inform_v my_o mind_n conquer_v my_o will_n order_n my_o affection_n sweet_o to_o comply_v with_o thy_o mind_n teach_v i_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n in_o obedience_n make_v i_o content_a with_o thy_o will_n concern_v i_o in_o every_o providence_n beget_v in_o i_o those_o heavenly_a disposition_n that_o be_v in_o the_o glorious_a angel_n and_o glorify_a saint_n that_o with_o humility_n chearfulnesse_n diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n zeal_n sincerity_n and_o constancy_n i_o may_v be_v active_o and_o passive_o at_o thy_o dispose_n 4._o for_o that_o petition_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n say_v in_o this_o manner_n heavenly_a father_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o by_o my_o wretched_a apostasy_n in_o adam_n i_o have_v lose_v my_o right_n to_o every_o morsel_n of_o bread_n and_o deserve_v not_o to_o breath_n in_o thy_o air_n or_o tread_v on_o thy_o earth_n my_o sin_n have_v put_v a_o curse_n and_o sting_v into_o every_o comfort_n i_o can_v obtain_v nothing_o by_o my_o industry_n yet_o be_o prone_a to_o desire_v get_v and_o use_v thy_o mercy_n unlawful_o thy_o blessing_n be_v only_o the_o staff_n of_o my_o bread_n help_v i_o to_o wait_v on_o thy_o providence_n in_o a_o moderate_a use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n give_v i_o a_o competency_n of_o outward_a comfort_n thy_o blessing_n in_o the_o use_n thereof_o and_o contentment_n therewith_o and_o above_o all_o a_o right_a thereto_o in_o christ_n and_o prevent_v needless_a care_n and_o sensual_a delight_n 5._o as_o to_o that_o petition_n forgive_v we_o our_o debt_n as_o we_o forgive_v our_o debtor_n thus_o plead_v it_o lord_n i_o be_o woeful_o guilty_a of_o original_n and_o actual_a sin_n and_o be_o thereby_o a_o debtor_n to_o divine_a justice_n i_o owe_v million_o and_o can_v pay_v the_o least_o farthing_n therefore_o deserve_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o dark_a dungeon_n of_o eternal_a torment_n but_o dear_a lord_n thou_o have_v find_v a_o ransom_n who_o stand_v in_o man_n stead_n to_o be_v surety_n for_o he_o o_o accept_v i_o in_o thy_o belove_a son_n jesus_n christ_n wash_v away_o my_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n clothe_v my_o naked_a soul_n with_o his_o glorious_a robe_n give_v i_o save_v faith_n to_o embrace_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n free_a my_o soul_n from_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n pardon_v my_o daily_a fail_n and_o seal_v a_o acquittance_n in_o my_o conscience_n which_o tell_v i_o i_o do_v free_o forgive_v all_o offence_n against_o myself_o 6._o the_o last_o petition_n and_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v from_o evil_a you_o may_v render_v thus_o lord_n it_o be_v righteous_a with_o thou_o to_o leave_v i_o to_o be_v assault_v and_o conquer_v by_o satan_n my_o soul_n cruel_a enemy_n my_o heart_n be_v grow_v wanton_a proud_a and_o careless_a apt_a to_o thrust_v myself_o into_o temptation_n but_o unable_a to_o resist_v or_o overcome_v they_o thou_o may_v just_o bring_v i_o into_o occasion_n and_o leave_v i_o to_o myself_o therein_o but_o oh_o my_o god_n keep_v my_o soul_n from_o be_v tempt_v or_o assist_v i_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n or_o recover_v i_o out_o of_o my_o foil_n and_o fall_n sanctify_v my_o slip_n make_v my_o stand_a sure_a in_o thy_o strength_n tread_v satan_n under_o my_o foot_n conquer_v the_o world_n for_o i_o crucify_v i_o unto_o the_o world_n subdue_v my_o flesh_n within_o and_o in_o due_a time_n take_v my_o soul_n above_o all_o sin_n and_o snare_n into_o thy_o immediate_a presence_n and_o then_o shut_v up_o all_o with_o such_o like_a word_n as_o these_o on_o that_o conclusion_n for_o thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n oh_o my_o god_n i_o be_o unworthy_a thou_o shall_v grant_v my_o petition_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o myself_o all_o my_o argument_n in_o prayer_n and_o ground_n of_o acceptance_n i_o fetch_v from_o thyself_o thou_o have_v a_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n and_o throne_n of_o grace_n from_o whence_o thou_o hear_v prayer_n and_o dispense_v blessing_n all_o the_o power_n be_v in_o thy_o hand_n to_o give_v and_o forgive_v to_o kill_v or_o make_v alive_a and_o the_o glory_n shall_v be_v thou_o if_o thou_o hear_v my_o prayer_n and_o bless_v be_v my_o god_n for_o all_o my_o mercy_n i_o ascribe_v to_o thou_o and_o thou_o alone_o eternal_a sovereignty_n omnipotency_n and_o glorious_a excellency_n which_o as_o i_o desire_v all_o may_v be_v give_v to_o god_n so_o i_o be_o humble_o embolden_v by_o faith_n to_o rest_v upon_o thy_o power_n and_o promise_n that_o in_o due_a time_n thou_o will_v hear_v my_o request_n and_o as_o a_o token_n of_o that_o my_o desire_n and_o confidence_n my_o soul_n do_v echo_v forth_o amen_o even_o so_o be_v it_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o hint_n from_o the_o lords-prayer_n of_o direction_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n i_o shall_v but_o propound_v another_o scripture-instance_n concern_v argument_n in_o prayer_n sect._n ii_o a_o example_n from_o jacob_n of_o plead_v with_o god_n god_n will_v have_v his_o people_n converse_v with_o he_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n and_o god_n child_n have_v make_v use_n of_o many_o plea_n in_o prayer_n which_o they_o have_v produce_v in_o vehement_a expostulation_n as_o we_o may_v find_v sprinkle_v up_o and_o down_o in_o scripture_n as_o moses_n nehemiah_n ezra_n and_o daniel_n in_o their_o approach_n to_o god_n and_o above_o all_o david_n through_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n be_v exceed_v full_o this_o way_n but_o i_o shall_v pass_v by_o the_o rest_n and_o fix_v only_o upon_o one_o scripture-instance_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v a_o secret_a or_o solitary_a prayer_n of_o which_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v and_o there_o be_v notable_a plea_n therein_o which_o may_v possible_o suit_v our_o condition_n therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o touch_v the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o recommend_v it_o to_o our_o imitation_n it_o be_v that_o of_o good_a jacob_n who_o be_v train_v up_o in_o this_o holy_a art_n of_o wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o gen._n 32.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o his_o plea_n there_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o ten_o head_n 1._o he_o make_v use_v of_o suitable_a title_n of_o god_n he_o call_v he_o lord_n or_o jehovah_n which_o denote_v god_n self-existence_n and_o give_v be_v or_o existence_n to_o the_o promise_n in_o first_o make_v they_o and_o then_o make_v they_o good_a thus_o do_v you_o sir_n raise_v in_o your_o heart_n suitable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o let_v your_o expression_n be_v answerable_a tell_v god_n he_o be_v a_o infinite_a omniscient_a omnipotent_a majesty_n able_a to_o do_v beyond_o what_o you_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v and_o that_o you_o neither_o need_v nor_o desire_v any_o more_o than_o what_o his_o almighty_a power_n can_v effect_v tell_v he_o if_o all-sufficiency_n can_v supply_v you_o you_o be_v content_a to_o go_v unsped_a but_o you_o question_v neither_o his_o hand_n nor_o heart_n you_o be_v sure_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v help_v his_o child_n in_o their_o need_n he_o will_v make_v good_a with_o his_o hand_n what_o he_o have_v speak_v with_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v jehovah_n 2._o he_o plead_v covenant-relation_n to_o god_n o_o god_n of_o my_o father_n abraham_n and_o god_n of_o my_o father_n isaac_n and_o so_o my_o god_n this_o be_v a_o admirable_a plea_n if_o god_n own_o a_o soul_n in_o a_o covenant-relation_n he_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o good_a though_o his_o grace_n be_v free_a yet_o when_o god_n have_v choose_v a_o soul_n to_o be_v his_o he_o have_v as_o it_o be_v engage_v himself_o to_o own_o it_o now_o he_o have_v lay_v his_o truth_n to_o pledge_v thus_o than_o a_o soul_n may_v plead_v lord_n thou_o have_v be_v my_o father_n god_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o be_v my_o god_n and_o will_v thou_o be_v my_o god_n and_o withhold_v such_o a_o mercy_n from_o i_o my_o ancestor_n find_v grace_n in_o thy_o sight_n and_o obtain_v those_o very_a good_a thing_n i_o be_o crave_v and_o be_o not_o i_o under_o the_o very_a same_o covenant_n with_o they_o be_v not_o promise_n the_o same_o be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o mediator_n lord_n i_o come_v to_o thou_o in_o a_o covenant-relation_n for_o a_o covenant-mercy_n and_o will_v thou_o deny_v i_o 3._o he_o plead_v a_o warrant_n for_o his_o undertake_n appeal_n to_o god_n that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o say_v unto_o i_o return_v unto_o thy_o country_n oh_o with_o what_o encouragement_n may_v the_o soul_n plead_v for_o assistance_n and_o protection_n that_o be_v in_o god_n way_n and_o work_v according_a to_o his_o own_o appointment_n thus_o then_o plead_v lord_n have_v not_o thou_o set_v i_o about_o this_o work_n have_v thou_o not_o give_v i_o a_o charge_n to_o do_v what_o i_o do_v have_v i_o not_o a_o plain_a
