_o soul_n lord_n relieve_v deliver_v this_o sinful_a wretch_n else_o i_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n 10._o once_o more_o do_v jacob_n plead_v the_o promise_n and_o enlarge_v the_o grant_v charter_n thou_o say_v i_o will_v sure_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o make_v thy_o seed_n as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n thus_o do_v you_o still_o seek_v out_o suck_v sweetness_n from_o and_o put_v in_o suit_n the_o promise_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n in_o this_o manner_n lord_n have_v thou_o not_o promise_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n a_o break_a heart_n why_o then_o be_v my_o heart_n harden_v from_o thy_o fear_n do_v thou_o not_o say_v thou_o will_v give_v thy_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o this_o lord_n i_o want_v to_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o illumination_n a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n and_o of_o satisfaction_n oh_o bestow_v this_o mercy_n upon_o i_o do_v thou_o not_o promise_v to_o take_v away_o my_o inqivity_n by_o pardon_v grace_n for_o thy_o own_o name_n sake_n and_o to_o subdue_v my_o corruption_n and_o increase_v grace_n and_o bring_v i_o to_o glory_n lord_n remember_v thy_o word_n unto_o thy_o servant_n in_o which_o thou_o have_v cause_v i_o to_o trust_v thus_o much_o for_o help_n in_o plead_v with_o god_n and_o for_o that_o use_n of_o instruction_n chap._n viii_o a_o use_n of_o exhortation_n urge_v sect_n i._o the_o last_o use_n be_v for_o exhortation_n to_o put_v we_o on_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o sweet_a duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n my_o belove_a friend_n i_o beseech_v you_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n you_o see_v the_o work_n before_o you_o you_o see_v a_o plain_a scripture-warrant_a for_o it_o you_o have_v hear_v many_o instance_n of_o scripture-pattern_n you_o see_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n let_v none_o now_o plead_v ignorance_n or_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o needless_a or_o make_v excuse_n or_o evasion_n be_v it_o not_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a be_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o converse_v with_o your_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n look_v over_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o weight_n in_o they_o but_o beside_o those_o i_o shall_v propound_v to_o you_o these_o expostulatory_a motive_n 1._o will_v you_o not_o be_v such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o command_v duty_n you_o be_v no_o real_a saint_n unless_o you_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.6_o if_o you_o pick_v and_o choose_v in_o your_o obedience_n you_o be_v hollow-hearted_a hypocrite_n and_o can_v you_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o will_v you_o stand_v dodge_v with_o god_n must_v he_o raze_v this_o sentence_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n to_o humour_v your_o conceit_n and_o sloth_n be_v not_o closet-prayer_n a_o christian_a duty_n dare_v you_o argue_v against_o it_o out_o of_o what_o topic_n will_v you_o fetch_v your_o argument_n and_o do_v you_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o
86_o sect._n 2._o 4_o duty_n consequent_a to_o it_o 87_o 1_o observe_v god_n appearance_n ibid._n 2._o walk_v suitable_o 88_o sect._n 3._o 3_o wait_n for_o return_v 90_o 4_o communicate_v experiment_n 91_o chap._n vii_o sect._n 1_o concern_v matter_n or_o word_n of_o prayer_n 94_o 1_o lords-prayer_n be_v paraphrase_a 95_o sect._n 2._o 2_o wherein_o a_o example_n propound_v from_o jacob_n exod._n 32.10_o in_o ten_o particular_n 98_o chap._n viii_o sect._n 1._o 4_o use_n of_o exhortation_n to_o closet-prayer_n press_v by_o ten_o expostulatory_a argument_n 103_o sect._n 2._o objection_n answer_v as_o 1_o i_o perform_v family-duty_n answ_n 110_o 2._o i_o be_o a_o poor_a labour_a man_n ans_fw-fr ibid._n 3._o i_o be_o a_o servant_n and_o can_v ans_fw-fr 111_o 4_o i_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n ans_fw-fr 112_o 5_o i_o know_v some_o christian_n against_o it_o ans_fw-fr 113_o sect._n 3._o 6_o i_o find_v not_o my_o heart_n prepare_v ans_fw-fr 114_o 7_o i_o meet_v with_o temptation_n ans_fw-fr 115_o 8_o i_o get_v no_o good_a by_o it_o ans_fw-fr 116_o 9_o i_o want_v gift_n for_o it_o ans_fw-fr 117_o 10_o it_o be_v too_o much_o ado_n labour_n ans_fw-fr 118_o sect._n 4._o case_n of_o conscience_n answer_v 1_o what_o difference_n betwixt_o saint_n and_o hypocrite_n 120_o 2_o whether_o may_v a_o man_n engage_v by_o vow_n 121_o 3_o how_o may_v we_o know_v communion_n with_o god_n 122_o 4_o what_o must_v i_o do_v if_o i_o find_v no_o good_a ibid._n the_o whole_a conclude_v with_o exhortation_n 124_o