love_n to_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o secret_a do_v speak_v a_o real_a love_n to_o god_n though_o a_o person_n may_v pray_v in_o secret_a and_o yet_o be_v unsound_a and_o rot_a yet_o a_o person_n have_v a_o heart_n sound_v in_o god_n statute_n who_o so_o pray_v in_o secret_a as_o not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o work_n do_v unless_o he_o be_v with_o god_n in_o it_o i._n e._n sensible_o find_v god_n come_v to_o he_o with_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o sweet_a discovery_n of_o his_o covenant-love_n or_o at_o least_o his_o soul_n work_v out_o to_o god_n in_o holy_a desire_n and_o long_n three_o thou_o can_v not_o but_o be_v conscious_a to_o thyself_o of_o a_o great_a many_o secret_a sin_n with_o which_o thou_o be_v chargeable_a before_o god_n and_o be_v there_o not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n why_o thou_o shall_v perform_v secret_a duty_n where_o thou_o do_v commit_v secret_a sin_n and_o that_o those_o place_n shall_v be_v witness_n of_o thy_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o love_n to_o he_o which_o have_v be_v frequent_a witness_n of_o thy_o neglect_n of_o god_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o there_o be_v indeed_o those_o who_o commit_v uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n and_o act_v â—n_v with_o high_a impudence_n they_o do_v so_o dear_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o ashamed_a of_o it_o but_o can_v without_o a_o blush_n do_v the_o devil_n drudgery_n the_o dirty_a and_o base_a of_o his_o work_n hence_o as_o in_o one_o place_n this_o be_v the_o complaint_n they_o draw_v iniquity_n with_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o with_o cart-rope_n so_o in_o another_o place_n viz._n isa._n 3._o 9_o the_o complaint_n be_v thus_o they_o declare_v their_o sin_n as_o sodom_n and_o hide_v it_o not_o no_o not_o they_o but_o like_a some_o who_o think_v they_o can_v mend_v what_o a_o better_a than_o they_o have_v make_v they_o carry_v their_o black_a spot_n in_o their_o very_a face_n and_o glory_n in_o their_o shame_n phil._n 3._o 19_o former_o indeed_o man_n be_v more_o modest_a they_o cast_v a_o mantle_n over_o their_o nakedness_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n in_o the_o dark_a paul_n say_v in_o his_o time_n they_o that_o be_v drink_v be_v drink_v in_o the_o night_n but_o now_o wickedness_n be_v grow_v more_o common_a and_o man_n more_o audacious_a and_o they_o do_v not_o avoid_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n nor_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n the_o open_a street_n and_o the_o noonday_n be_v think_v now_o as_o convenient_a time_n and_o place_n as_o any_o other_o they_o be_v grow_v so_o desperate_a that_o they_o care_v not_o what_o they_o do_v they_o will_v run_v upon_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o cannon_n the_o boss_n of_o god_n buckler_n and_o so_o impudent_a that_o they_o care_v not_o who_o see_v they_o as_o 2_o sam._n 16._o 22._o there_o be_v a_o tent_n spread_v for_o absalon_n upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o house_n and_o absalon_n go_v in_o unto_o his_o father_n concubine_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o israel_n yea_o these_o wretch_n when_o they_o have_v act_v to_o their_o utmost_a and_o sin_v as_o they_o can_v do_v not_o yet_o so_o tire_v and_o weary_v themselves_o in_o the_o devil_n service_n but_o that_o they_o will_v find_v something_o to_o do_v at_o home_n and_o give_v some_o stroke_n there_o to_o the_o further_o please_v of_o their_o tyrannical_a lord_n and_o gratify_v their_o insatiate_a lust._n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o uncleanness_n tell_v we_o of_o eye_n that_o can_v cease_v to_o sin_n can_v brook_v a_o intermission_n they_o be_v not_o at_o rest_n any_o long_a than_o they_o be_v at_o work_n they_o be_v look_v round_o about_o for_o new_a object_n and_o every_o such_o object_n inflame_v they_o and_o by_o it_o away_o they_o be_v carry_v to_o fresh_a transport_n of_o defile_v folly_n and_o madness_n but_o i_o have_v dwell_v too_o long_o upon_o these_o vassal_n of_o satan_n and_o swear_v votary_n of_o the_o flesh_n let_v we_o turn_v our_o thought_n another_o way_n and_o consider_v whether_o the_o child_n of_o god_n themselves_o have_v not_o their_o secret_a vanity_n folly_n and_o extravagancy_n when_o do_v thou_o so_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o his_o deed_n to_o be_v find_v in_o thy_o hand_n what_o stream_n have_v flow_v from_o thou_o which_o have_v run_v clear_a nay_o what_o drop_v that_o be_v perfect_o pure_a name_v that_o place_n if_o thou_o can_v in_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o do_v more_o than_o enough_o to_o pollute_v thy_o soul_n to_o wound_v thy_o conscience_n to_o offend_v and_o provoke_v thy_o god_n ask_v thy_o own_o conscience_n o_o christian_n and_o let_v that_o tell_v thou_o have_v not_o god_n see_v thy_o pride_n in_o thy_o closet_n and_o thy_o worldly-mindedness_a have_v he_o not_o be_v privy_a and_o eye-witness_n to_o thy_o unbelief_n and_o shameful_a distrust_n of_o his_o fatherly_a love_n and_o care_n have_v he_o not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o thy_o froward_a passion_n and_o swell_a discontent_n when_o at_o any_o time_n his_o providence_n ruâ—_a cross_n to_o thy_o humour_n or_o seem_o to_o thy_o interest_n have_v he_o not_o hear_v thy_o murmur_n and_o repine_n when_o thou_o can_v not_o get_v the_o good_a thing_n thou_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o or_o do_v lose_v what_o rhou_n have_v set_v thy_o heart_n too_o much_o upon_o possible_o many_o of_o these_o thing_n thou_o have_v forget_v but_o god_n have_v they_o seal_v up_o in_o a_o bag_n they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n i_o have_v often_o consider_v those_o expression_n of_o holy_a david_n who_o be_v a_o precious_a saint_n though_o his_o great_a miscarriage_n speak_v he_o far_o from_o a_o perfect_a one_o and_o i_o do_v advise_v you_o to_o consider_v they_o too_o and_o hearty_o wish_v you_o will_v psal._n 19_o 12._o who_o can_v understand_v his_o error_n cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a fault_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o understand_v himself_o perfect_o it_o be_v a_o mercy_n for_o he_o to_o understand_v his_o way_n but_o he_o can_v understand_v all_o his_o deviation_n as_o a_o christian_n do_v not_o understand_v his_o progress_n so_o not_o his_o wander_n and_o as_o for_o his_o fault_n there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o so_o secret_a that_o though_o he_o be_v very_o circumspect_a and_o wary_a though_o he_o do_v with_o utmost_a diligence_n study_v himself_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o know_v they_o they_o be_v secret_a some_o of_o they_o to_o he_o he_o do_v not_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sin_n they_o seem_v lawful_a unto_o he_o when_o they_o be_v not_o so_o his_o way_n be_v right_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n but_o not_o in_o god_n eye_n which_o be_v pure_a than_o he_o some_o of_o they_o he_o do_v not_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o such_o be_v our_o foolish_a incogitancy_n that_o many_o action_n pass_v from_o we_o which_o we_o do_v not_o serious_o ponder_v before_o we_o do_v they_o neither_o do_v we_o with_o any_o due_a deliberation_n reflect_v upon_o they_o when_o do_v again_o a_o man_n have_v other_o fault_n open_a to_o he_o they_o stare_v he_o in_o the_o face_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n do_v roundly_o tell_v he_o of_o they_o but_o there_o be_v a_o veil_n of_o darkness_n draw_v over_o they_o so_o that_o they_o be_v secret_a to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o some_o be_v such_o master_n in_o the_o black-art_n that_o they_o can_v lead_v a_o very_a bad_a life_n and_o yet_o keep_v a_o very_a good_a name_n oh_o what_o abomination_n do_v the_o ancient_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n do_v in_o the_o dark_a ezek._n 8._o every_o man_n in_o the_o chamber_n of_o his_o imagery_n will_v you_o be_v persuade_v to_o sit_v down_o a_o little_a and_o take_v a_o review_n of_o your_o life_n and_o consider_v what_o iniquity_n you_o commit_v in_o the_o chamber_n of_o your_o privacy_n how_o many_o be_v they_o and_o how_o great_a you_o yourselves_o know_v most_o of_o that_o though_o i_o know_v nothing_o your_o own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v you_o what_o no_o body_n else_o can_v i_o advise_v and_o beseech_v you_o to_o consult_v they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o speak_v all_o they_o have_v to_o say_v do_v not_o stop_v their_o mouth_n nor_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o let_v we_o now_o bring_v this_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o of_o weight_n and_o cogency_n in_o the_o argument_n have_v you_o your_o secret_a sin_n and_o will_v you_o not_o have_v your_o secret_a duty_n have_v you_o your_o secret_a provocation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o sit_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v your_o secret_a supplication_n will_v you_o