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
in_o their_o very_a birth_n yet_o the_o disentangled_a soul_n will_v more_o free_o resist_v its_o enemy_n when_o the_o fetter_n of_o impediment_n be_v want_v and_o the_o sight_n discern_v no_o allurement_n and_o the_o conflict_n be_v more_o secure_a when_o particular_a affair_n pluck_v nor_o back_v the_o combatant_n nor_o the_o delight_n of_o entice_a pleasure_n inebriate_v or_o make_v drink_v the_o mind_n thus_o he_o but_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n from_o the_o advantage_n of_o sâ—…_n sect_n ii_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o relation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o pray_v soul_n 2._o another_o reason_n hold_v forth_o also_o in_o the_o text_n be_v draw_v from_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o believe_a soul_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n bid_v pray_v to_o thy_o father_n and_o this_o reason_n have_v two_o part_n 1._o the_o poor_a soul_n can_v more_o free_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o a_o closet_n 2._o god_n will_v more_o clear_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n in_o secret_a 1._o a_o soul_n in_o secret_a make_v its_o address_n to_o god_n go_v to_o he_o as_o a_o father_n now_o we_o know_v child_n can_v be_v so_o free_a in_o their_o address_n to_o their_o father_n in_o company_n and_o before_o stranger_n as_o when_o no_o body_n be_v present_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o a_o child_n have_v any_o special_a business_n to_o his_o father_n he_o take_v he_o aside_o or_o whisper_v to_o he_o that_o none_o may_v overhear_v he_o and_o observe_v it_o god_n child_n have_v a_o errand_n to_o god_n that_o none_o must_v know_v of_o as_o ehud_n say_v to_o eglon_n i_o have_v a_o secret_a errand_n to_o thou_o o_o king_n judg._n 3.19_o so_o a_o gracious_a soul_n may_v say_v oh_o my_o king_n my_o god_n my_o father_n i_o have_v a_o secret_a errand_n to_o thou_o a_o lust_n to_o confess_v or_o mercy_n to_o beg_v or_o bless_v thou_o for_o that_o i_o will_v not_o have_v other_o to_o know_v of_o it_o be_v not_o fit_v any_o shall_v be_v privy_a to_o that_o which_o a_o gracious_a soul_n tell_v god_n of_o in_o this_o case_n it_o may_v be_v say_v discover_v not_o thy_o secret_n to_o another_o prov._n 25.9_o two_o may_v keep_v counsel_n but_o three_o can_v god_n and_o a_o gracious_a soul_n will_v be_v faithful_a to_o each_o other_o but_o a_o three_o must_v not_o know_v of_o these_o matter_n nay_o in_o this_o case_n we_o may_v say_v keep_v the_o door_n of_o thy_o lip_n from_o she_o that_o lie_v in_o thy_o bosom_n mic._n 7.5_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n a_o saint_n tell_v god_n of_o that_o he_o will_v not_o acquaint_v either_o father_n or_o wife_n or_o friend_n with_o that_o be_v as_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o only_o his_o heavenly_a father_n he_o open_v his_o bosom_n free_o to_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o his_o whole_a heart_n best_a and_o worst_a hide_v nothing_o from_o he_o because_o he_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o true_o i_o have_v often_o in_o this_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o have_v so_o far_o consult_v his_o people_n credit_n and_o modesty_n as_o to_o appoint_v they_o place_n and_o way_n of_o speak_v to_o he_o private_o design_v secret_a prayer_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v spread_v its_o letter_n of_o want_n and_o complaint_n before_o its_o father_n and_o present_v its_o petition_n to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v modest_a say_v a_o ancient_n and_o can_v so_o free_o let_v out_o herself_o to_o her_o belove_a before_o other_o as_o in_o a_o corner_n here_o than_o come_v in_o the_o use_n and_o advantage_n of_o closet-prayer_n that_o a_o christian_n may_v as_o jonathan_n and_o david_n do_v unbosom_v themselves_o to_o each_o other_o alone_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o god_n where_o no_o eye_n see_v or_o ear_n hear_v his_o secret_a groan_n and_o tear_n but_o further_o 2._o god_n will_v more_o familiar_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o corner_n he_o also_o have_v something_o to_o whisper_v in_o the_o believer_n ear_n that_o none_o must_v know_v of_o and_o therefore_o get_v it_o by_o itself_o a_o lively_a emblem_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o joseph_n make_v himself_o know_v to_o his_o brethren_n when_o his_o bowel_n be_v work_v and_o he_o can_v not_o refrain_v himself_o he_o cry_v 4._o gen._n 45.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o cause_o every_o man_n to_o go_v out_o from_o i_o then_o he_o weep_v aloud_o and_o say_v i_o be_o joseph_n and_o oh_o what_o endear_a reciprocal_a affection_n do_v work_v in_o all_o their_o breast_n towards_o each_o other_o just_o thus_o be_v it_o betwixt_o our_o joseph_n and_o his_o brethren_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o member_n there_o stand_v none_o with_o he_o while_o jesus_n make_v himself_o know_v unto_o his_o brethren_n and_o though_o at_o first_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v trouble_v at_o his_o presence_n yet_o when_o he_o speak_v love_o and_o pass_v by_o former_a unkindness_n and_o say_v come_v near_o unto_o i_o i_o pray_v you_o than_o they_o come_v near_o and_o he_o say_v convince_o i_o be_o jesus_n who_o you_o sell_v and_o crucify_v this_o melt_v and_o humble_v their_o rocky_a heart_n and_o be_v break_v he_o pour_v oil_n into_o their_o trouble_a spirit_n and_o speak_v many_o sweet_a heart-reviving_a word_n unto_o they_o then_o than_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v most_o sweet_a refresh_v incomes_a 2.14_o hos_fw-la 2.14_o when_o god_n have_v allure_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o wilderness_n he_o speak_v to_o its_o heart_n remotus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d desertum_fw-la sic_fw-la dictum_fw-la per_fw-la antiphr_n quasi_fw-la locus_fw-la à _fw-la sermone_fw-la remotus_fw-la a_o wilderness_n be_v a_o solitary_a place_n where_o other_o speech_n be_v not_o hear_v as_o the_o word_n import_v then_o speak_v god_n to_o the_o soul_n when_o man_n can_v speak_v to_o it_o when_o man_n be_v remote_a god_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n yea_o near_a to_o help_n melt_v comfort_n quicken_v when_o man_n be_v further_a off_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o himself_o joh._n 16.32_o you_o leave_v i_o alone_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a for_o the_o father_n be_v with_o i_o q._n d._n when_o you_o go_v away_o my_o father_n come_v to_o visit_v i_o with_o most_o familiar_a endearing_n oh_o bless_a exchange_n thus_o it_o be_v often_o with_o the_o saint_n when_o man_n leave_v they_o or_o they_o withdraw_v from_o man_n they_o have_v many_o time_n most_o of_o god_n and_o be_v it_o not_o infinite_o better_a to_o have_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n than_o the_o company_n of_o man_n it_o be_v worth_a note_v what_o god_n say_v of_o abraham_n isa_n 51.2_o i_o call_v he_o alone_o and_o bless_a he_o mark_v it_o when_o god_n have_v entice_v abraham_n from_o all_o his_o friend_n and_o get_v he_o alone_o than_o he_o bless_v he_o and_o you_o know_v what_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v even_o a_o covenant-blessing_n such_o god_n distribute_v to_o his_o saint_n when_o he_o have_v withdraw_v they_o from_o company_n into_o a_o corner_n hieronym_n mihi_fw-la oppidum_fw-la carceder_n est_fw-la solitudo_fw-la paradisus_fw-la hieronym_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o ancient_n profess_v that_o a_o town_n be_v his_o prison_n a_o solitary_a place_n his_o paradise_n city_n or_o numerous_a society_n draw_v a_o veil_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n which_o solitariness_n withdraw_v and_o so_o many_o time_n become_v most_o sweet_a we_o often_o lose_v god_n in_o a_o crowd_n of_o business_n or_o company_n but_o find_v he_o when_o alone_o hence_o a_o corner_n of_o our_o house_n may_v be_v a_o little_a corner_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o our_o closert_n we_o may_v find_v the_o sweet_a cordial_n and_o contentment_n you_o know_v friend_n do_v most_o familiar_o enjoy_v one_o another_o when_o other_o be_v not_o present_a jonathan_n send_v away_o the_o lad_n when_o he_o will_v be_v familiar_a with_o his_o friend_n david_n and_o then_o they_o kiss_v one_o another_o 41._o 1_o sam._n 20.40_o 41._o and_o weep_v one_o with_o another_o until_o david_n exceed_v even_o so_o husband_n and_o wife_n alone_o have_v the_o sweet_a embrace_n there_o lie_v a_o restraint_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o god_n by_o company_n which_o be_v take_v off_o in_o a_o sort_n by_o solitariness_n oh_o when_o god_n find_v a_o soul_n alone_o by_o itself_o have_v set_v itself_o purposely_o to_o meet_v he_o than_o he_o reveal_v his_o love_n unvail_v his_o face_n unlocks_z his_o bless_a chest_n distribute_v dole_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n kiss_v it_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o send_v it_o not_o away_o empty_a but_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o peace_n thus_o that_o word_n of_o solomon_n be_v verify_v prov._n 14.10_o the_o heart_n know_v his_o own_o bitterness_n and_o a_o stranger_n intermeddle_v not_o with_o his_o