matth_n 6.6_o but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v thy_o door_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o chap._n i._n sect_n i._o the_o context_n clear_v in_o this_o excellent_a sermon_n of_o our_o precious_a saviour_n in_o the_o mount_n we_o have_v both_o the_o gospel_n clear_o propound_v and_o the_o law_n solid_o expound_v the_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a pharisee_n have_v degrade_v god_n holy_a law_n from_o its_o spiritual_a extent_n and_o regiment_n by_o their_o low_a and_o literal_a gloss_n but_o our_o saviour_n restore_v it_o to_o its_o dignity_n and_o authority_n over_o heart_n and_o conscience_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o best_a preacher_n that_o ever_o open_v his_o mouth_n do_v admirable_o explain_v the_o adjunct_n office_n and_o exercise_n of_o true_a piety_n which_o be_v principal_o three_o alm_n prayer_n and_o fast_v to_o ver_fw-la 19_o particular_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v two_o material_a destructive_a fault_n which_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o that_o sweet_a and_o solemn_a ordinance_n those_o be_v 1._o hypocrisy_n 2._o battologie_n or_o vain-babling_a jesus_n christ_n rebuke_n and_o rectify_v both_o 1._o they_o be_v wont_a to_o perform_v their_o private_a devotion_n in_o public_a place_n mere_o for_o vainglory_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n as_o in_o the_o synagogue_n or_o in_o the_o street_n ver_fw-la 5._o now_o for_o the_o disciple_n practice_n in_o this_o case_n he_o command_v they_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o view_n of_o man_n into_o some_o solitary_a place_n and_o there_o perform_v that_o duty_n where_o they_o be_v least_o expose_v to_o the_o danger_n of_o ostentation_n ver_fw-la 6._o 2._o another_o fault_n that_o our_o redeemer_n rebuke_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v vain_a repetition_n and_o though_o he_o only_o mention_v it_o here_o as_o the_o heathen_n fault_n ver_fw-la 7._o yet_o certain_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n may_v also_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v censure_v for_o their_o long_a prayer_n mat._n 23.14_o yet_o upon_o different_a account_n here_o the_o heathen_n use_v vain_a repetition_n that_o they_o may_v move_v god_n there_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n make_v long_a prayer_n that_o they_o may_v deceive_v man_n and_o devour_v widow_n house_n this_o text_n say_v they_o think_v they_o shall_v be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_n just_a as_o baal_n priest_n 1_o king_n 18.26_o they_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o baal_n from_o morning_n even_o till_o noon_n say_v o_o baal_n hear_v we_o they_o leap_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o cut_v themselves_o with_o knife_n and_o lancer_n till_o the_o blood_n gush_v out_o upon_o they_o no_o doubt_v this_o be_v do_v to_o move_v their_o cruel_a god_n or_o rather_o stupid_a block_n to_o some_o pity_n and_o compassion_n just_o as_o the_o frantic_a papist_n do_v at_o this_o day_n in_o their_o self-tormenting_a penance_n but_o our_o god_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n delight_n more_o in_o ardent_a affection_n than_o in_o either_o extension_n of_o the_o voice_n or_o multiplication_n of_o word_n or_o excruciate_a affliction_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o come_v not_o to_o inform_v god_n of_o any_o thing_n he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o ver_fw-la 8._o your_o father_n know_v what_o thing_n you_o have_v need_n of_o before_o you_o ask_v he_o but_o we_o pray_v that_o our_o own_o heart_n may_v be_v affect_v and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o condition_n of_o acceptance_n and_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o this_o abuse_n of_o vain_a babble_n in_o prayer_n christ_n propound_v and_o present_v to_o we_o a_o exact_a draught_n and_o compendious_a platform_n of_o prayer_n in_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o lord_n prayer_n not_o as_o though_o man_n shall_v say_v only_o those_o word_n and_o no_o more_o for_o then_o the_o apostle_n have_v fail_v in_o pray_v in_o other_o term_n but_o that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o directory_n for_o prayer_n so_o that_o every_o thing_n we_o ask_v 408._o ut_fw-la aliter_fw-la orare_fw-la quam_fw-la docuit_fw-la non_fw-la ignorantia_fw-la sola_fw-la est_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o culpa_fw-la cyp._n serm_n ad_fw-la orat_fw-la domin_n pag._n 408._o shall_v be_v reducible_a to_o some_o of_o those_o head_n mention_v in_o this_o perfect_a platform_n so_o that_o as_o cyprian_n say_v to_o pray_v otherways_o than_o he_o have_v teach_v either_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n