my_o ministry_n as_o any_o in_o london_n and_o not_o like_o many_o give_v to_o change_n wander_v up_o and_o down_o from_o place_n to_o place_n by_o mean_n whereof_o their_o itch_a ear_n have_v be_v more_o tickle_v that_o their_o precious_a soul_n advantage_v y_v some_o of_o they_o run_v from_o the_o flock_n to_o which_o they-belong_a and_o not_o keep_v the_o place_n in_o which_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n have_v set_v they_o have_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o seducer_n who_o have_v lead_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n everlasting_a and_o then_o rob_v they_o of_o their_o light_n and_o heat_n the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o their_o zeal_n for_o he_o leave_v they_o wound_v both_o in_o head_n and_o heart_n and_o wallow_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o apostasy_n i_o be_v in_o a_o prudent_a and_o very_a modest_a letter_n desire_v to_o preach_v upon_o that_o excellent_a duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n by_o one_o of_o your_o number_n who_o have_v with_o grief_n take_v notice_n what_o stranger_n some_o professor_n be_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o yea_o how_o some_o do_v live_v in_o the_o total_a neglect_n of_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v altogether_o unnecessary_a and_o unprofitable_a the_o motion_n be_v make_v do_v meet_v with_o a_o very_a ready_a and_o cheerful_a entertainment_n i_o stand_v not_o debate_v but_o present_o close_v and_o buckle_v to_o the_o business_n and_o the_o very_a next_o lord_n day_n begin_v it_o a_o single_a sermon_n only_o be_v desire_v and_o i_o intend_v no_o more_o but_o have_v once_o engage_v my_o thought_n they_o multiply_v and_o grow_v up_o into_o four_o as_o soon_o as_o i_o know_v the_o person_n that_o send_v i_o the_o letter_n and_o make_v the_o motion_n i_o give_v she_o my_o thanks_o and_o i_o do_v here_o repeat_v they_o because_o i_o find_v that_o many_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n have_v get_v good_a by_o it_o when_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o discourse_n a_o letter_n subscribe_v by_o several_a be_v present_v i_o desire_v that_o what_o have_v be_v preach_v may_v be_v print_v which_o be_v grant_v as_o soon_o as_o ask_v though_o the_o great_a work_n which_o lie_v upon_o i_o do_v render_v print_v very_o tedious_a to_o i_o and_o allow_v i_o not_o that_o exactness_n which_o i_o delight_v in_o and_o shall_v otherwise_o endeavour_v but_o i_o be_o you_o and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o be_v so_o and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o deny_v you_o any_o thing_n and_o now_o i_o wish_v that_o what_o be_v here_o send_v abroad_o into_o the_o open_a world_n may_v find_v acceptance_n there_o and_o meet_v with_o a_o kind_a reception_n from_o other_o as_o it_o do_v from_o you_o and_o also_o that_o it_o may_v bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n and_o accomplish_v that_o for_o which_o it_o have_v be_v design_v even_o the_o good_a of_o precious_a soul_n the_o awaken_n to_o and_o quicken_a in_o this_o great_a piece_n of_o practical_a godliness_n those_o who_o have_v total_o neglect_v it_o or_o be_v exceed_v remiss_a little_o do_v man_n and_o woman_n think_v how_o great_o they_o prejudice_v themselves_o by_o carelessness_n touch_v matter_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o have_v better_a act_n by_o half_n and_o triâ—le_a in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n than_o in_o those_o of_o religion_n how_o can_v any_o think_v to_o be_v supply_v fresh_a that_o stock_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o be_v enrich_v by_o his_o inexhaustible_a fullness_n if_o they_o do_v not_o seek_v he_o how_o can_v any_o expect_v the_o performance_n and_o make_v good_a of_o the_o promise_n to_o they_o unless_o they_o put_v they_o in_o suit_n how_o can_v any_o rational_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v with_o joy_n draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_o of_o salvation_n when_o they_o will_v not_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o to_o let_v down_o their_o bucket_n into_o it_o though_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o people_n and_o he_o have_v pass_v his_o word_n for_o they_o which_o be_v better_o than_o man_n bond_n security_n sufficient_a yet_o he_o will_v be_v inquire_v of_o by_o they_o to_o do_v they_o for_o they_o well_o whoever_o they_o be_v who_o undervalue_n god_n make_v he_o the_o object_n neither_o of_o their_o love_n nor_o of_o their_o fear_n whoever_o they_o he_o that_o say_v unto_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n nor_o to_o maintain_v any_o fellowship_n with_o thy_o majesty_n whoever_o they_o be_v that_o taste_n no_o sweetness_n in_o holy_a exercise_n and_o see_v not_o that_o god_n be_v necessary_a but_o hope_v to_o pick_v up_o a_o satisfaction_n for_o themselves_o out_o of_o inferior_a and_o transitory_a good_n let_v your_o want_n drive_v you_o to_o god_n and_o your_o love_n draw_v you_o to_o he_o do_v you_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o strength_n yea_o seek_v his_o face_n evermore_o lay_v hold_v upon_o all_o opportunity_n of_o meeting_n with_o he_o bear_v from_o he_o and_o pour_v out_o your_o soul_n before_o he_o go_v with_o zacheus_n into_o the_o highway_n that_o there_o you_o may_v get_v a_o sight_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o the_o spouse_n into_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n and_o there_o let_v he_o hear_v your_o voice_n certain_o all_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v entitle_v to_o the_o glory_n above_o and_o joint-heir_n with_o christ_n have_v receive_v and_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o go_v to_o he_o in_o all_o case_n as_o to_o their_o father_n in_o christ_n their_o god_n in_o covenant_n they_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o generation_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o let_v man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o most_o pray_v christian_n be_v the_o most_o thrive_a christian_n they_o be_v the_o person_n that_o now_o get_v most_o of_o heaven_n and_o make_v the_o happy_a progress_n in_o the_o way_n thither_o do_v you_o therefore_o in_o the_o morning_n direct_v your_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o look_v up_o do_v you_o present_v he_o with_o the_o first-fruit_n so_o will_v the_o whole_a be_v sanctify_v by_o that_o mean_v you_o will_v secure_v to_o yourselves_o his_o direction_n in_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o day_n his_o defence_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o it_o his_o support_n under_o the_o affliction_n of_o it_o his_o assistance_n in_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o together_o with_o his_o blessing_n upon_o your_o endeavour_n to_o succeed_v they_o and_o upon_o your_o enjoyment_n to_o sweeten_v they_o to_o you_o when_o the_o evening_n come_v end_v your_o day_n with_o god_n make_v he_o the_o omega_n as_o well_o as_o the_o alpha_n pay_v he_o the_o tribute_n of_o praise_n for_o the_o mercy_n you_o receive_v beg_v the_o continuance_n of_o his_o favour_n so_o may_v you_o lie_v down_o in_o peace_n and_o comfortable_o expect_v a_o be_v shadow_v with_o his_o wing_n and_o have_v sleep_n give_v you_o as_o to_o his_o beloved_a one_o while_o the_o hedge_n of_o his_o protection_n be_v set_v about_o your_o person_n family_n and_o all_o that_o you_o have_v upon_o the_o lord_n day_n get_v alone_o and_o do_v all_o you_o can_v to_o pray_v yourselves_o into_o a_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a frame_n fit_a for_o the_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n of_o it_o beg_v his_o presence_n with_o you_o and_o in_o they_o and_o a_o sight_n of_o his_o power_n and_o glory_n and_o that_o there_o he_o will_v give_v you_o of_o his_o love_n and_o kiss_v you_o with_o the_o kiss_v of_o his_o mouth_n never_o dare_v to_o come_v to_o the_o public_a assembly_n till_o you_o have_v be_v with_o the_o great_a master_n of_o they_o who_o alone_o can_v bless_v his_o provision_n to_o your_o refresh_n and_o nourishment_n and_o fasten_v his_o truth_n in_o your_o head_n and_o heart_n as_o a_o nail_n in_o a_o sure_a place_n pray_o that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n will_v open_v the_o minister_n mouth_n and_o your_o heart_n give_v he_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o you_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o obedience_n both_o prepare_v the_o seed_n and_o likewise_o fit_a the_o soil_n and_o when_o you_o return_v from_o the_o congregation_n to_o your_o own_o house_n there_o set_v upon_o prayer_n again_o and_o so_o cover_v the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_v and_o earnest_o desire_v of_o god_n that_o as_o he_o do_v enable_v you_o to_o mingle_v faith_n with_o the_o word_n that_o be_v deliver_v so_o he_o will_v grant_v you_o to_o live_v and_o practise_v it_o the_o life_n in_o heaven_n will_v be_v a_o life_n of_o
shall_v make_v to_o thyself_o no_o grave_v image_n thou_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o vain_a remember_v that_o thou_o keep_v holy_a the_o sabbath-day_n so_o here_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v christ_n will_v have_v every_o one_o that_o name_v his_o name_n that_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o be_v one_o of_o his_o people_n to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o this_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o this_o counsel_n as_o give_v and_o this_o charge_n as_o lay_v upon_o he_o thou_o thomas_n when_o thou_o pray_v do_v this_o and_o thou_o john_n when_o thou_o pray_v do_v this_o and_o so_o thou_o matthew_n and_o thou_o andrew_n and_o so_o every_o one_o that_o be_v then_o alive_a or_o that_o shall_v live_v in_o any_o age_n or_o place_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v speak_v to_o you_o and_o to_o i_o and_o to_o all_o do_v thou_o enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n thou_o alone_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o thou_o not_o upon_o other_o with_o thou_o but_o upon_o thou_o and_o so_o pray_v unto_o thy_o father_n get_v alone_o say_v christ_n and_o pray_v alone_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v no_o body_n by_o none_o to_o see_v thou_o none_o to_o overhear_v thou_o god_n and_o a_o holy_a soul_n be_v very_o good_a company_n when_o it_o go_v out_o with_o tear_n and_o he_o meet_v it_o with_o smile_n when_o it_o draw_v up_o its_o confession_n and_o he_o seal_v its_o pardon_n it_o breathe_v out_o holy_a desire_n and_o long_n and_o he_o afford_v it_o gracious_a answer_n and_o in_o they_o satisfaction_n it_o state_n its_o case_n tell_v its_o disease_n open_v its_o sore_n and_o he_o apply_v ease_v and_o heal_a remedy_n in_o a_o word_n when_o the_o soul_n fire_v its_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o in_o the_o holy_a flame_n thereof_o the_o bless_a angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v wonderful_o it_o be_v oftentimes_o good_a for_o the_o saint_n to_o go_v one_o with_o another_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o father_n they_o have_v be_v call_v upon_o to_o strive_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o that_o in_o family_n duty_n or_o in_o public_a ordinance_n or_o in_o case_n of_o common_a concernment_n but_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a who_o have_v not_o his_o own_o want_n and_o his_o own_o pressure_n and_o his_o own_o bitterness_n