joy_n i._n e._n no_o creature_n on_o earth_n be_v privy_a to_o the_o secret_a groan_n or_o sweet_a solace_n of_o a_o retire_a saint_n that_o be_v the_o second_o reason_n sect_n iii_o the_o three_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o god_n see_v in_o secret_a another_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o god_n omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n the_o text_n say_v thy_o father_n see_v in_o secret_a and_o the_o strength_n or_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n 1._o god_n see_v in_o secret_a therefore_o he_o take_v notice_n whether_o thou_o pray_v in_o secret_a yea_o or_o no_o he_o look_v after_o thou_o as_o it_o be_v when_o thou_o go_v into_o such_o a_o chamber_n and_o solitary_a place_n and_o say_v that_o soul_n have_v now_o a_o opportunity_n a_o convenient_a place_n and_o fit_a occasion_n to_o wait_v upon_o i_o and_o will_v he_o not_o will_v he_o be_v always_o so_o busy_a in_o other_o company_n that_o i_o must_v have_v none_o of_o his_o fellowship_n must_v his_o converse_n be_v so_o much_o with_o man_n that_o he_o can_v spare_v no_o time_n for_o communion_n with_o god_n nay_o will_v he_o go_v so_o often_o into_o such_o a_o room_n to_o do_v such_o and_o such_o a_o business_n and_o can_v he_o never_o find_v a_o time_n to_o go_v down_o upon_o his_o knee_n and_o visit_v i_o have_v he_o so_o much_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n do_v his_o worldly_a occasion_n still_o thrust_v out_o spiritual_a meditation_n will_v he_o never_o set_v himself_o solemn_o to_o transact_v betwixt_o myself_o and_o he_o in_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n the_o most_o important_a business_n of_o his_o soul_n ah_o sir_n the_o omnipresent_v god_n take_v notice_n of_o all_o your_o motion_n into_o and_o out_o of_o your_o chamber_n and_o expect_v that_o sometime_o at_o least_o your_o soul_n shall_v wait_v upon_o he_o and_o why_o shall_v christian_n frustrate_v his_o expectation_n 2._o god_n see_v in_o secret_a therefore_o he_o have_v see_v thy_o secret_a sin_n and_o sin_n in_o secret_a thy_n close_o and_o closet-wickedness_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o the_o pierce_a eye_n of_o a_o all-seeing_a god_n therefore_o shall_v thy_o closet-tear_n and_o prayer_n testify_v thy_o sound_n and_o save_a repentance_n for_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o practical_a divinity_n that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n must_v bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o sin_n both_o as_o to_o degree_n and_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n manassch_n humble_v himself_o great_o for_o his_o great_a abomination_n so_o for_o place_n and_o manner_n they_o that_o sin_n open_o must_v be_v rebuke_v before_o all_o and_o testify_v their_o repentance_n before_o the_o church_n 5.20_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o so_o if_o the_o sin_n be_v private_a or_o less_o know_v the_o rule_n in_o mat._n 18.15.16_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o private_a admonition_n and_o confession_n and_o consequent_o secret_a sin_n must_v be_v secret_o mourn_v for_o when_o thy_o sin_n be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n and_o thy_o own_o conscience_n thou_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o discover_v they_o to_o any_o other_o but_o to_o god_n in_o a_o hearty_a secret_a repentance_n except_o in_o some_o few_o case_n here_o then_o come_v in_o secret_a prayer_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n well_o then_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o without_o our_o secret_a sin_n and_o god_n see_v they_o all_o though_o never_o so_o privy_o commit_v we_o may_v hide_v sin_n from_o man_n we_o can_v hide_v it_o from_o the_o lord_n he_o set_v our_o secret_a sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o countenance_n psal_n 90.8_o his_o eye_n be_v open_a upon_o all_o the_o way_n of_o man_n and_o who_o know_v all_o the_o error_n of_o his_o life_n 5.10_o job_n 34.21_o 21._o jer._n 32.19_o pro._n 5.10_o therefore_o must_v we_o get_v alone_o and_o enumerate_v all_o the_o sin_n we_o know_v of_o and_o desire_v god_n to_o show_v we_o what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o with_o holy_a david_n breath_n out_o that_o devout_a petition_n psal_n 19.12_o cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a fault_n 3._o god_n see_v in_o secret_a therefore_o thou_o do_v not_o lose_v thy_o labour_n though_o man_n know_v not_o where_o thou_o be_v or_o what_o thou_o be_v a_o do_v yet_o thy_o god_n take_v notice_n of_o thou_o thou_o do_v not_o thy_o good_a work_n incognito_o though_o thy_o groan_n be_v not_o see_v or_o hear_v by_o man_n yet_o they_o be_v well_o know_v to_o thy_o god_n psal_n 38.9_o lord_n 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 as_o if_o david_n shall_v say_v lord_n i_o many_o time_n withdraw_v myself_o into_o a_o closet_n or_o retire_a place_n and_o there_o i_o open_v before_o the_o lord_n the_o sorrow_n of_o my_o soul_n i_o pour_v out_o my_o heart_n like_o water_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n lam._n 2.19_o sometime_o in_o the_o night-watche_n or_o in_o solitary_a place_n none_o know_v what_o i_o be_o do_v no_o eye_n see_v no_o ear_n hear_v my_o briny_a trear_n or_o bitter_a outcry_n but_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n hide_v not_o his_o eye_n from_o my_o tear_n stop_v not_o his_o ear_n to_o my_o cry_n but_o know_v my_o groan_n yea_o my_o very_a desire_n observe_v it_o there_o be_v not_o a_o believe_a prayer_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o file_n and_o on_o record_n in_o heaven_n though_o offer_v up_o by_o a_o obscure_a person_n &_o in_o a_o obscure_a place_n yea_o god_n know_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n 8.17_o rom._n 8.17_o though_o the_o trouble_a saint_n can_v tell_v whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o no_o but_o this_o know_v that_o secret_a prayer_n in_o a_o chamber_n be_v as_o well_o know_v to_o god_n as_o open_a prayer_n in_o a_o public_a church_n heart-ejaculations_a be_v own_v by_o god_n as_o well_o as_o loud_a acclamation_n god_n take_v notice_n of_o hezekiah_n when_o he_o turn_v his_o face_n towards_o the_o wall_n and_o weep_v and_o pray_v and_o say_v god_n i_o have_v hear_v thy_o prayer_n i_o have_v see_v thy_o tear_n isa_n 38.5_o though_o man_n do_v not_o much_o take_v notice_n god_n do_v yea_o more_o he_o express_v his_o approbation_n and_o acceptation_n of_o these_o sacrifice_n in_o secret_a but_o of_o that_o anon_o 4._o god_n see_v in_o secret_a therefore_o closet-prayer_n be_v a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n when_o you_o pray_v in_o a_o corner_n you_o testify_v your_o faith_n in_o god_n ubiquity_n and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o this_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v yea_o will_v have_v we_o to_o lie_v under_o the_o sense_n hereof_o hence_o that_o vehement_a expostulation_n jer._n 23.24_o can_v any_o hide_v himself_o in_o secret_a place_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o see_v he_o say_v the_o lord_n do_v not_o i_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n say_v the_o lord_n yes_o say_v the_o believe_a soul_n i_o know_v thou_o be_v every_o where_n no_o thought_n can_v be_v withheld_a from_o thou_o therefore_o i_o wait_v on_o thou_o here_o all_o be_v one_o where_o i_o be_o for_o wherever_o i_o be_o i_o can_v run_v away_o from_o thou_o and_o wherever_o i_o be_o i_o may_v approach_v unto_o thou_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o to_o break_a heart_n and_o pray_v soul_n 18._o psal_n 34.15_o 17_o 18._o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o every_o one_o of_o we_o but_o his_o special_a presence_n be_v with_o his_o saint_n in_o duty_n david_n compose_v a_o psalm_n of_o god_n immensity_n psal_n 139._o wherein_o he_o show_v 1._o god_n omniscience_n in_o the_o six_o first_o verse_n thou_o know_v my_o down-sitting_a and_o i_o up_o rise_v etc._n etc._n 2_o god_n omnipresence_n ver_fw-la 7._o to_o ver_fw-la 14._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n if_o to_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o etc._n etc._n darkness_n and_o light_n be_v both_o alike_o to_o thou_o and_o what_o use_n do_v holy_a david_n make_v of_o this_o heavenly_a doctrine_n sure_o if_o god_n will_v be_v with_o he_o wherever_o he_o be_v he_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v with_o god_n v._o 18._o when_o i_o awake_v i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o i._n e._n by_o secret_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n when_o i_o lie_v down_o i_o commend_v my_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o thou_o and_o when_o i_o rise_v up_o i_o meditate_v of_o thou_o when_o i_o go_v to_o sleep_v i_o pray_v when_o i_o awake_v i_o be_o with_o god_n by_o holy_a and_o precious_a thought_n so_o that_o i_o be_o still_o with_o god_n all_o my_o day_n in_o all_o place_n condition_n relation_n company_n i_o be_o still_o with_o my_o god_n and_o as_o a_o good_a man_n