or_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v not_o only_a ignorance_n but_o a_o offence_n and_o indeed_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o be_v hear_v except_o we_o ask_v as_o well_o according_a to_o christ_n mind_n as_o in_o his_o name_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o subject_n i_o have_v choose_v to_o insist_v upon_o that_o which_o fall_v under_o our_o present_a cognizance_n from_o this_o text_n be_v the_o modification_n of_o prayer_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o privacy_n solitariness_n or_o retirement_n the_o text_n hold_v forth_o the_o warrant_n for_o and_o manner_n of_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a work_n of_o closet-prayer_n a_o copious_a subject_n a_o precious_a duty_n in_o which_o be_v 1_o the_o place_n for_o it_o a_o closet_n 2_o the_o clossness_n of_o the_o place_n door-shut_a 3_o the_o object_n of_o the_o worship_n thy_o father_n 4_o the_o argument_n to_o enforce_v thy_o duty_n 1_o god_n omniscience_n he_o see_v 2_o his_o munificence_n will_v reward_v sect_n ii_o the_o word_n open_v for_o a_o more_o distinct_a open_n of_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o part_n beforementioned_a consider_v 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o closet_n here_o some_o understand_v and_o interpret_v it_o not_o literal_o but_o mystical_o make_v a_o allegory_n of_o it_o as_o though_o it_o do_v import_v interiorem_fw-la cordis_fw-la recessum_fw-la the_o inner_a recess_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n but_o though_o that_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o duty_n that_o we_o must_v pray_v in_o the_o closet_n of_o the_o heart_n yet_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o this_o place_n for_o we_o need_v not_o interpret_v this_o plain_a word_n in_o such_o a_o borrow_a sense_n since_o multitude_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o express_v for_o worship_v god_n with_o the_o heart_n beside_o that_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n which_o oppose_v self-retirement_n to_o the_o pharisaical_a mode_n of_o devotion_n verb._n leigh_n in_o crit._n sac._n in_o verb._n the_o word_n than_o be_v to_o be_v literal_o take_v and_o in_o general_n import_v any_o secret_a place_n where_o a_o thing_n be_v lay_v up_o 12.3_o mat._n 24.26_o luk._n 12.3_o particular_o it_o signify_v a_o safe_a or_o cupboard_n to_o lay_v victual_n in_o or_o a_o lock_a chest_n wherein_o a_o treasure_n be_v usual_o reserve_v or_o it_o be_v take_v as_o indeed_o here_o and_o oft_o elsewhere_o for_o a_o close_o or_o secret_a chamber_n a_o withdrawing-room_n par._n quemvis_fw-la locum_fw-la occultum_fw-la notat_fw-la par._n retiring-place_n where_o a_o person_n be_v not_o see_v or_o hear_v nor_o yet_o be_v disturb_v in_o his_o devotion_n by_o any_o noise_n or_o
to_o make_v the_o right_a use_n of_o solitariness_n by_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n no_o man_n care_v for_o be_v alone_o but_o the_o serious_a person_n and_o no_o man_n care_v for_o go_v to_o god_n when_o alone_o but_o the_o sincere_a christian_a man_n be_v a_o sociable_a creature_n and_o natural_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o entertain_v ourselves_o by_o ourselves_o a_o carnal_a heart_n hate_v a_o domestical_a audit_n man_n that_o have_v shrewish_a wife_n love_v not_o to_o be_v at_o home_n and_o person_n that_o have_v guilty_a conscience_n can_v endure_v to_o hold_v discourse_n with_o they_o leave_v they_o be_v torment_v before_o the_o time_n oh_o but_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v upright_o and_o downright_a will_v know_v all_o that_o concern_v his_o own_o heart_n the_o best_a and_o worst_a therefore_o he_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n 77.6_o psal_n 77.6_o as_o david_n do_v and_o leave_v he_o miss_v or_o mistake_v in_o his_o search_n he_o turn_v he_o to_o the_o 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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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tradesman_n may_v go_v behind_o hand_n by_o be_v careless_a in_o their_o deal_n as_o well_o as_o by_o be_v much_o out_o of_o their_o shop_n alas_o what_o sad_a decay_n be_v in_o our_o soul_n for_o want_n of_o close_o and_o constant_a communion_n with_o god_n we_o have_v very_o perverse_a heart_n we_o have_v much_o ado_n with_o they_o when_o we_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a it_o be_v our_o great_a sin_n we_o be_v so_o much_o out_o of_o order_n even_o upon_o our_o knee_n satan_n send_v his_o imp_n to_o haunt_v and_o torment_n mean_v we_o he_o jog_v our_o hand_n when_o we_o be_v to_o write_v a_o letter_n to_o heaven_n in_o our_o prayer_n so_o that_o we_o can_v scarce_o make_v sense_n of_o