and_o upon_o these_o account_v it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o to_o go_v alone_o and_o thou_o can_v not_o tell_v o_o holy_a soul_n what_o special_a favour_n god_n may_v show_v thou_o what_o token_n of_o love_n he_o may_v put_v into_o thy_o hand_n when_o there_o be_v no_o body_n by_o when_o disconsolate_a hannah_n have_v be_v water_v her_o plant_n weep_v great_o alone_a pour_v out_o her_o soul_n in_o tear_n and_o prayer_n before_o the_o lord_n she_o have_v such_o a_o impress_n upon_o her_o spirit_n such_o a_o message_n of_o peace_n whisper_v to_o she_o as_o make_v her_o glad_a at_o heart_n and_o on_o a_o sudden_a dry_v up_o all_o her_o tear_n so_o that_o her_o countenance_n be_v no_o more_o sad_a thou_o if_o thou_o engage_a in_o this_o work_n in_o thy_o uprightness_n may_v believe_o and_o comfortable_o expect_v the_o same_o in_o god_n time_n however_o set_v this_o down_o with_o thyself_o and_o act_v according_o that_o secret_a prayer_n be_v thy_o unquestionable_a duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n 4._o last_o there_o be_v a_o very_a gracious_a promise_n make_v to_o secret_a prayer_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o assertion_n as_o worthy_a your_o take_a notice_n of_o that_o the_o great_a god_n do_v not_o make_v promise_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o require_v and_o which_o be_v not_o acceptable_a and_o please_a to_o he_o and_o which_o according_o be_v not_o duty_n in_o man_n promise_n do_v follow_v precept_n and_o be_v design_v for_o the_o strengthen_v of_o our_o heart_n and_o hand_n the_o encourage_v we_o to_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o sweeten_v those_o obediential_a act_n to_o we_o he_o be_v angry_a at_o those_o who_o offer_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n for_o which_o they_o have_v not_o his_o warrant_n hence_o such_o enquiry_n as_o this_o isa._n 1._o 12._o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n viz._n to_o come_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o hence_o also_o that_o complaint_n and_o charge_n that_o they_o burn_v their_o son_n and_o daughter_n in_o the_o fire_n make_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o they_o which_o as_o he_o say_v jer._n 7._o 31._o he_o command_v they_o not_o neither_o enter_v it_o into_o his_o heart_n david_n design_n be_v good_a and_o it_o please_v god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o heart_n so_o set_v for_o his_o honour_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o rebuke_n and_o check_v to_o he_o that_o god_n send_v he_o this_o message_n by_o nathan_n 2_o sam._n 7._o 7._o in_o all_o the_o place_n wherein_o i_o have_v walk_v with_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n speak_v i_o a_o word_n with_o any_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n who_o i_o command_v to_o feed_v my_o poople_n israel_n say_v why_o build_v you_o not_o i_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n from_o whence_o say_v peter_n martyr_n we_o learn_v that_o david_n fail_v in_o attempt_v such_o a_o thing_n when_o he_o have_v not_o a_o word_n for_o it_o from_o god_n from_o who_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o a_o peculiar_a command_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n and_o time_n and_o place_n those_o that_o run_v on_o such_o errand_n as_o god_n never_o send_v they_o on_o and_o presume_v to_o do_v such_o work_n as_o god_n never_o set_v they_o about_o or_o will_v venture_v to_o do_v his_o work_n in_o a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o can_v with_o any_o shadow_n of_o reason_n expect_v a_o reward_n from_o his_o hand_n let_v they_o get_v one_o where_o they_o can_v why_o shall_v god_n pay_v they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o be_v none_o of_o his_o work_n or_o for_o do_v it_o after_o their_o own_o fashion_n nadab_n and_o abihu_n do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o offer_v incense_n but_o they_o do_v it_o after_o their_o own_o fashion_n in_o make_v use_n of_o strange_a fire_n and_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o life_n they_o find_v god_n not_o a_o bountiful_a rewarder_n but_o a_o dreadful_a revenger_n when_o promise_n be_v make_v by_o god_n to_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v plain_o speak_v that_o thing_n to_o which_o those_o promise_n be_v make_v a_o duty_n now_o we_o find_v here_o in_o the_o text_n a_o great_a and_o gracious_a promise_n make_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n to_o secret_a prayer_n do_v this_o say_v he_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n and_o shut_v thy_o door_n about_o thou_o study_v all_o possible_a privacy_n and_o retirement_n let_v no_o body_n know_v of_o that_o which_o thou_o go_v about_o if_o thou_o can_v help_v it_o do_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o secret_a there_o be_v christ_n counsel_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v good_a because_o give_v by_o he_o in_o who_o be_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o who_o name_n be_v wonderful_a counsellor_n now_o take_v with_o you_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o this_o counsel_n thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o god_n will_v not_o send_v one_o single_a petitioner_n empty_a from_o his_o throne_n of_o grace_n though_o thou_o go_v beg_v yet_o thou_o shall_v return_v rejoice_v abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v bowel_n of_o compassion_n yearn_v over_o his_o wicked_a neighbour_n he_o pray_v in_o secret_a for_o filthy_a sodom_n there_o be_v no_o body_n to_o back_v he_o in_o that_o suit_n nor_o to_o plead_v together_o with_o he_o that_o city_n be_v indeed_o so_o bad_a that_o he_o be_v both_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a to_o appear_v as_o a_o advocate_n for_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v more_o than_o once_o deprecate_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n oh_o let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a yet_o observe_v how_o mighty_a he_o be_v with_o god_n he_o lift_v up_o prayer_n after_o prayer_n and_o god_n condescend_v to_o he_o again_o and_o again_o single_n and_o solitary_a abraham_n have_v such_o a_o great_a interest_n and_o success_n that_o the_o glorious_a and_o provoke_v god_n do_v not_o give_v over_o grant_v until_o abraham_n have_v give_v over_o pray_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v the_o first_o thing_n promise_v be_v perform_v namely_o it_o be_v make_v plain_a and_o evident_a that_o secret-prayer_n be_v the_o christian_n duty_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o if_o it_o be_v right_o manage_v it_o will_v be_v his_o advantage_n and_o to_o that_o end_n i_o shall_v only_o show_v that_o it_o will_v afford_v he_o these_o two_o
of_o the_o child_n in_o psalm_n 18._o we_o find_v that_o good_a man_n in_o his_o distress_n call_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o cry_v unto_o his_o god_n and_o god_n hear_v he_o divine_a love_n be_v quick_a of_o hear_v he_o hear_v my_o voice_n out_o of_o his_o holy_a temple_n and_o my_o cry_n come_v before_o he_o even_o into_o his_o ear_n and_o now_o observe_v what_o haste_n god_n make_v to_o his_o servant_n vers._n 9_o 10._o he_o bow_v the_o heaven_n and_o come_v dew_v he_o ride_v upon_o a_o cherub_n and_o do_v fly_v yea_o he_o do_v fly_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n when_o holy_a david_n want_v his_o god_n god_n will_v be_v with_o he_o present_o i_o dare_v assure_v thou_o o_o saint_n if_o thou_o will_v but_o get_v thy_o soul_n upon_o the_o wing_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o servant_n believe_v prayer_n knock_v at_o heaven_n door_n thou_o shall_v to_o thy_o comfort_n find_v that_o thy_o belove_a will_v not_o be_v long_o from_o thou_o no_o no_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a gracious_o to_o return_v thy_o visit_n he_o will_v come_v and_o drop_v some_o sweet_a smell_a myrrh_n upon_o the_o handle_v of_o thy_o lock_n secret_a prayer_n be_v the_o near_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o secret_a and_o intimate_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o open_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n so_o it_o make_v way_n for_o god_n open_v of_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o when_o that_o be_v open_v what_o bless_a discovery_n be_v make_v what_o treasure_n appear_v and_o riches_n of_o grace_n what_o counsel_v of_o wisdom_n and_o thought_n of_o good_a and_o great_a design_n the_o very_a sight_n of_o which_o be_v ravish_v and_o may_v well_o put_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o transport_n when_o guilty_a but_o convince_v ephraim_n get_v alone_o and_o make_v his_o reflection_n and_o thereupon_o bemoan_v himself_o for_o his_o former_a folly_n stubbornness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o beg_v hard_o for_o convert_v turn_v grace_n god_n present_o turn_v towards_o he_o and_o with_o yearn_v bowel_n speak_v his_o love_n this_o resolution_n be_v immediate_o take_v up_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o in_o a_o word_n god_n do_v sometime_o in_o displeasure_n withdraw_v from_o his_o sin_v child_n but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o be_v find_v of_o they_o when_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o to_o return_v to_o they_o when_o he_o be_v send_v for_o hos._n 5._o 15._o i_o will_v go_v and_o return_v to_o my_o place_n till_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n and_o seek_v my_o face_n i_o will_v stay_v away_o i_o will_v not_o come_v near_o they_o i_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o till_o they_o do_v this_o but_o let_v they_o do_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o will_v and_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o acceptance_n i_o will_v rise_v out_o of_o my_o place_n and_o visit_v they_o with_o salvation_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o come_v at_o prayer_n call_v if_o some_o cry_a sin_n or_o other_o do_v not_o drown_v the_o voice_n of_o it_o and_o his_o presence_n and_o beam_n will_v effectual_o scatter_v the_o thick_a and_o black_a cloud_n the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n when_o once_o lift_v up_o will_v make_v it_o a_o day_n of_o gladness_n to_o the_o most_o benight_a soul_n whenever_o