all_o one_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o all_o one_o father_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o which_o on_o all_o occasion_n draw_v the_o soul_n to_o its_o father_n it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n when_o new_o convert_v behold_v he_o pray_v act._n 9.11_o other_o do_v not_o see_v it_o but_o i_o know_v it_o there_o he_o be_v in_o a_o corner_n sigh_v and_o seek_v i_o go_v ananias_n inquire_v for_o he_o he_o be_v now_o one_o of_o you_o a_o real_a convert_n for_o behold_v he_o pray_v a_o soul_n pray_v in_o secret_n be_v worthy_a observation_n there_o be_v a_o ecce_n put_v upon_o it_o behold_v he_o pray_v and_o why_o shall_v we_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v saint_n be_v unlike_o our_o brethren_n 3._o be_v you_o not_o herein_o unlike_o yourselves_o in_o former_a time_n when_o god_n do_v at_o first_o work_n upon_o your_o heart_n do_v you_o not_o then_o run_v to_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n do_v you_o not_o set_v yourselves_o intent_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n how_o often_o do_v god_n find_v you_o by_o yourselves_o sigh_v sorrow_a weep_a bleed_a breathe_v after_o god_n pour_v out_o your_o heart_n like_o water_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o your_o heavenly_a father_n pity_v you_o speak_v very_o kind_o to_o you_o wipe_v off_o your_o tear_n cheer_v your_o heart_n hear_v your_o prayer_n and_o make_v those_o day_n of_o grief_n time_n of_o love_n oh_o the_o sweet_a embrace_n that_o then_o be_v betwixt_o your_o soul_n and_o god_n have_v you_o forget_v such_o a_o chamber_n such_o a_o closet_n such_o a_o barn_n such_o a_o wood_n where_o you_o sometime_o walk_v and_o meditate_a sometime_o fall_v prostrate_a and_o weep_v before_o the_o lord_n till_o you_o have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o weep_v if_o you_o have_v forget_v those_o bless_a day_n your_o god_n have_v not_o he_o remember_v thou_o the_o kindness_n of_o thy_o youth_n the_o love_n of_o thy_o spousal_n when_o thou_o wente_v after_o he_o in_o a_o solitary_a wilderness_n jer._n 2.2_o can_v not_o thou_o remember_v the_o day_n when_o thou_o will_v rather_o have_v be_v with_o thy_o god_n in_o a_o private_a room_n than_o upon_o a_o prince_n throne_n yea_o thou_o think_v thou_o be_v to_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o cry_n and_o pray_v in_o secret_a thou_o be_v at_o it_o every_o day_n yea_o many_o time_n a_o in_o day_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o change_n that_o thou_o do_v so_o rare_o go_v to_o visit_v thy_o old_a friend_n in_o a_o corner_n be_v he_o change_v be_v he_o not_o so_o good_a and_o kind_a as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v have_v thou_o find_v any_o fault_n in_o god_n or_o be_v not_o thou_o blame-worthy_a what_o be_v become_v of_o thy_o ancient_a spirit_n of_o prayer_n why_o do_v thou_o forget_v thy_o sweet_a wrestling-place_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o inquire_v for_o these_o good_a old_a way_n of_o communion_n with_o thy_o god_n sect_n iii_o saint_n neglect_v further_o reprove_v 4._o let_v i_o further_o expostulate_v with_o god_n child_n that_o be_v rare_o exercise_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o secret-prayer_n do_v you_o not_o deprive_v yourselves_o of_o many_o sweet_a refreshment_n have_v not_o your_o soul_n have_v sweet_a experience_n of_o ravish_a income_n in_o secret_a duty_n how_o many_o pleasant_a morsel_n have_v you_o eat_v alone_o have_v not_o these_o steal_a water_n be_v sweet_a and_o will_v they_o not_o be_v so_o again_o if_o you_o will_v open_v the_o same_o sluice_n oh_o what_o hint_n of_o love_n may_v your_o soul_n have_v that_o no_o creature_n will_v know_v of_o secret_n influence_n be_v convey_v to_o soul_n in_o secret_a duty_n these_o you_o block_n up_o by_o neglect_n ah_o sir_n be_v the_o consolation_n of_o god_n small_a to_o you_o be_v communion_n with_o god_n of_o no_o worth_n why_o be_v you_o so_o unwilling_a to_o take_v pain_n to_o go_v to_o your_o father_n especial_o when_o you_o know_v he_o have_v a_o kindness_n for_o you_o have_v you_o ever_o lose_v by_o such_o duty_n will_v not_o your_o gain_n infinite_o countervail_v your_o pain_n ask_v those_o that_o use_v it_o most_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v the_o sweet_a time_n they_o spend_v yea_o can_v your_o own_o experience_n attest_v it_o do_v you_o ever_o lose_v your_o labour_n when_o you_o set_v yourselves_o about_o the_o work_n in_o good_a earnest_n have_v not_o this_o close_o and_o privy_a trade_n with_o god_n bring_v in_o much_o spiritual_a profit_n belove_a friend_n you_o little_o consider_v the_o good_a you_o miss_v of_o for_o want_v of_o perform_v this_o excellent_a duty_n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o 5._o do_v you_o not_o by_o neglect_n of_o secret_a prayer_n expose_v yourselves_o to_o many_o sad_a temptation_n watch_v and_o prayer_n be_v singular_a help_n against_o temptation_n mat._n 26.41_o i_o have_v hear_v that_o satan_n have_v open_o profess_v that_o he_o have_v watch_v when_o some_o of_o god_n child_n have_v go_v out_o without_o closet-prayer_n and_o that_o day_n he_o have_v get_v great_a advantage_n against_o they_o sometime_o by_o trip_v up_o their_o heel_n and_o cast_v they_o down_o from_o their_o excellency_n into_o some_o gross_a iniquity_n sometime_o torment_v their_o heart_n with_o blasphemous_a or_o soul-perplexing_a injection_n sometime_o god_n have_v leave_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o some_o afflictive_a snare_n lay_v by_o this_o subtle_a fowler_n which_o have_v cost_v they_o many_o bitter_a pang_n all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o have_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o such_o neglect_v christian_n have_v you_o not_o find_v this_o too_o true_a by_o sad_a experience_n when_o you_o have_v go_v abroad_o without_o call_v on_o god_n have_v not_o god_n secret_o withdraw_v from_o you_o have_v not_o satan_n obtain_v his_o design_n upon_o you_o have_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v grow_v out_o of_o frame_n some_o lust_n increase_v grace_n decay_v and_o your_o soul_n at_o the_o brink_n of_o some_o astonish_a fall_n when_o you_o have_v go_v out_o in_o the_o morning_n without_o a_o good_a breakfast_n with_o god_n have_v you_o not_o be_v apt_a to_o gather_v wind_n and_o vanity_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o your_o soul_n health_n if_o you_o engage_v not_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o go_v with_o you_o what_o security_n have_v you_o for_o that_o day_n if_o god_n leave_v you_o the_o devil_n may_v do_v what_o he_o listen_v with_o you_o and_o hamper_v you_o in_o a_o thousand_o snare_n and_o sin_n 6._o do_v not_o your_o neglect_n of_o secret_a prayer_n argue_v little_a love_n to_o god_n or_o delight_v to_o be_v in_o his_o company_n when_o person_n have_v a_o dear_a affection_n to_o each_o other_o they_o love_v to_o be_v together_o love_v delight_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n yea_o when_o person_n love_v entire_o they_o withdraw_v from_o other_o company_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v each_o other_o with_o more_o endear_a familiarity_n the_o presence_n of_o a_o three_o mix_v the_o stream_n of_o communication_n and_o mar_v their_o intimate_a communion_n and_o if_o you_o do_v passionate_o love_v the_o lord_n will_v you_o not_o withdraw_v from_o other_o that_o your_o soul_n may_v enjoy_v some_o fresh_a and_o refresh_a intercourse_n with_o your_o best_a belove_a how_o can_v you_o say_v you_o love_v he_o when_o you_o have_v no_o mind_n of_o his_o company_n if_o you_o do_v indeed_o love_v he_o 3.5_o cant._n 3.5_o you_o will_v hold_v he_o and_o not_o let_v he_o go_v meum_fw-la amor_fw-la meus_fw-la pondus_fw-la meum_fw-la until_o you_o have_v with_o the_o spouse_n bring_v he_o into_o the_o chamber_n of_o intimate_a communion_n and_o solitary_a recess_n love_n be_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o draw_v it_o to_o the_o object_n belove_v if_o your_o heart_n be_v ravish_v with_o he_o you_o will_v take_v more_o pleasure_n in_o converse_v with_o he_o you_o will_v bless_v god_n for_o a_o opportunity_n of_o enjoy_v he_o but_o this_o strangeness_n speak_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o this_o noble_a grace_n and_o will_v you_o be_v esteem_v such_o as_o love_v not_o god_n what_o a_o sad_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o be_v low_a and_o scant_o in_o love_n to_o god_n under_o such_o strong_a engagement_n to_o love_n poor_a soul_n have_v not_o those_o silken_a silver_n cord_n of_o love_n which_o have_v be_v cast_v about_o thou_o draw_v thou_o near_o and_o bind_v thou_o fast_o to_o thy_o god_n than_o thus_o have_v not_o such_o bellows_o and_o incentives_n kindle_v and_o increase_v thy_o spark_n of_o love_n into_o a_o flame_n lament_v thy_o sin_n and_o shame_n thyself_o before_o thy_o god_n for_o this_o decay_n of_o love_n and_o dangerous_a neglect_n 7._o do_v not_o you_o by_o these_o omission_n declare_v yourselves_o ingrateful_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v god_n