what_o we_o present_v to_o god_n our_o thought_n be_v unfixed_a range_v abroad_o like_o a_o spaniel_n to_o a_o thousand_o object_n so_o that_o sometime_o we_o have_v lose_v ourselves_o and_o know_v not_o where_o we_o be_v oh_o let_v we_o lament_v our_o vain_a and_o trifle_a spirit_n in_o secret_a duty_n and_o turn_v we_o unto_o god_n for_o help_v as_o a_o servant_n when_o the_o child_n he_o tend_v be_v troublesome_a and_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o call_v out_o to_o the_o father_n to_o come_v to_o he_o who_o no_o soon_o speak_v the_o word_n but_o all_o be_v whist_a with_o he_o our_o god_n can_v set_v in_o order_n our_o unruly_a spirit_n only_o he_o will_v be_v call_v upon_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n thus_o much_o for_o this_o use_n chap._n v._o the_o three_o use_n be_v of_o instruction_n sect_n i._o my_o next_o and_o main_a work_n be_v to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n by_o propound_v some_o help_n and_o rule_n for_o our_o direction_n which_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o head_n viz._n 1._o preparative_n to_o it_o 2._o essential_o in_o it_o 3._o circumstance_n about_o it_o 4._o consequence_n upon_o it_o 1._o look_v to_o your_o state_n and_o stand_v if_o you_o be_v not_o real_a saint_n you_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o spiritual_a duty_n your_o relation_n must_v be_v change_v by_o convert_v grace_n hence_o the_o text_n say_v pray_v to_o thy_o father_n see_v then_o that_o god_n be_v your_o father_n in_o jesus_n christ_n else_o you_o can_v true_o cry_v abba_n father_n if_o we_o must_v be_v reconcile_v to_o our_o brother_n before_o we_o offer_v our_o gift_n much_o more_o to_o god_n for_o how_o can_v two_o walk_v together_o except_o they_o be_v agree_v i_o deny_v not_o but_o a_o carnal_a soul_n shall_v retire_v himself_o into_o a_o corner_n examine_v his_o state_n fall_v down_o on_o his_o knee_n and_o beg_v convert_v and_o pardon_v grace_n and_o thus_o they_o must_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o god_n that_o they_o may_v come_v before_o he_o for_o unsound_a unconvert_v sinner_n have_v no_o right_a as_o child_n to_o call_v to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n though_o as_o creature_n they_o may_v and_o must_v seek_v unto_o god_n yet_o they_o worship_v afar_o off_o it_o be_v the_o gracious_a christian_a only_a that_o pray_v acceptable_o wicked_a man_n prayer_n be_v abomination_n a_o hypocrite_n shall_v not_o come_v before_o he_o john_n 13.16_o and_o indeed_o till_o you_o be_v real_a saint_n you_o will_v have_v no_o mind_n to_o buckle_v close_o to_o this_o duty_n truth_n of_o grace_n will_v capacitate_v you_o for_o secret_a approach_n to_o god_n strength_n of_o grace_n will_v elevate_v you_o to_o god_n and_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n will_v make_v you_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n therefore_o try_v your_o state_n inquire_v what_o relation_n you_o have_v to_o god_n or_o else_o expect_v no_o familiarity_n with_o he_o god_n will_v not_o take_v the_o wicked_a by_o the_o hand_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o these_o chamber_n of_o communion_n the_o throne_n of_o iniquity_n have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o he_o our_o lord_n jesus_n marry_v none_o but_o widow_n that_o be_v divorce_v from_o all_o other_o husband_n and_o he_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o none_o but_o his_o betroth_a spouse_n she_o he_o lead_v into_o a_o solitary_a place_n and_o speak_v to_o her_o heart_n oh_o sir_n come_v over_o clear_o to_o god_n by_o close_v with_o christ_n renounce_v yourselves_o get_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o then_o come_v and_o welcome_a to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o closet-prayer_n 2._o dispatch_v other_o thing_n off_o your_o heart_n and_o hand_n let_v not_o your_o earthly_a occasion_n intrude_v into_o your_o closet-exercise_n say_v to_o the_o care_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n as_o abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n stay_v there_o while_o i_o go_v and_o worship_v the_o lord_n yonder_o or_o as_o nehemiah_n in_o another_o case_n i_o be_o do_v a_o great_a work_n and_o i_o can_v come_v down_o to_o you_o so_o do_v thou_o say_v i_o have_v appoint_v other_o time_n and_o season_n for_o attend_v worldly_a business_n let_v i_o alone_o with_o my_o god_n every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n communion_n with_o god_n be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v attend_v at_o once_o i_o must_v not_o be_v divert_v by_o other_o object_n the_o business_n i_o be_o about_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n i_o must_v consult_v how_o i_o may_v attend_v upon_o the_o lord_n without_o distraction_n and_o worldly_a matter_n have_v distract_v i_o in_o god_n service_n and_o have_v cost_v i_o many_o a_o tear_n therefore_o get_v away_o from_o i_o why_o shall_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n cease_v why_o shall_v i_o be_v hinder_v from_o my_o god_n what_o can_v you_o afford_v i_o that_o can_v be_v worth_a one_o hour_n communion_n with_o my_o god_n thus_o do_v you_o actual_o renounce_v the_o world_n for_o you_o can_v mind_v two_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o observe_v it_o if_o