he_o come_v he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o bring_v a_o blessing_n along_o with_o he_o and_o so_o appear_v unto_o its_o joy_n these_o particular_n to_o which_o i_o have_v large_o speak_v be_v i_o hope_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o secret_a prayer_n be_v both_o your_o duty_n and_o your_o interest_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o it_o by_o application_n which_o will_v be_v twofold_a 1._o for_o reprehension_n 2._o for_o exhortation_n the_o use_n of_o reprehension_n or_o reproof_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o do_v indeed_o deserve_v to_o fall_v under_o it_o and_o oh_o that_o it_o may_v come_v with_o such_o power_n as_o to_o make_v they_o fall_v before_o it_o and_o issue_n in_o their_o amendment_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n break_v in_o upon_o they_o they_o shall_v see_v to_o be_v amiss_o first_o they_o be_v sharp_o to_o be_v reprove_v for_o they_o be_v deep_o guilty_a before_o god_n who_o instead_o of_o make_v conscience_n and_o live_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o secret_a prayer_n be_v altogether_o stranger_n to_o and_o live_v in_o the_o total_a neglect_n of_o all_o prayer_n they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o approach_v unto_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n before_o he_o they_o go_v to_o their_o bed_n at_o night_n like_a swine_n to_o their_o sty_n not_o beg_v divine_a protection_n and_o rise_v out_o of_o they_o in_o a_o morning_n and_o go_v about_o their_o business_n without_o pay_v any_o acknowledgement_n to_o their_o great_a benefactor_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o who_o careful_a providence_n they_o be_v secure_v yea_o sit_v down_o to_o their_o table_n without_o ask_v god_n blessing_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o when_o they_o have_v eat_v and_o be_v full_a rise_v up_o to_o work_n or_o play_v without_o give_v god_n thanks_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o beholden_a to_o he_o and_o thus_o they_o live_v prayerless_a life_n in_o the_o world_n they_o have_v pass_v many_o day_n and_o escape_v many_o danger_n and_o receive_v many_o mercy_n and_o commit_v many_o sin_n but_o never_o set_v themselves_o at_o least_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o put_v up_o one_o prayer_n oh_o how_o do_v they_o tumble_v out_o by_o wholesale_n a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o execrable_a oath_n and_o tremendous_a curse_n which_o speak_v their_o tongue_n the_o devil_n instrument_n set_v on_o fire_n with_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n but_o no_o body_n ever_o see_v they_o upon_o their_o knee_n before_o god_n nor_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o prayer_n drop_v from_o their_o li_n they_o have_v have_v many_o danger_n prevent_v but_o never_o seek_v refuge_n nor_o take_v shelter_n in_o god_n they_o have_v every_o day_n receive_v multitude_n of_o mercy_n but_o do_v never_o solemn_o beg_v one_o god_n do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n order_n that_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o altar_n shall_v never_o go_v out_o and_o appoint_v the_o morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n but_o poor_a creature_n these_o have_v no_o fire_n their_o heart_n be_v as_o cold_a as_o ice_n they_o know_v not_o what_o true_a love_n to_o god_n mean_v and_o have_v no_o fire_n in_o themselves_o god_n shall_v have_v no_o sacrifice_n from_o they_o his_o altar_n shall_v be_v empty_a they_o have_v nothing_o to_o lay_v on_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o never_o make_v a_o attempt_n this_o way_n never_o try_v to_o pray_v never_o go_v about_o the_o work_n they_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n he_o be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n ps._n 10._o 4._o in_o all_o of_o they_o he_o be_v but_o in_o few_o of_o they_o and_o when_o he_o be_v in_o any_o when_o he_o forcible_o break_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o make_v his_o own_o way_n for_o they_o never_o invite_v he_o nor_o study_v to_o think_v of_o he_o he_o be_v not_o welcome_a nor_o grateful_a to_o they_o i_o fear_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v and_o ask_v some_o of_o you_o such_o a_o question_n as_o this_o friend_n neighbour_n what_o intercourse_n be_v there_o between_o god_n and_o you_o what_o converse_v and_o fellowship_n have_v you_o with_o god_n do_v you_o pray_v a-days_o do_v you_o pray_v by_o yourselves_o in_o your_o chamber_n or_o with_o your_o family_n be_v you_o some_o of_o that_o bless_a wrestle_a generation_n who_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n if_o you_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o cover_v your_o sin_n and_o shame_n with_o a_o lie_n you_o must_v answer_v no_o not_o i_o god_n know_v i_o can_v pray_v i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o pray_v i_o never_o go_v about_o it_o i_o see_v no_o need_n of_o it_o i_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o may_v we_o not_o say_v of_o these_o what_o agur_n say_v of_o himself_o prov._n 30._o 2._o sure_o they_o be_v more_o brutish_a than_o any_o man_n they_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n they_o have_v not_o learned_a wisdom_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a let_v they_o be_v reckon_v for_o beast_n in_o human_a shape_n some_o have_v write_v as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o reason_n but_o religion_n as_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o specifical_a difference_n
hence_o when_o sickness_n arrest_v you_o and_o you_o find_v that_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v at_o your_o very_a door_n that_o will_v be_v a_o dismal_a time_n and_o it_o will_v cause_v many_o thought_n and_o tremble_n of_o heart_n and_o then_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o cordial_n and_o happy_a the_o man_n that_o have_v his_o comfortable_a reflection_n and_o prospect_n to_o support_v his_o spirit_n who_o can_v look_v back_o to_o his_o life_n pass_v with_o peace_n and_o look_v forward_o to_o eternity_n with_o hope_n when_o a_o child_n of_o god_n that_o have_v maintain_v a_o close_a and_o intimate_a communion_n with_o his_o god_n and_o give_v himself_o unto_o prayer_n come_v to_o lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n he_o be_v so_o rough_o handle_v by_o that_o last_o enemy_n that_o he_o can_v pray_v his_o heart_n be_v so_o faint_a within_o he_o and_o his_o pain_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o any_o leisure_n for_o that_o work_n in_o which_o he_o have_v find_v so_o much_o sweetness_n and_o for_o which_o he_o have_v so_o dear_a a_o love_n alas_o than_o his_o case_n his_o weakness_n his_o agony_n his_o tumbling_n and_o toss_n be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v pray_v as_o he_o be_v wont_a only_a sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o lift_v up_o a_o eye_n and_o give_v a_o look_n towards_o god_n holy_a temple_n and_o dart_v up_o a_o short_a ejaculation_n poor_a soul_n that_o be_v the_o utmost_a length_n he_o can_v go_v and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a grief_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v so_o straighten_a and_o confine_v holy_a asaph_n put_v this_o among_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o bitter_a complaint_n psal._n 77._o 4_o that_o he_o be_v so_o trouble_v that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v but_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o can_v relieve_v and_o comfort_v himself_o with_o his_o former_a pray_v and_o former_a walk_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n his_o former_a seek_v of_o god_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o when_o there_o be_v a_o message_n of_o death_n by_o the_o prophet_n bring_v to_o hezekiah_n he_o can_v send_v this_o short_a petition_n up_o again_o to_o heaven_n isa._n 38._o 3._o remember_v now_o o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n he_o can_v do_v but_o very_o little_a then_o his_o strength_n be_v go_v and_o his_o breath_n be_v short_a but_o he_o can_v with_o comfort_n remember_v and_o desire_v god_n himself_o to_o remember_v how_o he_o have_v walk_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o haltion_n and_o healthful_a day_n so_o when_o a_o gracious_a person_n be_v disable_v for_o his_o work_n he_o can_v think_v thus_o there_o be_v a_o stock_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n against_o such_o a_o time_n of_o need_n as_o this_o be_v and_o the_o thought_n thereof_o will_v be_v a_o singular_a support_n and_o comfort_n to_o he_o but_o what_o do_v you_o think_v will_v become_v of_o you_o at_o such_o a_o time_n you_o that_o have_v be_v all_o your_o day_n stranger_n to_o this_o work_n when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v you_o can_v pray_v your_o distemper_n and_o pain_n will_v not_o lâ—t_v you_o and_o you_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o go_v about_o it_o nor_o how_o to_o do_v one_o stroke_n at_o it_o and_o it_o will_v then_o be_v a_o sting_n and_o horror_n to_o you_o to_o think_v that_o when_o you_o be_v in_o health_n and_o strength_n and_o all_o thing_n well_o with_o you_o you_o will_v not_o pray_v you_o be_v call_v upon_o often_o by_o your_o godly_a minister_n and_o by_o your_o gracious_a friend_n and_o relation_n but_o you_o will_v not_o at_o a_o die_a hour_n you_o will_v have_v no_o fitness_n for_o that_o work_n and_o all_o the_o time_n that_o you_o live_v before_o you_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o but_o possible_o you_o will_v comfort_v yourselves_o with_o this_o that_o when_o you_o be_v sick_a and_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o inward_a disquiet_n and_o you_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o pray_v for_o yourselves_o than_o you_o or_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n for_o you_o will_v send_v for_o some_o godly_a minister_n or_o other_o and_o desire_v he_o to_o pray_v for_o you_o well_o suppose_v that_o be_v do_v and_o the_o minister_n send_v for_o comes_z if_o he_o know_v what_o a_o wretch_n thou_o have_v be_v and_o how_o much_o thou_o have_v neglect_v god_n and_o thy_o duty_n all_o thy_o day_n what_o straitning_n of_o soul_n must_v he_o of_o necessity_n be_v under_o as_o to_o thou_o