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 from_o your_o closet-devotion_n to_o eternal_a communion_n with_o god_n oh_o then_o take_v our_o lord_n most_o wholesome_a counsel_n take_v you_o heed_n watch_n and_o pray_v for_o you_o know_v not_o when_o the_o time_n be_v mark_v 13.33_o i_o may_v here_o challenge_v christian_n also_o not_o only_o for_o their_o neglect_n of_o but_o careless_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n with_o what_o sorry_a shift_n do_v we_o put_v off_o god_n how_o hard_o dead_a unbelieving_a distract_a be_v our_o heart_n in_o secret_a god_n take_v much_o pleasure_n in_o adverb_n it_o please_v not_o god_n that_o a_o duty_n be_v do_v except_o it_o be_v well_o do_v many_o satisfy_v their_o own_o conscience_n that_o they_o have_v pray_v but_o consider_v not_o how_o they_o pray_v there_o be_v a_o curse_n on_o such_o as_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n negligent_o 1.14_o jer._n 48.13_o mal._n 1.14_o and_o that_o have_v in_o their_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o offer_v to_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o get_v a_o curse_n upon_o our_o knee_n when_o we_o come_v for_o a_o blessing_n look_v to_o it_o god_n take_v notice_n how_o you_o pray_v the_o devil_n stand_v under_o your_o closet-window_n and_o hear_v what_o you_o say_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a all_o the_o while_n study_v how_o he_o may_v commence_v a_o suit_n against_o you_o for_o your_o duty_n like_o those_o that_o come_v to_o sermon_n to_o carp_v or_o catch_v at_o what_o the_o preacher_n say_v or_o as_o one_o say_v like_o a_o cunning_a opponent_n in_o the_o school_n while_o his_o adversary_n be_v busy_a read_v his_o position_n he_o be_v study_v to_o confute_v it_o and_o oh_o what_o advantage_n do_v we_o often_o give_v satan_n to_o trip_v we_o and_o take_v we_o tardy_a what_o occasion_n do_v we_o afford_v he_o to_o accuse_v we_o to_o god_n and_o to_o ourselves_o while_o we_o have_v our_o filthy_a garment_n on_o we_o yea_o remissness_n in_o our_o duty_n bring_v decay_v in_o grace_n 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
you_o leave_v any_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n tarry_v for_o your_o attendance_n the_o thought_n of_o they_o will_v attend_v you_o and_o make_v you_o cut_v your_o duty_n short_a and_o run_v away_o before_o your_o heart_n be_v warm_v therefore_o if_o it_o may_v be_v dispatch_v they_o however_o rid_v your_o heart_n of_o they_o the_o heathen_a leave_v their_o shoe_n at_o the_o temple-door_n to_o show_v that_o all_o earthly_a occasion_n and_o affection_n must_v be_v leave_v behind_o when_o we_o go_v to_o god_n let_v vain_a or_o busy_a thought_n have_v there_o no_o part_n bring_v not_o thy_o blow_n thy_o plot_n thy_o pleasure_n thither_o christ_n purge_v his_o temple_n so_o must_v thou_o thy_o heart_n all_o worldly_a thought_n be_v but_o thief_n meet_v together_o to_o cozen_v thou_o herbert_n sect_n ii_o two_o more_o preparative_n to_o secret_a prayer_n 3._o set_v yourselves_o in_o god_n presence_n although_o you_o be_v not_o within_o the_o view_n of_o any_o mortal_a creature_n yet_o the_o eternal_a god_n see_v what_o you_o be_v a_o go_v about_o so_o say_v the_o text_n your_o father_n see_v in_o secret_a darkness_n or_o clossness_n hide_v not_o from_o he_o and_o it_o be_v more_o that_o one_o god_n see_v you_o than_o if_o all_o the_o man_n on_o earth_n gaze_v at_o you_o his_o eye_n be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n bright_a than_o the_o sun_n and_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n 66.18_o heb._n 1.13_o psal_n 26.6_o psal_n 66.18_o therefore_o wash_v your_o hand_n in_o innocency_n before_o you_o compass_v his_o altar_n for_o if_o you_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o your_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v your_o prayer_n therefore_o set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o you_o especial_o now_o you_o be_v set_n yourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n if_o that_o caveat_n be_v enough_o to_o beget_v reverence_n in_o a_o heathen_a cato_n cave_n spectat_fw-la cato_n cato_n see_v thou_o oh_o what_o reverence_n will_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n omnipresence_n beget_v in_o thy_o heart_n if_o due_o weigh_v christian_n weight_n your_o spirit_n with_o such_o meditation_n as_o these_o god_n eye_n be_v never_o off_o i_o i_o be_o daily_o walk_v in_o the_o sun_n but_o now_o i_o be_o set_v myself_o to_o pray_v in_o secret_a i_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n i_o may_v deceive_v man_n and_o myself_o but_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v i_o have_v need_v now_o engage_v my_o heart_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o look_v for_o oh_o for_o a_o spirit_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o majesty_n who_o i_o come_v to_o worship_n lord_n draw_v out_o my_o affection_n unite_v my_o heart_n excite_v my_o grace_n that_o my_o whole_a soul_n may_v be_v carry_v after_o god_n thus_o commit_v thy_o work_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o thy_o thought_n shall_v be_v establish_v 16.3_o psal_n 37.5_o prov._n 16.3_o when_o thou_o be_v set_v thy_o face_n towards_o a_o duty_n where_o thou_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v satan_n and_o carry_v with_o thou_o a_o corrupt_a deceitful_a heart_n let_v god_n know_v from_o thy_o mouth_n whither_o thou_o be_v go_v what_o thy_o fear_n be_v never_o say_v one_o do_v the_o soul_n march_v in_o so_o good_a order_n as_o when_o it_o put_v itself_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n and_o never_o be_v it_o so_o awful_a as_o when_o it_o set_v itself_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n gen._n 17.1_o i_o be_o god_n almighty_a walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a when_o you_o sensible_o discern_v you_o be_v kneel_v before_o god_n will_v not_o this_o make_v you_o perfect_a sincere_a and_o grow_v holy_a if_o you_o think_v god_n be_v not_o in_o your_o closet_n what_o do_v you_o go_v to_o pray_v there_o for_o and_o if_o you_o know_v he_o see_v you_o there_o why_o do_v you_o not_o think_v so_o and_o set_v yourselves_o as_o in_o his_o presence_n the_o child_n will_v stand_v demure_o before_o his_o father_n the_o scholar_n before_o his_o master_n and_o so_o will_v the_o gracious_a soul_n before_o god_n in_o duty_n if_o sensible_a of_o his_o presence_n 4._o muster_v up_o your_o thought_n and_o way_n our_o thought_n and_o affection_n be_v like_o the_o string_n of_o a_o instrument_n out_o of_o tune_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o wind_n and_o screw_v they_o up_o this_o be_v that_o which_o zophar_n advise_v to_o job_n 11.13_o to_o prepare_v the_o heart_n and_o then_o stretch_v forth_o the_o hand_n and_o for_o this_o end_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o when_o you_o come_v into_o a_o private_a room_n to_o pray_v in_o secret_a first_o to_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o scripture_n which_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o compose_v your_o spirit_n and_o like_o david_n harp_n to_o saul_n drive_v away_o your_o wild_a imagination_n yea_o the_o word_n read_v may_v afford_v you_o suitable_a matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n more_o particular_o let_v i_o add_v one_o experience_a help_n which_o be_v this_o when_o you_o be_v addressing_z yourselves_o to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n endeavour_v to_o fix_v your_o thought_n upon_o some_o particular_a subject_n to_o enlarge_v upon_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o you_o have_v sometime_o one_o special_a errand_n to_o god_n sometime_o another_o if_o you_o observe_v your_o condition_n well_o be_v sure_a to_o mind_n that_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o confess_v some_o predominant_a sin_n to_o beg_v pardon_n of_o it_o power_n against_o it_o you_o may_v have_v in_o your_o eye_n some_o grace_n that_o you_o need_v more_o than_o ordinary_o and_o see_v your_o weakness_n and_o defect_n therein_o etc._n etc._n now_o do_v not_o satisfy_v yourselves_o in_o run_v out_o into_o general_n only_o but_o set_v yourselves_o to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o your_o soul_n in_o that_o very_a case_n which_o you_o have_v find_v out_o by_o serious_a inquiry_n will_v most_o engage_v you_o at_o that_o time_n to_o go_v to_o god_n about_o expatiate_v principal_o upon_o that_o subject_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o take_n to_o ourselves_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n direct_v we_o to_o lex_fw-la hos_fw-la 14.2_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d verbum_fw-la res_fw-la negotium_fw-la vid._n buxt_n lex_fw-la in_o prayer_n not_o a_o form_n of_o such_o and_o such_o phrase_n but_o some_o special_a subject_a matter_n to_o speak_v to_o our_o god_n about_o the_o word_n in_o hebrew_n import_v so_o much_o now_o a_o intent_n and_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o such_o a_o special_a subject_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o use_n in_o these_o two_o respect_n 1._o you_o will_v find_v it_o a_o help_n against_o distraction_n wander_n withdrawing_n from_o