will_v not_o practice_v it_o your_o own_o mouth_n will_v condemn_v you_o what_o need_v any_o more_o witness_n but_o if_o you_o be_v real_a saint_n i_o dare_v say_v you_o do_v approve_v of_o it_o and_o practise_v it_o sometime_o and_o why_o be_v you_o not_o constant_a in_o your_o obedience_n be_v it_o not_o the_o property_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o do_v righteousness_n at_o all_o time_n psal_n 106.3_o oh_o consider_v this_o and_o do_v not_o either_o neglect_n a_o command_n or_o omit_v this_o know_a duty_n 2._o will_v you_o not_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n clear_v up_o in_o your_o soul_n sure_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n but_o will_v arrive_v at_o assurance_n and_o this_o be_v one_o way_n to_o evidence_n sincerity_n be_v much_o with_o god_n in_o secret_a duty_n as_o he_o grieve_v true_o that_o grieve_v without_o witness_n dolet_fw-la ille_fw-la doâ—…t_fw-la veer_fw-la qui_fw-la sine_fw-la testae_fw-la dolet_fw-la so_o those_o religious_a act_n be_v most_o evidential_a of_o grace_n that_o be_v least_o obvious_a to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n and_o whereby_o a_o christian_a approve_v his_o heart_n only_o to_o the_o heart-searching_a god_n here_o be_v the_o true_a israelite_n that_o can_v 2.28_o rom._n 2.28_o with_o jacob_n converse_v with_o god_n alone_o and_o seek_v his_o praise_n not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n observe_v it_o a_o christian_a ordinary_o have_v not_o that_o comfort_n in_o a_o duty_n expose_v to_o other_o view_n which_o he_o have_v in_o that_o he_o perform_v betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n for_o there_o be_v most_o danger_n of_o selfishness_n in_o the_o former_a and_o more_o self-denial_n in_o the_o latter_a the_o wind_n of_o applause_n may_v blow_v man_n far_o in_o a_o creditable_a performance_n but_o humility_n and_o sincerity_n be_v most_o evident_a in_o secret_a appeal_n to_o god_n consider_v this_o christian_n you_o run_v to_o sermon_n minister_n good_a book_n and_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o try_v your_o state_n by_o mark_n and_o sign_n make_v trial_n of_o this_o more_o compendious_a course_n to_o clear_v your_o state_n be_v much_o with_o god_n in_o closet-prayer_n 3._o will_v you_o not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n oh_o then_o fall_v close_o to_o closet-prayer_n alas_o sir_n hear_v sermon_n read_v scripture_n discourse_v religious_o pray_v in_o the_o family_n may_v be_v do_v only_o for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o the_o person_n that_o do_v they_o may_v have_v no_o more_o than_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n mistake_v i_o not_o i_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o nor_o they_o that_o do_v they_o as_o formalist_n for_o that_o god_n forbid_v they_o be_v scripture_n duty_n but_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o these_o may_v be_v do_v without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o to_o struggle_v with_o a_o man_n be_v own_o heart_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n to_o meditate_v and_o give_v up_o a_o man_n self_n to_o these_o duty_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n oh_o this_o show_v something_o of_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v heart-work_n and_o that_o be_v hard_a work_n costly_a duty_n spiritual_a exercise_n which_o be_v more_o than_o to_o offer_v god_n thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o a_o first-born_a son_n david_n will_v not_o offer_v that_o to_o god_n that_o cost_v he_o nothing_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v content_a with_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n which_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o a_o easy_a plod_a formality_n 4._o will_v you_o not_o have_v your_o heart_n case_v under_o press_a burden_n be_v you_o in_o love_n with_o your_o sorrow_n will_v you_o not_o be_v rid_v of_o they_o behold_v i_o show_v unto_o you_o a_o excellent_a way_n to_o get_v ease_n which_o be_v a_o recourse_n to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n i_o have_v hear_v some_o precious_a christian_n say_v that_o when_o any_o thing_n have_v lyen_fw-we upon_o their_o heart_n ready_a to_o