with_o what_o holy_a confidence_n and_o hope_n may_v we_o go_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o a_o godly_a person_n when_o sick_a if_o we_o can_v say_v to_o god_n as_o they_o do_v to_o christ_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o lazarus_n john_n 11._o 3._o lord_n he_o who_o thou_o love_v be_v sick_a but_o what_o a_o damp_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o we_o when_o we_o think_v we_o be_v go_v to_o god_n for_o a_o sick_a and_o die_a man_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o neglect_a god_n and_o hate_v he_o and_o live_v without_o he_o and_o in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o i_o fear_v i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o many_o among_o we_o that_o befool_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o this_o that_o if_o they_o can_v get_v a_o minister_n to_o pray_v by_o they_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v give_v they_o the_o sacrament_n too_o oh_o than_o all_o be_v well_o and_o their_o soul_n go_v immediate_o to_o heaven_n without_o any_o stop_n by_o the_o way_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o glory_n be_v open_v to_o they_o and_o entrance_n grant_v but_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o will_v not_o do_v and_o that_o these_o man_n build_v their_o high_a hope_n upon_o a_o sandy-foundation_n that_o will_v fail_v they_o and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o great_a encouragement_n or_o what_o sufficient_a ground_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v carry_v they_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o our_o prayer_n safe_a to_o heaven_n who_o will_v not_o themselves_o take_v one_o right_a step_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v thither_o will_v never_o be_v humble_a petitioner_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n or_o for_o the_o life_n and_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n that_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o exceed_v worthy_a of_o your_o observation_n and_o repeat_v thought_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o one_a of_o samuel_n chap._n 12._o after_o that_o good_a man_n have_v faithful_o reprove_v the_o people_n for_o their_o great_a wickedness_n in_o ask_v a_o king_n and_o likewise_o put_v they_o into_o a_o great_a consternation_n by_o a_o storm_n of_o thunder_n and_o rain_n in_o the_o time_n of_o wheat-harvest_n which_o be_v unusual_a in_o that_o country_n they_o become_v humble_a suitor_n to_o he_o say_v in_o verse_n 19_o pray_v for_o by_o servant_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o we_o die_v not_o that_o request_n he_o be_v most_o free_o wilâ—ing_v to_o grant_v god_n forbid_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v sin_v in_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o they_o and_o will_v continue_v to_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o now_o mark_v and_o remember_v that_o which_o follow_v in_o vers_fw-la 24._o only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o truth_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n which_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o my_o duty_n you_o be_v a_o people_n that_o i_o dear_o love_v and_o hearty_o wish_v welfare_n and_o prosperity_n to_o i_o will_v speak_v for_o you_o and_o plead_v for_o you_o and_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o you_o but_o do_v not_o you_o lay_v too_o great_a stress_n upon_o my_o prayer_n look_v to_o it_o that_o you_o be_v not_o find_v sin_v against_o god_n while_o i_o be_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o you_o leave_v you_o do_v yourselves_o more_o mischief_n than_o i_o can_v do_v you_o good_a my_o prayer_n will_v not_o prevail_v on_o your_o behalf_n unless_o you_o will_v resolve_v to_o fear_n god_n yourselves_o and_o to_o seek_v and_o serve_v he_o yourselves_o and_o pray_v and_o honour_n and_o obey_v he_o yourselves_o by_o warrant_n of_o that_o scripture_n i_o do_v now_o say_v to_o you_o when_o you_o be_v sick_a and_o in_o distress_n and_o fear_v you_o shall_v die_v you_o will_v call_v the_o minister_n to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v it_o when_o you_o send_v for_o we_o we_o will_v come_v only_o i_o wish_v that_o we_o may_v be_v send_v for_o soon_o than_o we_o be_v by_o some_o of_o you_o viz._n while_o you_o be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o yourselves_o and_o in_o
work_n and_o heart-examining_a and_o seek_v after_o god_n either_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o he_o or_o make_v their_o request_n know_v to_o he_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o it_o and_o never_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n now_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o be_v this_o kind_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n of_o ingenuity_n in_o it_o can_v the_o great_a god_n unto_o who_o you_o be_v infinite_o oblige_v take_v it_o well_o at_o your_o hand_n you_o will_v have_v god_n look_v after_o you_o in_o all_o place_n where_o you_o come_v you_o do_v not_o indeed_o delight_v in_o his_o company_n but_o will_v be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o care_n you_o will_v have_v his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n follow_v you_o all_o the_o day_n of_o your_o life_n if_o israel_n want_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o wilderness_n if_o they_o have_v not_o water_n here_o and_o flesh_n there_o they_o take_v pet_n and_o fall_v a_o grumble_a you_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v secure_v you_o and_o support_v you_o and_o supply_v you_o when_o you_o be_v alone_o as_o well_o as_o in_o company_n and_o i_o will_v have_v you_o give_v i_o if_o you_o can_v one_o good_a reason_n why_o you_o will_v not_o seek_v and_o serve_v he_o when_o alone_o as_o well_o as_o in_o company_n and_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o study_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o spouse_n spirit_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o resolution_n she_o take_v up_o and_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o worthy_a of_o your_o learning_n and_o imitation_n cantic_a 8._o 1_o 2._o o_o that_o thou_o be_v as_o my_o brother_n that_o suck_v the_o breast_n of_o my_o mother_n when_o i_o shall_v find_v thou_o without_o i_o will_v kiss_v thou_o yet_o i_o shall_v not_o he_o despise_v i_o will_v lead_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o into_o my_o mother_n house_n bear_v with_o i_o while_o i_o present_v you_o with_o a_o few_o thought_n upon_o these_o word_n in_o they_o you_o have_v the_o spouse_n option_n and_o resolution_n her_o option_n or_o wish_v oh_o that_o thou_o be_v as_o my_o brother_n that_o suck_v the_o breast_n of_o my_o mother_n that_o be_v as_o near_o in_o relation_n and_o conjunction_n to_o i_o as_o near_o can_v be_v i_o be_o for_o no_o distance_n that_o may_v issue_v in_o strangeness_n but_o the_o great_a nearness_n possible_a that_o will_v warrant_v familiarity_n and_o justify_v a_o free_a converse_n oh_o that_o thou_o be_v as_o my_o brother_n i_o own_o brother_n my_o brother_n in_o all_o respect_n who_o do_v not_o ou_o lie_v in_o the_o same_o womb_n but_o be_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o with_o the_o same_o milk_n and_o suck_v the_o same_o breast_n well_o suppose_v it_o have_v be_v so_o what_o then_o what_o advantage_n will_v she_o have_v have_v what_o encouragement_n will_v she_o have_v take_v from_o thence_o that_o you_o may_v see_v in_o her_o resolution_n which_o fix_v upon_o two_o thing_n when_o i_o shall_v find_v thou_o without_o i_o will_v kiss_v thou_o the_o world_n shall_v see_v that_o i_o have_v a_o heart_n and_o love_n for_o thou_o but_o what_o o_o thou_o enamour_a spouse_n thou_o faithful_a turtle_n what_o of_o that_o other_o will_v do_v so_o too_o they_o will_v have_v their_o lipkindness_n who_o be_v mere_a stranger_n to_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a affection_n how_o many_o man_n will_v abound_v in_o expression_n of_o love_n when_o they_o be_v without_o extraordinary_a kind_n to_o their_o wife_n in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o their_o neighbour_n house_n huge_a love_a and_o good-humoured_a before_o folk_n when_o they_o be_v mere_a dog_n or_o rather_o devil_n within_o door_n naphtalies_n abroad_o that_o give_v goodly_a word_n but_o nabal_n at_o home_n where_o their_o tongue_n be_v sharp_a sword_n let_v such_o man_n know_v and_o tremble_v while_o they_o know_v there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o a_o conscience_n in_o their_o own_o bosom_n that_o curious_o observe_v and_o record_v all_o and_o just_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n a_o great_a many_o will_v seem_v to_o kiss_v christ_n abroad_o in_o a_o church_n and_o at_o a_o public_a ordinance_n who_o there_o so_o devout_a as_o they_o they_o will_v cringe_v and_o bow_v to_o his_o very_a name_n jesus_n a_o great_a stir_n they_o make_v but_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o than_o a_o compliment_n when_o they_o turn_v back_o upon_o the_o church_n they_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o christ_n too_o and_o go_v home_o they_o leave_v at_o the_o church-door_n all_o the_o respect_n and_o kindness_n which_o they_o will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v for_o he_o but_o the_o spouse_n be_v act_v by_o another_o principle_n she_o carry_v the_o same_o dearness_n of_o affection_n to_o christ_n along_o with_o she_o to_o all_o place_n where_o she_o come_v and_o therefore_o she_o resolve_v not_o only_o to_o kiss_v he_o when_o she_o find_v he_o without_o but_o likewise_o to_o lead_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o into_o her_o mother_n house_n she_o will_v be_v as_o dear_a over_o he_o and_o respective_a to_o he_o at_o home_n as_o abroad_o she_o will_v indeed_o be_v glad_a to_o meet_v he_o abroad_o to_o meet_v he_o in_o the_o highway_n of_o his_o ordinance_n thither_o she_o go_v there_o she_o walk_v and_o wait_v for_o that_o very_a purpose_n she_o esteem_v ordinance_n because_o they_o be_v divine_a appointment_n and_o have_v the_o stamp_n of_o god_n authority_n upon_o they_o but_o she_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o bare_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o but_o in_o and_o