god_n when_o you_o purposely_o set_v yourselves_o to_o mind_n one_o thing_n you_o will_v be_v more_o intent_n upon_o it_o and_o lay_v out_o more_o pain_n about_o it_o than_o when_o you_o allow_v yourselves_o liberty_n in_o variety_n of_o matter_n when_o the_o stream_n run_v one_o way_n fortior_fw-la vis_fw-fr unita_fw-la fortior_fw-la it_o be_v strong_a than_o disperse_v into_o several_a channel_n so_o when_o the_o christian_a unite_v his_o strength_n to_o plead_v with_o god_n about_o a_o particular_a business_n he_o be_v usual_o more_o warm_a and_o affectionate_a and_o so_o less_o subject_a to_o distraction_n 2._o it_o will_v help_v you_o to_o enlarge_v yourselves_o in_o spread_a particular_a case_n before_o the_o lord_n in_o pat_o and_o proper_a expression_n even_o before_o other_o as_o you_o have_v a_o call_v and_o opportunity_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n when_o a_o person_n can_v particular_o and_o pathetical_o lie_v open_v a_o condition_n plead_v with_o god_n improve_v promise_n and_o rational_o expostulate_v even_o with_o the_o almighty_a about_o a_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a concernment_n this_o holy_a art_n be_v get_v by_o a_o frequency_n in_o secret_a prayer_n and_o particular_a plead_n for_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o last_o preparatory_a think_v beforehand_o what_o business_n you_o have_v to_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o drive_v that_o nail_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o head_n you_o can_v think_v to_o speak_v of_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n at_o one_o time_n but_o take_v that_o which_o be_v of_o present_a emergent_a use_n and_o importance_n and_o set_v yourselves_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o that_o follow_v that_o home_n till_o you_o feel_v your_o heart_n be_v warm_v and_o affect_v and_o so_o have_v some_o token_n for_o good_a that_o god_n will_v return_v a_o sensible_a answer_n you_o will_v say_v must_v we_o thus_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o every_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n we_o have_v not_o time_n for_o it_o i_o shall_v answer_v this_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o dear_a and_o reverend_a father_n angier_n subject_a his_o
book_n call_v a_o help_n to_o better_a heart_n for_o better_a time_n pag._n 196_o 197._o read_n more_o of_o this_o subject_a there_o be_v some_o separate_a duty_n that_o prepare_v for_o other_o as_o examination_n meditation_n prayer_n and_o they_o do_v prepare_v by_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o provide_v a_o heavenly_a assistance_n to_o begin_v with_o we_o in_o the_o duty_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o always_o have_v separate_v time_n betwixt_o other_o occasion_n and_o god_n worship_n yet_o have_v some_o separate_a thought_n ere_o thou_o enter_v upon_o the_o duty_n thou_o be_v not_o fit_a else_o to_o meddle_v with_o wisdom_n thus_o he_o it_o be_v true_a some_o have_v not_o the_o leisure_n that_o other_o have_v yet_o so_o much_o preparation_n be_v necessary_a for_o every_o duty_n as_o may_v withdraw_v the_o heart_n from_o other_o object_n and_o weight_n the_o spirit_n with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o work_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o sometime_o this_o may_v be_v do_v sudden_o yet_o as_o for_o such_o as_o have_v more_o time_n to_o work_v upon_o their_o heart_n and_o state_n their_o soul_n case_n by_o muster_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o work_n neglect_v a_o duty_n and_o can_v ground_o expect_v the_o lord_n presence_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n people_n miss_v of_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n at_o least_o one_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o make_v such_o conscience_n and_o take_v such_o care_n of_o prepare_v their_o heart_n as_o they_o ought_v ah_o christian_n when_o you_o come_v into_o your_o closet_n sit_v down_o and_o pause_v a_o little_a before_o you_o fall_v down_o upon_o your_o knee_n clear_v up_o your_o state_n shake_v off_o other_o business_n set_v yourselves_o in_o god_n presence_n and_o muster_v up_o your_o sin_n or_o want_n or_o mercy_n you_o purpose_v to_o spread_v before_o the_o lord_n a_o client_n will_v consider_v all_o his_o matter_n before_o he_o come_v to_o state_n his_o case_n to_o his_o advocate_n a_o poor_a patient_n will_v bethink_v himself_o how_o he_o be_v that_o he_o may_v tell_v his_o ailing_n to_o his_o physician_n and_o a_o petitioner_n will_v not_o go_v hand_n over_o head_n unto_o his_o prince_n but_o order_n his_o cause_n before_o hand_n that_o he_o may_v plead_v it_o more_o effectual_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o much_o more_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n sect_n iii_o direction_n concern_v the_o essential_o of_o secret_a prayer_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o rule_n be_v concern_v some_o thing_n essential_o requisite_a to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n which_o you_o be_v to_o look_v to_o in_o the_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v such_o as_o be_v require_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o prayer_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v perform_v 1._o with_o the_o heart_n 2._o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o according_a to_o god_n will_n 4._o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 1._o secret_a prayer_n must_v he_o hearty_a prayer_n a_o heartless_a duty_n be_v a_o worthless_a duty_n yea_o the_o whole_a heart_n must_v be_v engage_v in_o it_o psal_n 119.10_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n have_v i_o seek_v thou_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o god_n chief_o look_v after_o prov._n 23.26_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n nothing_o else_o can_v please_v god_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v want_v if_o the_o heart_n be_v engage_v in_o the_o duty_n he_o will_v rather_o dispense_v with_o other_o weakness_n where_o there_o be_v not_o wilful_a negligence_n observe_v it_o in_o that_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o perform_v with_o other_o a_o man_n gift_n may_v be_v of_o use_n though_o his_o heart_n go_v not_o along_o with_o his_o voice_n but_o in_o closet-prayer_n it_o do_v no_o good_a at_o all_o except_o the_o heart_n be_v engage_v therefore_o god_n principal_o require_v the_o heart_n in_o other_o duty_n in_o this_o he_o only_o require_v the_o heart_n for_o the_o voice_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o love_n and_o serve_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n 33._o mark_v 12.30_o 33._o soul_n mind_n strength_n be_v a_o keep_n of_o the_o law_n and_o more_o than_o all_o whole_a burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n we_o shall_v pray_v with_o every_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o with_o the_o utmost_a strength_n of_o every_o faculty_n 9_o mat._n 15.8_o 9_o god_n deserve_v and_o require_v our_o strong_a affection_n that_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a worship_n that_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o heart_n right_a attendance_n on_o god_n be_v a_o engage_v the_o heart_n to_o approach_v to_o god_n christian_n 30.21_o jer._n 30.21_o in_o all_o your_o address_n to_o god_n mind_n the_o object_n of_o worship_n let_v the_o subject_n worship_v and_o object_n worship_v be_v close_o unite_v look_v beyond_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o a_o ordinance_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o a_o ordinance_n god_n dear_a child_n know_v what_o this_o mean_n for_o sometime_o they_o be_v more_o take_v up_o with_o expression_n affection_n or_o some_o accidental_n in_o the_o performance_n than_o with_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n they_o shall_v be_v intent_n upon_o but_o this_o be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o whatsoever_o interpose_v betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o god_n to_o divert_v the_o thought_n from_o god_n be_v a_o idol_n 70._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 70._o ezek._n 14.3_o these_o man_n have_v set_v up_o their_o idol_n in_o their_o heart_n sept._n read_v it_o they_o have_v put_v their_o thought_n upon_o their_o heart_n i_o e._n they_o have_v commit_v idolatry_n with_o their_o own_o imagination_n instead_o of_o worship_v god_n their_o mind_n have_v stick_v upon_o something_o short_a of_o god_n after_o which_o they_o have_v as_o it_o be_v run_v a_o whore_v even_o in_o the_o duty_n i_o shall_v not_o deliver_v that_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o useful_a note_n i_o fear_v many_o of_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a finespun_a idolatry_n by_o heterogeneal_a thought_n in_o holy_a duty_n that_o pluck_v we_o from_o god_n when_o we_o be_v approach_v to_o he_o the_o lord_n humble_v we_o for_o this_o and_o fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o god_n that_o we_o may_v say_v as_o the_o church_n isa_n 26.8_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o thy_o name_n and_o