overwhelm_v they_o they_o have_v run_v to_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o there_o have_v leave_v their_o load_n and_o thence_o have_v go_v with_o good_a hannah_n and_o have_v be_v no_o more_o sad_a and_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o any_o press_a affliction_n lie_v upon_o we_o if_o we_o can_v unbosom_v ourselves_o to_o a_o intimate_a friend_n though_o not_o a_o word_n of_o counsel_n or_o comfort_n pass_v from_o he_o yet_o that_o open_v of_o our_o heart_n do_v ease_v as_o vomit_v do_v a_o oppress_a stomach_n and_o hence_o say_v job_n i_o will_v speak_v that_o i_o may_v be_v refresh_v and_o scripture_n back_v this_o in_o phil._n 4.6_o be_v careful_a in_o nothing_o but_o in_o every_o thing_n make_v your_o request_n know_v to_o god_n and_o unload_v your_o care_n and_o fear_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n but_o how_o why_o by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o thanksgiving_n lay_v your_o load_n on_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o he_o will_v bear_v it_o 5._o will_v you_o not_o obtain_v boldness_n in_o access_n to_o god_n and_o familiarity_n with_o he_o oh_o go_v often_o to_o god_n in_o closet-prayer_n prince_n take_v more_o state_n upon_o they_o when_o converse_v with_o their_o favourite_n before_o other_o but_o when_o none_o be_v present_a they_o open_v their_o heart_n more_o familiar_o to_o they_o i_o know_v abraham_n say_v god_n he_o and_o i_o be_v well_o acquaint_v he_o be_v my_o friend_n he_o visit_v i_o often_o and_o shall_v i_o hide_v any_o thing_n from_o abraham_n i_o will_v take_v he_o to_o a_o side_n and_o tell_v he_o my_o whole_a heart_n so_o will_v god_n to_o you_o he_o will_v communicate_v much_o to_o you_o and_o you_o may_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o you_o be_v not_o stranger_n to_o he_o but_o may_v come_v into_o his_o presence_n bold_o and_o he_o will_v make_v you_o welcome_a heb._n 4.16_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o a_o dreadful_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v to_o have_v strange_a thought_n of_o god_n in_o duty_n or_o at_o death_n strangeness_n betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o soul_n be_v a_o sad_a uncomfortable_a thing_n wicked_a man_n be_v total_a stranger_n to_o god_n gracious_a soul_n little_o employ_v in_o secret_a prayer_n be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o worship_n afar_o off_o but_o sincere_a soul_n converse_v much_o with_o god_n in_o secret_a attain_v to_o abundance_n of_o intimacy_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o mercy_n worth_a a_o world_n 6._o will_v you_o not_o have_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o to_o bring_v wrath_n and_o judgement_n on_o the_o place_n oh_o then_o let_v your_o soul_n weep_v and_o pray_v in_o secret_a place_n as_o jeremiah_n do_v chap._n 13.17_o this_o be_v the_o last_o and_o safe_a way_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o open_a cry_a sin_n in_o the_o land_n even_o a_o mourning_n for_o they_o in_o prayer_n before_o the_o lord_n thus_o do_v lot_n and_o david_n paul_n and_o all_o saint_n yea_o moses's_fw-fr solitary_a prayer_n interpose_v betwixt_o flame_a wrath_n and_o offend_v israel_n thus_o do_v he_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n and_o you_o may_v make_v a_o atonement_n for_o the_o nation_n a_o gift_n in_o secret_n may_v pacify_v that_o wrath_n that_o be_v already_o break_v out_o against_o we_o wicked_a man_n sin_n in_o secret_a let_v we_o mourn_v in_o secret_a yea_o they_o sin_n open_o let_v we_o lament_v private_o the_o truth_n be_v 17.9_o 2_o king_n 17.9_o secret_a sin_n may_v undo_v a_o nation_n except_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o saint_n secret_a prayer_n be_v loud_a than_o the_o cry_n of_o wicked_a man_n secret_a sin_n oh_o fall_v to_o it_o arise_v cry_v out_o in_o the_o night_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o watch_n pour_v out_o thy_o heart_n like_o water_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n lam._n 2.19_o 7._o will_v you_o not_o have_v your_o own_o secret_a sin_n set_v in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n psal_n 90.8_o then_o repent_v and_o pray_v alone_o humble_a your_o soul_n in_o secret_a for_o your_o secret_a sin_n be_v you_o not_o conscious_a to_o yourselves_o of_o much_o secret_a guilt_n and_o do_v not_o god_n expect_v that_o you_o shall_v set_v yourselves_o to_o mourn_v over_o they_o and_o cry_v to_o god_n for_o pardon_v grace_n in_o secret_a 12.13_o eccl._n 12.13_o do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o secret_a thing_n to_o light_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n nay_o god_n may_v punish_v you_o open_o 12.12_o 2_o sam._n 12.12_o as_o he_o do_v david_n for_o his_o secret_a sin_n well_o then_o anticipate_v that_o sad_a severe_a judgement_n by_o judge_v yourselves_o and_o deprecate_v his_o righteous_a judgement_n i_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o soul_n as_o solomon_n bespeak_v shimei_n thou_o know_v all_o the_o wickedness_n which_o thy_o heart_n be_v privy_a to_o and_o where_o be_v thy_o prayer_n and_o