by_o they_o will_v have_v communion_n with_o christ_n himself_o and_o let_v her_o sanctuary-sigh_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o power_n and_o glory_n there_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a and_o sweet_a she_o will_v for_o all_o they_o long_o to_o have_v he_o at_o home_n home_n will_v not_o be_v home_o to_o she_o but_o a_o wilderness_n a_o hell_n if_o she_o can_v not_o have_v communion_n and_o a_o intercourse_n of_o kindness_n with_o christ_n there_o and_o this_o which_o we_o find_v she_o in_o that_o place_n fix_o resolve_v to_o do_v be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o she_o have_v former_o do_v when_o she_o have_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o meet_v with_o he_o she_o have_v find_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n seasible_a christ_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v if_o desire_v he_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o come_v under_o her_o roof_n and_o she_o have_v find_v how_o much_o good_a she_o get_v by_o his_o company_n that_o in_o have_v he_o with_o she_o she_o have_v all_o in_o he_o that_o she_o have_v do_v thus_o before_o you_o may_v see_v in_o cant._n 3._o 4._o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a that_o i_o pass_v from_o they_o but_o i_o find_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v and_o glad_a she_o be_v that_o she_o have_v find_v he_o she_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o the_o great_a pain_n and_o many_o weary_a step_n that_o she_o have_v take_v in_o the_o search_n but_o what_o do_v she_o do_v now_o that_o she_o have_v find_v he_o she_o tell_v you_o i_o hold_v he_o and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v i_o be_o persuade_v christ_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o leave_v she_o he_o delight_v to_o stay_v where_o he_o be_v welcome_a and_o make_v much_o of_o nothing_o drive_v he_o away_o but_o unkindness_n yet_o true_a love_n be_v jealous_a and_o afraid_a he_o have_v withdraw_v and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v then_o how_o to_o be_v without_o he_o when_o my_o sun_n be_v go_v it_o be_v dark_a night_n with_o i_o and_o therefore_o she_o will_v make_v as_o sure_o of_o he_o as_o ever_o she_o can_v he_o be_v too_o good_a to_o part_v with_o therefore_o now_o she_o have_v get_v he_o again_o she_o will_v keep_v he_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o long_o she_o tell_v you_o till_o she_o have_v bring_v he_o into_o her_o mother_n house_n and_o into_o the_o chamber_n of_o she_o that_o conceive_v she_o she_o be_v for_o secret_a duty_n and_o fellowship_n chamber-enjoyment_n and_o communion_n and_o i_o think_v this_o may_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o true_o gracious_a soul_n who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o sweet_a gracious_a comfortable_a presence_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o lie_v and_o labour_n sigh_n and_o groan_v under_o his_o subducting_n and_o absence_n but_o will_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o the_o spouse_n have_v recover_v his_o loss_n he_o will_v in_o a_o pang_n of_o love_n and_o rapture_n of_o joy_n cry_v out_o o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v have_v thou_o be_v go_v so_o long_o and_o have_v i_o be_v mourning_n and_o lament_v after_o thou_o so_o long_o and_o seek_v thou_o so_o diligent_o go_v and_o weep_v as_o i_o go_v drop_v tear_n fast_o than_o i_o take_v step_n and_o have_v i_o find_v thou_o at_o last_o i_o will_v
of_o thy_o heavenly_a father_n i_o be_o confident_a if_o thou_o will_v begin_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n thou_o will_v not_o easy_o give_v it_o over_o i_o do_v not_o indeed_o know_v what_o interruption_n the_o devil_n may_v give_v thou_o who_o hate_v all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o man_n but_o if_o by_o temptation_n thou_o shall_v for_o a_o time_n be_v take_v off_o from_o it_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v well_o nor_o able_a to_o enjoy_v thyself_o till_o thou_o do_v return_v to_o it_o again_o i_o dare_v say_v in_o a_o humble_a holy_a and_o believe_a performance_n thou_o will_v experience_n such_o incomparable_a sweetness_n and_o so_o much_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o thou_o that_o thou_o will_v go_v on_o and_o call_v upon_o god_n as_o long_o as_o thou_o live_v and_o then_o expire_v thy_o soul_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o stephen_n do_v who_o last_o word_n be_v prayer_n act_v 7._o 59_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n and_o lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o fall_v asleep_a that_o which_o i_o have_v further_o to_o do_v will_v be_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o lay_v down_o motive_n to_o the_o work_n 2._o give_v direction_n for_o manage_v it_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o motive_n for_o the_o allure_a and_o draw_v you_o to_o this_o excellent_a work_n who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n to_o it_o or_o very_o backward_o and_o by_o consequence_n inconstant_a off_o and_o on_o and_o i_o shall_v most_o hearty_o rejoice_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v gracious_o please_v to_o succeed_v these_o endeavour_n so_o that_o what_o i_o shall_v suggest_v to_o you_o may_v bring_v you_o upon_o your_o knee_n that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o of_o this_o chamber-practice_n more_o of_o a_o chamber-fellowship_n and_o closet-communion_n with_o your_o god_n the_o motive_n be_v these_o first_o do_v you_o pray_v in_o secret_a because_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o prayer_n see_v in_o secret_a as_o trust_v in_o he_o you_o do_v at_o no_o time_n and_o in_o no_o condition_n trust_v in_o a_o god_n that_o can_v save_v so_o direct_v your_o prayer_n to_o he_o you_o do_v in_o no_o place_n pray_v unto_o a_o god_n that_o can_v hear_v when_o hagar_n have_v in_o a_o fear_n flee_v from_o the_o face_n of_o her_o incense_a mistress_n god_n find_v she_o out_o in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o she_o be_v abscond_v and_o appear_v and_o speak_v unto_o she_o there_o whereupon_o it_o be_v say_v in_o gen._n 16._o 13._o that_o she_o call_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o speak_v unto_o she_o thou_o god_n see_v i_o for_o she_o say_v have_v i_o also_o here_o look_v after_o he_o that_o see_v i_o we_o may_v as_o some_o do_v reckon_v these_o word_n to_o be_v word_n of_o reprehension_n as_o relate_v to_o herself_o and_o word_n of_o admiration_n as_o refer_v to_o god_n have_v i_o also_o look_v after_o he_o here_o i_o be_o but_o how_o stupid_a and_o foolish_a have_v i_o be_v i_o have_v be_v look_v back_o to_o the_o comfort_n which_o i_o have_v when_o in_o the_o family_n and_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o my_o master_n abraham_n and_o i_o have_v be_v look_v to_o the_o displeasure_n and_o severity_n of_o my_o mistress_n sarahâ—â—_n and_o i_o have_v be_v look_v to_o the_o desolate_a place_n and_o distress_a condition_n into_o which_o i_o be_o now_o bring_v but_o have_v i_o here_o mind_v god_n and_o look_v after_o god_n i_o have_v be_v so_o afflict_v with_o my_o loss_n and_o have_v pore_v so_o much_o upon_o my_o trouble_n that_o i_o have_v be_v unmindful_a of_o god_n do_v find_v neither_o heart_n nor_o leisure_n to_o think_v of_o he_o or_o look_v after_o he_o a_o case_n it_o be_v too_o common_a among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n yet_o here_o he_o â—eeth_v i_o and_o mind_n i_o here_o he_o look_v upon_o my_o person_n and_o upon_o my_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n and_o may_v not_o thou_o my_o friend_n say_v the_o very_a same_o when_o thou_o be_v alone_o and_o in_o thy_o closet-recesses_a thou_o god_n see_v i_o when_o no_o soul_n live_v be_v by_o when_o no_o mortal_a eye_n seâ—th_v i_o then_o thou_o god_n see_v i_o now_o let_v i_o desire_v thou_o after_o that_o serious_a consideration_n to_o propound_v this_o as_o a_o serious_a question_n to_o thyself_o have_v i_o also_o here_o look_v after_o he_o that_o see_v i_o god_n eye_n have_v be_v here_o upon_o i_o but_o have_v my_o eye_n be_v again_o upon_o god_n and_o unto_o god_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n i_o have_v look_v after_o that_o god_n who_o see_v i_o there_o i_o have_v have_v many_o frequent_a repeat_v and_o raise_v thought_n at_o he_o there_o i_o have_v wait_v for_o he_o more_o than_o they_o that_o watch_v for_o the_o morning_n yea_o more_o than_o they_o that_o watch_v for_o the_o morning_n but_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o chamber_n can_v thou_o make_v thy_o appeal_n to_o god_n and_o say_v o_o lord_n thou_o know_v and_o be_v my_o witness_n that_o even_o here_o i_o have_v look_v after_o thou_o that_o see_v i_o here_o my_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o prayer_n have_v be_v towards_o the_o lord_n that_o see_v i_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n which_o our_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o text_n that_o your_o father_n see_v in_o secret_a the_o royal_a prophet_n say_v psalm_n 139._o 7._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n the_o question_n speak_v it_o a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v do_v his_o eye_n be_v fasten_v upon_o thou_o and_o follow_v thou_o whithersoever_o thou_o go_v look_v to_o thyself_o and_o ponder_v all_o thy_o action_n thou_o be_v under_o the_o pure_a and_o pierce_a and_o all-discerning_a eye_n of_o the_o infinite_o great_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n when_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o congregation_n and_o in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o shop_n and_o in_o the_o kitchen_n yea_o and_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o closet_n too_o and_o since_o he_o do_v see_v thou_o there_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v he_o see_v thou_o do_v will_v thou_o have_v he_o see_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n in_o thy_o mind_n and_o corruption_n in_o thy_o heart_n will_v thou_o have_v he_o see_v nothing_o do_v by_o thou_o but_o look_v into_o thy_o glass_n and_o into_o thy_o chest_n and_o bag_n or_o turn_v over_o thy_o finery_n and_o foolery_n and_o so_o feed_v thy_o wantonness_n and_o pride_n or_o make_v provision_n