to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o cyprian_n say_v 246._o cogitatio_fw-la omnis_fw-la secularis_fw-la &_o carnalis_fw-la at_o sced_a nec_fw-la quicquam_fw-la tunc_fw-la animus_n quam_fw-la id_fw-la solum_fw-la cogitet_fw-la quod_fw-la precatur_fw-la ideo_fw-la &_o sacerdos_fw-la ante_fw-la orationem_fw-la prefatione_fw-la praemissa_fw-la parat_fw-la sratrum_fw-la mentes_fw-la dicendo_fw-la sursam_fw-la corda_fw-la ut_fw-la dura_fw-la respondet_fw-la plebs_fw-la habemus_fw-la ad_fw-la dominum_fw-la ad_fw-la moneatur_fw-la nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la se_fw-la quam_fw-la dominum_fw-la cogitare_fw-la debere_fw-la câ—p._n serm._n de_fw-fr orat_fw-la dâ—m_fw-la p_o 246._o every_o secular_a thought_n must_v depart_v and_o the_o mind_n must_v be_v take_v up_o with_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o be_v about_o he_o tell_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n be_v that_o the_o minister_n before_o prayer_n prepare_v the_o people_n mind_n say_n sursum_fw-la corda_fw-la lift_v up_o your_o heart_n and_o they_o answer_v habemus_fw-la ad_fw-la dominum_fw-la we_o have_v they_o up_o to_o the_o lord_n whereby_o say_v he_o we_o be_v admonish_v that_o in_o prayer_n we_o must_v think_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o lord_n what_o the_o minister_n say_v to_o the_o people_n do_v you_o say_v to_o yourselves_o sursum_fw-la corda_fw-la lift_v up_o your_o heart_n let_v every_o one_o say_v i_o be_o now_o worship_v a_o heart-searching_a god_n oh_o that_o my_o heart_n be_v with_o god_n 239._o ascensus_fw-la mentis_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la luth._o collâ—q_n mist_n fol._n 239._o the_o ancient_n say_v luther_n fine_o describe_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o ascent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n oh_o that_o i_o do_v experimental_o know_v what_o this_o mean_n in_o syntaxi_n i._n e._n in_o couple_v and_o join_v of_o my_o heart_n to_o god_n lord_n gather_v in_o my_o rove_a and_o wander_a spirit_n this_o be_v the_o first_o direction_n mind_v the_o frame_n of_o your_o heart_n 2._o implore_v and_o expect_v the_o spirit_n assistance_n prayer_n must_v be_v by_o the_o spirit_n enlarge_n influence_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n 8.26_o zech._n 12.10_o rom._n 8.26_o it_o help_v our_o infirmity_n by_o make_v soul_n to_o cry_v out_o abba_n father_n with_o unutterable_a groan_n a_o christian_a shall_v spread_v the_o sail_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o the_o gale_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o will_v carry_v the_o pray_a saint_n apace_o towards_o god_n yea_o and_o
reach_v the_o ear_n of_o god_n for_o he_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n 20._o phil._n 3.3_o judas_n 20._o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o worship_a god_n in_o the_o spirit_n a_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i._n e._n either_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n or_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o pray_v the_o soul_n be_v actuate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 13.11_o see_v mark_n 11.36_o &_o 13.11_o for_o i_o conceive_v it_o may_v import_v the_o former_a as_o well_o as_o the_o latter_a as_o other_o scripture_n compare_v hold_v forth_o alas_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v put_v up_o such_o petition_n as_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v or_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v no_o way_n suitable_a to_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n the_o truth_n be_v christian_n you_o will_v but_o bungle_v at_o the_o work_n without_o this_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o god_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o you_o except_o he_o hear_v his_o own_o language_n do_v not_o think_v you_o can_v wrestle_v out_o the_o business_n yourselves_o you_o must_v be_v behold_v to_o god_n for_o help_v in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o for_o hear_v your_o prayer_n your_o own_o spirit_n will_v not_o carry_v you_o to_o heaven_n that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o earth_n be_v earthly_a and_o rise_v no_o high_a than_o earth_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v elevate_v your_o soul_n to_o god_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o sir_n beg_v the_o spirit_n yield_v to_o its_o motion_n improve_v its_o operation_n say_v when_o you_o be_v go_v to_o duty_n lord_n now_o stir_v up_o thyself_o and_o stir_v up_o thy_o grace_n in_o my_o heart_n awake_v oh_o northwind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n blow_v upon_o thy_o garden_n cant._n 4.16_o my_o soul_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v out_o that_o grace_n may_v be_v exercise_v and_o exert_v lord_n i_o be_o low_a flat_a hard_o send_v the_o powerful_a arm_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n to_o work_v all_o gracious_a disposition_n in_o i_o and_o raise_v up_o my_o affection_n to_o thou_o i_o see_v i_o be_o below_o the_o duty_n and_o infinite_o below_o thou_o in_o the_o duty_n but_o thou_o and_o thou_o alone_o can_v raise_v i_o up_o quicken_v soften_v my_o dead_a and_o rocky_a heart_n come_v lord_n and_o show_v thy_o powerful_a arm_n let_v it_o appear_v what_o god_n can_v do_v for_o a_o sorry_a worm_n oh_o lift_v i_o up_o to_o thou_o that_o my_o soul_n may_v enjoy_v some_o sweet_a communion_n with_o thou_o send_v thy_o spirit_n to_o fetch_v in_o my_o wanton_a wander_a heart_n oh_o for_o some_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o burn_v up_o my_o sacrifice_n or_o else_o it_o will_v lie_v like_o a_o lump_n of_o flesh_n and_o be_v no_o true_a holocaust_n of_o pure_a incense_n before_o thou_o let_v thy_o spirit_n scatter_v these_o mist_n of_o ignorance_n and_o drive_v away_o these_o fly_n of_o distract_n thought_n that_o my_o heart_n may_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o my_o performance_n may_v be_v as_o sweet_a savour_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o god_n sect_n iu._n more_o essential_o in_o secret_a prayer_n a_o three_o ingredient_n in_o prayer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o god_n will_n it_o must_v have_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n a_o word_n of_o precept_n or_o promise_v or_o example_n must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o petition_n a_o command_n be_v our_o warrant_n a_o promise_n our_o encouragement_n a_o example_n be_v our_o tract_n and_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n wherein_o we_o must_v walk_v he_o that_o ask_v amiss_o shall_v not_o speed_v but_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o and_o then_o we_o know_v we_o have_v the_o petition_n that_o we_o desire_v of_o he_o 1_o joh._n 5.14_o 15._o now_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n when_o both_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o petition_n be_v aright_o and_o our_o end_n in_o ask_v be_v god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o or_o other_o spiritual_a good_a otherwise_o if_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n what_o we_o conceit_n to_o be_v a_o mercy_n and_o have_v not_o ask_v counsel_n at_o god_n mouth_n or_o ask_v so_o as_o to_o consume_v it_o upon_o our_o lust_n we_o may_v well_o meet_v with_o a_o denial_n my_o friend_n you_o may_v not_o say_v what_o you_o please_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n consider_v god_n be_v in_o heaven_n you_o be_v on_o earth_n therefore_o be_v not_o rash_a with_o your_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n let_v your_o word_n be_v few_o and_o well_o weigh_v eccles_n 5.2_o the_o work_n you_o be_v about_o be_v a_o solemn_a business_n do_v not_o ramble_v in_o extravagant_a desire_n of_o unlawful_a thing_n think_v not_o that_o god_n will_v patronize_v your_o lust_n and_o when_o you_o have_v ask_v that_o which_o you_o conceive_v be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n refer_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o will_n say_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v do_v submit_v yourselves_o to_o his_o dispose_n for_o time_n manner_n mean_n and_o all_o circumstance_n for_o give_v of_o it_o ask_v temporal_a mercy_n conditional_o and_o spiritual_a comfort_n with_o submission_n to_o god_n will_v learn_v that_o petition_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v to_o pray_v it_o as_o well_o as_o say_v it_o indeed_o luther_n can_v say_v let_v thy_o will_n be_v do_v but_o he_o come_v off_o with_o this_o my_o will_n lord_n because_o my_o will_n be_v melt_v into_o thou_o there_o be_v but_o one_o will_n betwixt_o we_o let_v god_n will_v be_v your_o will_n it_o be_v fit_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v wise_a than_o we_o consider_v 255._o haec_fw-la repraesentatio_fw-la debet_fw-la esse_fw-la submissa_fw-la &_o humilis_fw-la alius_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la esset_fw-la precatio_fw-la religiosa_fw-la à _fw-la creatura_fw-la subdita_fw-la ad_fw-la supremum_fw-la numen_fw-la &_o creatorem_fw-la directa_fw-la sed_fw-la vel_fw-la imperium_fw-la superioris_fw-la ergo_fw-la inferiorem_fw-la vel_fw-la