tear_n and_o groan_n in_o secret_n oh_o sir_n if_o other_o sin_n draw_v you_o not_o to_o secret_a prayer_n let_v your_o own_o which_o may_v afford_v matter_n of_o abundant_a grief_n in_o your_o closet_n and_o retirement_n 8._o will_v you_o not_o prevent_v and_o circumvent_v wicked_a man_n secret_a plot_n be_v sure_a then_o you_o undermine_v they_o by_o secret_a prayer_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o pope_n have_v many_o close_o and_o conclave_n consultation_n to_o undermine_v the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o to_o root_v out_o the_o name_n of_o israel_n from_o under_o heaven_n they_o be_v work_v under_o ground_n to_o do_v we_o mischief_n we_o have_v see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o london_n flame_n their_o hellish_a device_n in_o their_o dark_a vault_n wicked_a man_n lie_v in_o wait_v secret_o as_o a_o lion_n in_o his_o den_n to_o catch_v the_o poor_a and_o murder_v the_o innocent_a psal_n 10._o 5._o psal_n 64.1_o 2_o 4_o 5._o 8_o 9_o and_o now_o what_o course_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o prevent_v these_o horrid_a design_n alas_o we_o have_v no_o other_o remedy_n but_o the_o ancient_a christian_n weapon_n prayer_n and_o tear_n these_o may_v break_v their_o net_n and_o blunt_a their_o weapon_n good_a jeremiah_n know_v not_o that_o they_o have_v devise_v device_n against_o he_o but_o he_o reveal_v his_o cause_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o then_o god_n show_v he_o their_o do_n and_o prevent_v their_o attempt_n jer._n 11.18_o 19_o 20._o saint_n closet-prayer_n may_v break_v wicked_a man_n closet-plot_n fall_v close_o then_o to_o this_o great_a duty_n 9_o will_v you_o not_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o heathen_n chamber-idolatry_n oh_o then_o do_v you_o perform_v chamber_n and_o closet-duty_n they_o have_v their_o divos_fw-la penetrales_fw-la or_o penates_n their_o household-god_n and_o closet-image_n they_o have_v their_o opertanea_n and_o tenebrosa_fw-la sacra_fw-la their_o cover_v veil_a and_o mysterious_a exercise_n in_o secret_a place_n and_o the_o jew_n borrow_v several_a mystical_a rite_n of_o the_o heathen_n hence_o we_o read_v in_o ezek._n 8.12_o of_o chamber_n of_o imagery_n as_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n have_v their_o crucifix_n their_o petty-chamber_n closet_n deity_n where_o they_o drop_v their_o bead_n and_o do_v homage_n to_o their_o idol_n and_o shall_v these_o in_o their_o blind_a superstition_n condemn_v our_o irreligion_n shall_v it_o be_v say_v of_o a_o devout_a philosopher_n that_o in_o so_o many_o year_n he_o speak_v more_o with_o the_o god_n than_o with_o man_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v say_v of_o any_o of_o we_o that_o god_n even_o the_o true_a god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o our_o thought_n or_o so_o little_a in_o our_o lip_n at_o least_o in_o secret_a solemn_a address_n to_o he_o let_v not_o poor_a ignorant_a papist_n outstrip_v we_o in_o devotion_n since_o there_o be_v such_o vast_a difference_n 10._o will_v you_o not_o be_v suitable_a to_o god_n dispensation_n when_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n put_v we_o to_o silence_n and_o into_o solitary_a place_n he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v visit_v he_o there_o cant._n 2.14_o oh_o my_o dove_n that_o be_v in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n i._n e._n in_o a_o afflict_a persecute_a and_o desolate_a condition_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n i._n e._n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n praise_n and_o gospel-ordinance_n for_o than_o be_v her_o voice_n sweet_a and_o countenance_v comely_a when_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o then_o do_v god_n expect_v and_o entertain_v they_o and_o this_o advantage_n have_v god_n child_n have_v by_o privacy_n into_o which_o they_o be_v cast_v as_o we_o hear_v before_o of_o jeremiah_n chap._n 15.15_o so_o the_o afflict_a church_n lam._n 3.28_o 29._o when_o she_o sit_v alone_o in_o solitariness_n than_o she_o put_v her_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o so_o a_o particular_a person_n as_o there_o now_o a_o man_n be_v at_o leisure_n for_o it_o while_o person_n have_v their_o full_a employment_n or_o enjoyment_n they_o be_v too_o busy_a but_o when_o person_n be_v take_v off_o other_o way_n it_o be_v time_n to_o retire_v themselves_o and_o retreat_n to_o god_n the_o less_o