for_o a_o perish_a carcase_n to_o deck_v and_o adorn_v it_o or_o gratify_v a_o brutish_a and_o sensual_a appetite_n but_o never_o see_v thou_o upon_o thy_o knee_n seek_v his_o face_n and_o favour_n or_o the_o good_a of_o thy_o own_o precious_a and_o never-dying_a soul_n oh_o that_o his_o eye_n may_v affect_v your_o heart_n that_o divine_a eye_n which_o be_v upon_o all_o your_o way_n and_o look_v you_o through_o and_o thorough_a that_o eye_n which_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n yea_o inconceivable_o more_o than_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o all_o the_o man_n upon_o earth_n the_o eye_n of_o god_n shall_v among_o other_o have_v these_o two_o effect_n upon_o we_o and_o upon_o all_o man_n that_o know_v and_o own_v he_o first_o it_o shall_v awe_v we_o seâ—ondly_o it_o shall_v quicken_v and_o animate_v we_o it_o shall_v awe_v we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o be_v a_o effectual_a curb_n to_o those_o lust_n and_o corruption_n which_o will_v otherwise_o break_v loose_a and_o grow_v rampant_a when_o no_o body_n be_v by_o do_v not_o dare_v to_o sin_n because_o god_n be_v by_o this_o preserve_v young_a joseph_n from_o fall_v before_o a_o great_a temptation_n when_o he_o may_v have_v procure_v the_o savour_n of_o his_o mistress_n and_o as_o some_o will_v have_v think_v have_v do_v himself_o a_o kindness_n this_o thought_n break_v the_o neck_n of_o the_o temptation_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n again_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n shall_v animate_v and_o put_v life_n into_o you_o it_o shall_v as_o a_o golden_a spur_n quicken_v you_o to_o the_o careful_a and_o lively_a performance_n of_o duty_n when_o you_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o no_o body_n at_o hand_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o make_v report_n let_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o you_o enough_o alone_o that_o god_n see_v your_o love_n to_o he_o and_o the_o desire_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o his_o name_n and_o a_o remembrance_n of_o he_o and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o he_o need_v none_o to_o inform_v he_o of_o your_o unmindfulness_n and_o neglect_n of_o he_o no_o no_o he_o
the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thou_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o or_o have_v great_a dependence_n upon_o these_o thing_n and_o possible_o twenty_o more_o which_o may_v be_v reckon_v up_o be_v very_o much_o the_o matter_n of_o thy_o desire_n and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o god_n who_o perform_v all_o thing_n for_o david_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o thou_o and_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o willing_o have_v other_o acquaint_v with_o these_o thing_n if_o thou_o be_v loath_a that_o thy_o family_n shall_v be_v privy_a to_o the_o stir_n and_o work_n of_o thy_o heart_n in_o these_o respect_n then_o let_v they_o bring_v thou_o upon_o thy_o knee_n in_o thy_o secret_a retirement_n there_o thou_o may_v be_v bold_a and_o as_o free_a as_o thou_o please_v there_o thou_o may_v full_o open_v thy_o case_n and_o unbosom_v thyself_o and_o tell_v god_n all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o keep_v back_o nothing_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o holy_a david_n who_o can_v say_v in_o psal._n 38._o 9_o all_o my_o desire_n be_v before_o thou_o and_o my_o groan_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o five_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o the_o work_n be_v enough_o to_o attract_v and_o draw_v a_o holy_a soul_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o secret_a prayer_n bring_v the_o christian_a into_o secret_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o secret_a communion_n be_v a_o sweet_a communion_n as_o that_o person_n taste_v and_o experience_n who_o love_v god_n indeed_o two_o lover_n have_v abundant_o more_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o each_o other_o company_n when_o they_o be_v get_v in_o a_o corner_n and_o no_o body_n to_o interrupt_v or_o observe_v they_o than_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o throng_n of_o people_n or_o in_o a_o room_n where_o many_o eye_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o there_o they_o can_v be_v so_o familiar_a and_o free_a as_o their_o mutual_a affection_n do_v require_v we_o have_v free_a leave_n give_v we_o yea_o we_o be_v under_o a_o divine_a command_n to_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o holdness_n heb._n 4._o 16._o with_o a_o freedom_n of_o speech_n to_o fetch_v up_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o tell_v our_o whole_a mind_n to_o god_n but_o when_o the_o saint_n go_v in_o company_n many_o time_n he_o that_o be_v call_v out_o to_o be_v at_o that_o time_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o rest_n to_o god_n find_v himself_o confine_v and_o bind_v up_o by_o a_o natural_a and_o overpower_v modesty_n and_o his_o christian_a childlike_a boldness_n be_v abate_v nay_o whole_o to_o seek_v and_o he_o be_v at_o such_o a_o great_a loss_n and_o so_o exceed_o trouble_v that_o he_o can_v speak_v that_o i_o may_v use_v the_o word_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n asaph_n psal._n 73._o his_o freedom_n be_v turn_v into_o oppression_n and_o he_o be_v so_o full_a of_o matter_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v almost_o ready_a to_o break_v within_o he_o because_o at_o that_o time_n he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o give_v himself_o vent_v in_o such_o a_o case_n there_o be_v a_o awe_n upon_o he_o and_o that_o do_v issue_n in_o a_o painful_a restraint_n oh_o christian_n if_o you_o can_v hear_v some_o gracious_a soul_n in_o their_o private_a address_n to_o god_n it_o will_v put_v you_o into_o a_o amazement_n you_o can_v not_o forbear_v stand_v and_o wonder_v how_o bold_a they_o be_v with_o god_n though_o not_o saucy_a how_o familiar_o they_o will_v speak_v to_o god_n yet_o know_v and_o consider_v their_o distance_n how_o plain_a they_o will_v be_v how_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a how_o they_o will_v plead_v with_o he_o and_o produce_v their_o argument_n and_o strong_a reason_n and_o with_o vehemency_n urge_v they_o wrestle_v with_o he_o as_o those_o that_o must_v have_v their_o petition_n grant_v and_o will_v too_o before_o they_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o they_o do_v herein_o that_o which_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o above_o and_o use_v those_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v who_o speak_v in_o they_o they_o do_v not_o herein_o forget_v themselves_o or_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o nor_o be_v they_o more_o bold_a than_o welcome_a when_o they_o have_v raise_v and_o enlarge_v their_o desire_n and_o wound_v up_o their_o importunity_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v their_o kind_n and_o gracious_a father_n allowance_n for_o and_o then_o be_v their_o prayer_n his_o music_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v thus_o who_o but_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o have_v take_v the_o same_o course_n be_v able_a to_o tell_v or_o conceive_v the_o fruit_n and_o advantage_n which_o thereby_o come_v into_o they_o when_o their_o soul_n have_v have_v so_o large_a a_o vent_n what_o â—ase_n do_v they_o find_v in_o themselves_o what_o peace_n but_o such_o as_o pass_v understanding_n how_o do_v their_o face_n shine_v even_o as_o that_o of_o moses_n do_v when_o he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n what_o delight_n have_v they_o have_v what_o joy_n of_o faith_n what_o a_o satisfaction_n do_v they_o find_v within_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o holy_a david_n do_v with_o high_a confidence_n promise_v unto_o himself_o and_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n but_o he_o be_v encourage_v to_o promise_v so_o much_o to_o himself_o for_o the_o future_a by_o the_o experience_n he_o have_v have_v in_o former_a time_n psal._n 63._o 5_o 6._o my_o soul_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n he_o look_v not_o only_o for_o a_o little_a taste_n a_o drop_n of_o mercy_n or_o some_o crumb_n of_o comfort_n so_o much_o only_o as_o will_v set_v he_o a_o longing_n or_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o but_o a_o full_a meal_n he_o promise_v himself_o the_o best_a not_o brown-bread_n and_o water_n ordinary_a course_n fare_n but_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n yea_o and_o enough_o too_o a_o fullness_n so_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o rise_v up_o complain_v but_o admire_v and_o triumph_v my_o mouth_n shall_v praise_v thou_o with_o joyful_a lip_n when_o he_o have_v his_o sweet_a refresh_n his_o fill_n than_o he_o will_v bless_v his_o benefactor_n but_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o time_n when_o and_o the_o place_n where_o he_o do_v promise_v himself_o these_o rich_a and_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n it_o be_v in_o his_o retirement_n in_o his_o secret_n converse_v with_o god_n when_o i_o remember_v thou_o upon_o my_o bed_n and_o meditate_v upon_o thou_o in_o the_o night-watche_n upon_o which_o word_n mr._n dickson_n have_v this_o observation_n very_o apposite_a to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n the_o way_n to_o find_v refreshment_n spiritual_a be_v beside_o public_a ordinance_n to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n in_o secret_a at_o such_o time_n as_o our_o civil_a and_o natural_a necessity_n may_v best_o spare_v and_o then_o and_o there_o to_o recall_v to_o mind_n what_o we_o have_v hear_v see_v or_o feel_v of_o god_n word_n or_o work_v and_o to_o keep_v our_o thought_n upon_o this_o holy_a subject_n by_o prayer_n soliloquy_n and_o meditation_n this_o this_o bring_v in_o spiritual_a refreshment_n indeed_o this_o warm_v the_o heart_n this_o feast_n it_o this_o delight_v it_o this_o raise_v it_o this_o furnish_v it_o with_o new_a song_n six_o secret_a prayer_n shall_v not_o be_v vain_a our_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o only_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n in_o the_o full_a assembly_n of_o his_o saint_n thou_o indeed_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o psal._n 87._o 2._o the_o lord_n love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n i._n e._n say_v ainsworth_n the_o public_a assembly_n more_o than_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n but_o he_o will_v gracious_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o afford_v his_o presence_n and_o give_v a_o meeting_n to_o two_o or_o three_o of_o his_o friend_n when_o meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n there_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o you_o have_v christ_n own_o word_n for_o your_o assurance_n in_o the_o case_n matth._n 18._o 20._o as_o to_o assist_v so_o to_o accept_v and_o bless_v and_o do_v for_o they_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o they_o desire_v yea_o his_o grace_n be_v so_o infinite_a and_o his_o love_n so_o great_a that_o his_o condescension_n shall_v be_v low_a yet_o for_o he_o will_v come_v into_o a_o corner_n when_o he_o have_v a_o child_n of_o his_o alone_a pray_v and_o cry_v cantic_a 2._o 14._o o_o my_o dove_n that_o be_v in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n and_o in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n