comfort_n person_n find_v in_o public_a ordinance_n the_o more_o serious_a must_v they_o be_v in_o closet-performance_n that_o the_o loss_n may_v be_v supply_v some_o way_n sect_n ii_o several_a objection_n answer_v it_o be_v strange_a if_o our_o carnal_a heart_n and_o cavil_v spirit_n have_v not_o something_o to_o say_v against_o this_o difficult_a duty_n i_o shall_v therefore_o mention_v what_o objection_n i_o can_v foresee_v may_v be_v make_v and_o brief_o answer_v they_o 1._o obj._n we_o pray_v in_o our_o family_n and_o be_v not_o that_o enough_o what_o need_v all_o this_o ado_n answ_n 1._o this_o objection_n can_v be_v make_v by_o all_o some_o have_v no_o family_n to_o pray_v with_o but_o if_o thou_o do_v pray_v in_o thy_o family_n it_o be_v well_o there_o be_v many_o graceless_a head_n and_o prayerless_a house_n of_o which_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o this_o place_n oh_o the_o wrath_n that_o shall_v be_v pour_v out_o on_o such_o family_n but_o suppose_v thou_o do_v family-prayer_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o closet-prayer_n be_v another_o and_o let_v i_o tell_v thou_o god_n never_o make_v one_o duty_n to_o supersede_n another_o you_o must_v not_o justle_v out_o one_o work_n because_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v another_o every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o place_n and_o season_n god_n commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a and_o take_v in_o a_o great_a compass_n of_o duty_n you_o must_v worship_v god_n in_o your_o house_n that_o exempt_v you_o not_o from_o worship_v god_n in_o your_o closet_n no_o more_o than_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n there_o be_v equal_a command_n for_o all_o necessity_n of_o all_o neglect_v any_o at_o your_o peril_n beside_o i_o tell_v you_o a_o child_n of_o god_n have_v a_o secret_a errand_n to_o his_o father_n that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a his_o family_n shall_v know_v of_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n god_n have_v appoint_v closet-prayer_n as_o tender_v the_o credit_n of_o his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o discover_v their_o spiritual_a nakedness_n to_o any_o but_o to_o that_o god_n who_o know_v their_o secret_n and_o will_v keep_v their_o counsel_n and_o i_o must_v tell_v thou_o soul_n thou_o be_v very_o little_a sensible_a of_o thy_o spiritual_a state_n or_o want_n if_o thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v to_o god_n that_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v other_o to_o hear_v 2._o obj._n but_o i_o be_o a_o poor_a man_n and_o busy_a in_o my_o call_n and_o can_v take_v so_o much_o time_n in_o closet-prayer_n i_o have_v other_o occasion_n answ_n friend_n have_v thou_o any_o great_a business_n than_o the_o affair_n of_o thy_o soul_n let_v thy_o call_n stand_v still_o rather_o than_o thy_o soul_n shall_v be_v damn_v curse_a be_v those_o occasion_n that_o eat_v out_o religion_n but_o consider_v you_o may_v follow_v both_o calling_n if_o you_o be_v observant_a our_o general_n and_o particular_a calling_n must_v not_o interfere_v clean_n creature_n divide_v the_o hoof_n considerate_a christian_n be_v such_o as_o right_o proportion_n work_v to_o their_o particular_a season_n a_o chief_a part_n of_o david_n arithmetic_n of_o number_v day_n be_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v division_n to_o cast_v the_o account_n of_o this_o our_o short_a life_n so_o as_o to_o divide_v the_o little_a total_a sum_n thereof_o into_o the_o several_a portion_n of_o time_n due_a for_o perform_v every_o duty_n in_o the_o handmaid_n may_v not_o thrust_v out_o the_o mistress_n nor_o the_o shop_n have_v all_o and_o chamber_n none_o of_o our_o time_n you_o be_v flat_a atheist_n if_o you_o think_v pray_v will_v hinder_v your_o work_n no_o no_o mant._n nobis_fw-la pielate_fw-la peculâ—a_fw-la câ—escunt_fw-la mant._n it_o bless_v and_o expedit_v temporal_a affair_n we_o use_v to_o say_v meat_n and_o matin_n hinder_v no_o work_n can_v thou_o not_o get_v time_n for_o eat_v sleep_a yea_o do_v thou_o not_o spend_v as_o much_o time_n in_o idleness_n and_o vain_a discourse_n as_o will_v be_v require_v every_o day_n for_o this_o duty_n if_o thou_o have_v a_o honest_a heart_n thou_o will_v redeem_v time_n from_o thy_o meat_n or_o sleep_v or_o recreation_n for_o prayer_n rather_o than_o neglect_v a_o duty_n or_o damn_v thy_o soul_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o complain_v we_o want_v time_n but_o we_o waste_v time_n there_o be_v not_o the_o poor_a labourer_n but_o he_o mis-spends_a more_o time_n than_o prayer-time_n come_v to_o and_o why_o shall_v any_o water_n be_v leave_v off_o when_o there_o be_v little_a enough_o in_o the_o channel_n to_o turn_v the_o mill_n for_o or_o towards_o our_o