thing_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi three_o when_o thou_o be_v alone_o in_o prayer_n make_v it_o thy_o great_a desire_n and_o care_n to_o be_v with_o god_n in_o all_o thy_o approach_n to_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thy_o appearance_n before_o he_o make_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v with_o he_o the_o psalmist_n can_v say_v psal._n 139._o 18._o when_o i_o awake_v i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o this_o some_o understand_v of_o the_o constancy_n of_o god_n kindness_n though_o the_o most_o vigilant_a of_o the_o saint_n sometime_o fall_v into_o sleepiness_n and_o drowsiness_n of_o spirit_n that_o they_o perceive_v not_o god_n presence_n with_o they_o nor_o care_n over_o they_o nor_o love_n to_o they_o yet_o when_o the_o lord_n awaken_v up_o their_o soul_n and_o renew_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n they_o be_v make_v to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v never_o leave_v they_o no_o not_o when_o they_o least_o perceive_v his_o presence_n but_o other_o do_v by_o this_o understand_v the_o gracious_a frame_n and_o work_n of_o david_n spirit_n he_o be_v every_o morning_n with_o god_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o open_v his_o eye_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o god_n god_n be_v the_o excellent_a and_o endear_a object_n that_o he_o will_v first_o converse_v with_o and_o bestow_v his_o morning_n visit_v upon_o i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o by_o meditation_n oh_o that_o thou_o can_v say_v the_o same_o in_o truth_n as_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n lord_n when_o i_o be_o at_o prayer_n i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o i_o be_o often_o upon_o my_o knee_n and_o i_o be_o as_o often_o with_o my_o god_n i_o john_n 1._o 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n do_v you_o press_v after_o that_o a_o fellowship_n with_o god_n do_v you_o inquire_v for_o that_o as_o elisha_n when_o he_o have_v get_v the_o mantle_n which_o his_o master_n have_v drop_v he_o cry_v out_o where_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o elijah_n so_o do_v you_o here_o be_v the_o prayer_n but_o where_o be_v the_o fellowship_n true_o that_o person_n be_v both_o wicked_o and_o miserable_o alone_a in_o his_o duty_n who_o be_v not_o with_o god_n in_o duty_n he_o sin_v great_o in_o it_o and_o he_o shall_v get_v nothing_o by_o it_o that_o be_v a_o accurse_a privacy_n out_o of_o which_o the_o great_a and_o everblessed_n god_n be_v exclude_v he_o be_v indeed_o with_o thou_o in_o all_o place_n in_o thy_o great_a retirement_n psal._n 139._o 8._o if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n thou_o be_v there_o so_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o congregation_n god_n be_v there_o if_o in_o the_o chamber_n god_n be_v there_o if_o in_o the_o field_n god_n be_v there_o he_o fill_v all_o place_n and_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o person_n and_o of_o all_o their_o action_n but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o no_o gracious_a soul_n that_o do_v indeed_o love_v he_o will_v sit_v down_o satisfy_v with_o that_o while_o god_n be_v with_o thou_o by_o his_o omnipresence_n observe_v thou_o and_o all_o thy_o way_n what_o duty_n thou_o do_v and_o how_o thou_o do_v they_o it_o must_v be_v thy_o great_a care_n to_o be_v with_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o holy_a meditation_n and_o affection_n to_o have_v the_o thought_n dwell_v with_o god_n the_o desire_n run_v out_o to_o god_n and_o the_o delight_n feast_v upon_o god_n have_v a_o care_n that_o when_o you_o pretend_v to_o be_v alone_o in_o your_o duty_n you_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o reins_o upon_o your_o neck_n and_o allow_v your_o mind_n in_o their_o loose_a and_o vain_a exâ—ursions_n christian_n go_v to_o thy_o duty_n and_o go_v to_o thy_o god_n too_o so_o that_o good_a man_n wise_o resolve_v psal._n 43._o 3_o 4._o o_o send_v out_o thy_o light_n and_o truth_n let_v they_o lead_v i_o let_v they_o bring_v i_o unto_o thy_o hill_n and_o to_o thy_o tabernacle_n then_o will_v i_o go_v unto_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n unto_o god_n my_o exceed_a joy_n he_o will_v not_o stop_v at_o the_o altar_n but_o get_v up_o to_o the_o god_n who_o be_v worship_v there_o and_o when_o thou_o be_v with_o he_o keep_v with_o he_o as_o close_o as_o thou_o can_v let_v no_o temptation_n draw_v thou_o away_o four_o whensoever_o thou_o be_v in_o secret_a before_o god_n reveal_v all_o thy_o secret_n to_o he_o deal_v plain_o and_o open_o with_o he_o anatomize_v thy_o soul_n in_o his_o presence_n tell_v he_o all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o all_o that_o thou_o remember_v have_v be_v in_o thy_o life_n and_o do_v not_o hide_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o whatsoever_o thy_o own_o conscience_n preach_v to_o thou_o do_v thou_o go_v and_o repeat_v it_o all_o to_o god_n confess_v to_o he_o those_o evil_a action_n thou_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n and_o under_o the_o covert_n of_o darkness_n though_o no_o mortal_a eye_n see_v they_o nor_o can_v any_o body_n charge_v thou_o with_o they_o the_o keep_v back_o of_o part_n of_o thy_o sin_n may_v be_v thy_o ruin_n as_o well_o as_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n of_o the_o land_n and_o cover_v the_o fraud_n with_o a_o lie_n be_v the_o death_n of_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n acknowledge_v to_o he_o those_o heart-corruption_n which_o do_v never_o come_v into_o act_n the_o law_n in_o the_o member_n that_o war_v against_o the_o law_n in_o your_o mind_n the_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o that_o curse_a root_n of_o bitterness_n which_o lie_v under_o ground_n the_o vicious_a fountain_n that_o be_v continual_o boil_v and_o bubble_v up_o in_o filthy_a thought_n and_o vile_a affection_n though_o it_o never_o send_v forth_o such_o muddy_a and_o abominable_a stream_n as_o run_v in_o a_o impetuous_a and_o rapid_a manner_n in_o the_o life_n of_o other_o overflow_a all_o the_o bank_n that_o religion_n and_o reason_n do_v set_v they_o in_o a_o word_n do_v thou_o thyself_o acquaint_v god_n with_o the_o plague_n of_o thy_o heart_n which_o threaten_v the_o life_n of_o thy_o soul_n though_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n to_o be_v see_v by_o other_o upon_o thou_o though_o it_o do_v not_o show_v itself_o in_o botch_n and_o boil_n i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o though_o you_o need_v not_o let_v man_n know_v not_o your_o dear_a intimate_a and_o most_o faithful_a friend_n know_v all_o that_o you_o be_v chargeable_a with_o yet_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v so_o to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o a_o give_n of_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o omniscience_n and_o if_o you_o do_v it_o as_o you_o ought_v in_o a_o believe_a way_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n too_o as_o be_v a_o god_n ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o multiply_v pardon_n beside_o as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o hide_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o because_o he_o see_v all_o searcheth_z the_o heart_n possess_v the_o reins_o and_o have_v our_o most_o secret_a sin_n in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v not_o in_o that_o action_n when_o man_n go_v to_o eover_o god_n will_v come_v to_o discover_v adam_n have_v sin_v go_v like_o a_o guilty_a malefactor_n to_o hide_v himself_o but_o god_n know_v where_o he_o be_v and_o fetch_v he_o out_o with_o a_o word_n achan_n have_v steal_v the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o two_o hundred_o piece_n of_o silver_n and_o a_o goodly_a babylonish_n garment_n go_v and_o hide_v they_o in_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o tent_n but_o god_n make_v he_o fetch_v they_o out_o again_o when_o all_o be_v do_v plain-dealing_a be_v best_a special_o when_o you_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o god_n and_o let_v i_o here_o add_v that_o freedom_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n in_o a_o way_n of_o humble_a confession_n unto_o god_n be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n of_o a_o gracious_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o speak_v a_o person_n act_v by_o a_o ingenuous_a filial_a spirit_n that_o he_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o sin_n no_o admirer_n of_o himself_o but_o willing_a to_o load_v himself_o that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o more_o loath_a himself_o and_o work_v his_o heart_n into_o the_o great_a admiring_n of_o that_o patience_n which_o notwithstanding_o so_o many_o affront_n have_v so_o long_o bear_v with_o he_o and_o that_o grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o so_o great_a provocation_n do_v yet_o open_a to_o he_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n and_o take_v one_o thing_n with_o you_o further_o this_o freedom_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n in_o confess_v your_o sin_n to_o god_n be_v a_o singular_a