quasi_fw-la familiaris_fw-la collocutio_fw-la quatis_fw-la est_fw-la inter_fw-la aequales_fw-la ames_n medull_n theol_fw-it lib._n 2.6_o p._n 255._o a_o man_n can_v pray_v in_o faith_n for_o that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o ask_v beside_o amesius_n say_v if_o a_o man_n come_v not_o with_o a_o humble_a submission_n to_o god_n will_v it_o be_v not_o a_o religious_a prayer_n direct_v to_o the_o supreme_a creator_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o command_n by_o a_o superior_a to_o a_o inferior_a or_o a_o familiar_a discourse_n as_o among_o equal_n therefore_o let_v we_o humble_o plead_v go_n will_n as_o abraham_n do_v gen._n 18.27_o further_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o to_o incline_v god_n before_o unwilling_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o desire_n for_o with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o change_n but_o that_o we_o may_v obtain_v of_o he_o by_o prayer_n what_o we_o know_v aforehand_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v last_o consider_v we_o christ_n example_n mat._n 26.39_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v this_o be_v right_o pray_v to_o ground_v our_o petition_n upon_o a_o promise_n yet_o free_o to_o leave_v all_o at_o god_n foot_n to_o dispose_v of_o we_o as_o he_o see_v good_a our_o prayer_n and_o god_n promise_n shall_v point_v towards_o each_o other_o as_o those_o two_o figure_n 9_o and_o 6._o promise_n do_v bend_v downward_o and_o after_o the_o same_o motion_n must_v our_o prayer_n ascend_v upward_o so_o will_v there_o be_v a_o bless_a harmony_n and_o seasonable_a return_n this_o be_v the_o three_o direction_n let_v your_o prayer_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n 4._o improve_v your_o advocate_n joh._n 14.13_o whatsoever_o you_o ask_v in_o my_o name_n that_o will_v i_o do_v to_o ask_v any_o thing_n in_o his_o name_n be_v not_o rude_o customary_o or_o complemental_o to_o conclude_v with_o these_o word_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o confidence_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o intercession_n to_o call_v upon_o our_o heavenly_a father_n as_o daniel_n plead_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n dan._n 9.17_o for_o since_o the_o fall_n none_o can_v come_v immediate_o to_o god_n but_o through_o a_o mediator_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o fetch_v a_o compass_n by_o the_o groundless_a invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n i_o hope_v you_o have_v otherwise_o learned_a christ_n i_o be_o most_o afraid_a in_o the_o practic_a part_n that_o in_o particular_a act_n at_o least_o precious_a soul_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o miscarry_v especial_o in_o closet-prayer_n when_o a_o christian_a be_v get_v alone_o and_o there_o find_v a_o sweet_a gale_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n help_v his_o heart_n to_o mourn_v for_o sin_n bewail_v
rule_n 3._o for_o the_o season_n the_o apostle_n say_v pray_v continual_o or_o without_o cease_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o as_o it_o be_v canonical_a hour_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o a_o christian_n discretion_n must_v interpose_v only_o in_o this_o case_n take_v the_o fit_a season_n for_o secret_a prayer_n as_o when_o you_o be_v most_o at_o leisure_n from_o worldly_a business_n most_o free_a from_o company_n lest_o in_o danger_n of_o drowsiness_n oh_o christian_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a put_v not_o off_o your_o secret_a devotion_n too_o long_o till_o you_o go_v to_o bed_n than_o you_o be_v fit_a for_o rest_n and_o sleep_v than_o for_o wrestle_v with_o god_n on_o your_o knee_n and_o then_o for_o the_o frequency_n no_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v david_n and_o daniel_n pray_v three_o time_n a_o day_n 6.10_o psal_n 55.17_o dan._n 6.10_o mourning_n noon_n and_o night_n noontime_n be_v the_o six_o hour_n which_o be_v also_o a_o time_n of_o prayer_n act._n 10.9_o other_o also_o observe_v the_o nine_o hour_n which_o be_v three_o a_o clock_n in_o the_o afternoon_n act._n 3.1_o 274._o dr._n ham._n pract_n cat._n l._n 3._o sect._n 2._o p._n 274._o certain_o the_o three_o hour_n i._n e._n nine_o in_o the_o morning_n be_v a_o hour_n of_o prayer_n act_n 2.15_o and_o so_o be_v evening_n six_o at_o night_n say_v some_o david_n add_v a_o seven_o in_o psal_n 119.164_o seven_o time_n a_o day_n will_v i_o praise_v thou_o which_o may_v only_o denote_v frequency_n in_o the_o duty_n some_o of_o these_o may_v seem_v extraordinary_a case_n the_o ordinary_a season_n the_o saint_n have_v take_v 141.2_o exod._n 29.38_o 39_o psal_n 5.3_o &_o 88.13_o &_o 141.2_o have_v be_v morning_n and_o evening_n according_a to_o the_o jew_n sacrifice_n of_o a_o lamb_n at_o those_o season_n in_o the_o morning_n our_o spirit_n be_v fresh_a and_o lively_a at_o evening_n we_o may_v find_v the_o bypass_a matter_n of_o the_o day_n a_o fit_a occasion_n for_o prayer_n and_o praise_n it_o will_v do_v well_o to_o take_v isaac_n season_n for_o devotion_n even_o about_o sunset_a or_o the_o shut_n in_o of_o the_o day_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o too_o peremptory_o impose_v in_o these_o undetermined_a circumstance_n only_o take_v that_o general_a rule_n 1_o pet._n 4.7_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o three_o 4._o for_o the_o voice_n the_o articulate_a sound_n of_o word_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o prayer_n and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o convenient_a in_o closet-prayer_n which_o shall_v be_v manage_v private_o betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n approve_v the_o heart_n to_o god_n as_o sole_a witness_n of_o his_o sincerity_n except_o through_o some_o ecstasy_n and_o strong_a motion_n of_o the_o affection_n the_o soul_n desire_n break_v out_o in_o the_o lip_n beyond_o its_o first_o intention_n i_o know_v mr._n john_n carter_n that_o eminent_a man_n of_o god_n do_v purposely_o use_v his_o voice_n in_o secret_a prayer_n for_o these_o two_o reason_n life_n mr._n clark_n in_o his_o life_n 1_o because_o he_o sound_v it_o a_o help_n to_o his_o affection_n 2._o because_o it_o be_v a_o example_n to_o his_o family_n i_o must_v not_o therefore_o lay_v any_o necessity_n in_o these_o variable_a circumstance_n only_o i_o humble_o conceive_v it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o closet-prayer_n to_o perform_v it_o so_o as_o none_o else_o may_v take_v notice_n thereof_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o mention_v a_o few_o passage_n out_o of_o cyprian_a to_o this_o purpose_n 410._o no_o ut_fw-la impudentis_fw-la eye_n clamoribus_fw-la strepere_fw-la itae_fw-la contra_fw-la congruit_fw-la verocundo_fw-la modestis_fw-la precibus_fw-la or_o be_v quia_fw-la deus_fw-la non_fw-la vocis_fw-la sed_fw-la cordis_fw-la auditor_n est_fw-la et_fw-la paulo_n post_fw-la quod_fw-la anni_fw-la in_o primo_fw-la regno_fw-la they_o libro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la typum_fw-la portans_fw-la custodit_fw-la &_o seruat_fw-la quae_fw-la dominum_fw-la non_fw-la clamosa_fw-la petitione_n sed_fw-la tacit_a &_o modeste_fw-la intrae_fw-la ipsas_fw-la pectoris_fw-la latebras_fw-la precabatuâ—_n loquebatur_fw-la prece_fw-la occulta_fw-la sed_fw-la man_n feâ—a_fw-la fide_fw-la cypr._n serm._n de_fw-fr orat._n dom._n p._n 409._o 410._o it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o unmannerly_a impudence_n to_o make_v a_o noise_n with_o loud_a clamour_n but_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o a_o modest_a spirit_n to_o pray_v with_o silent_a groan_n for_o god_n be_v the_o hearer_n not_o of_o the_o voice_n but_o of_o the_o heart_n he_o make_v hannah_n a_o type_n of_o the_o church_n who_o pray_v not_o with_o clamorous_a petition_n but_o with_o work_a affection_n within_o the_o lurk_a hole_n as_o it_o be_v of_o her_o breast_n she_o speak_v with_o hide_a prayer_n but_o manifest_a faith_n so_o he_o thus_o much_o for_o circumstance_n of_o closet-prayer_n wherein_o i_o be_o more_o short_a and_o rich_a in_o impose_v any_o thing_n on_o the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v free_a in_o his_o word_n only_o in_o general_n take_v notice_n that_o though_o accidental_a circumstance_n that_o concern_v a_o duty_n be_v mutable_a yet_o by_o the_o wise_a order_n of_o those_o circumstance_n they_o will_v become_v singular_a help_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o a_o duty_n sect_n ii_o duty_n concomitant_a to_o closet-prayer_n 4._o the_o last_o sort_n of_o duty_n and_o direction_n concern_v closet-prayer_n be_v such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v after_o the_o duty_n be_v perform_v which_o i_o call_v consequent_a or_o concomitant_a duty_n these_o be_v four_o viz._n 1._o observe_v god_n appearance_n 2._o walk_v suitable_o 3._o wait_v for_o return_n 4._o communicate_v experience_n 1._o when_o you_o have_v be_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o closet-prayer_n observe_v how_o god_n have_v be_v deal_v with_o your_o heart_n that_o you_o may_v be_v suitable_o dispose_v and_o affect_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v with-drawn_a himself_o from_o you_o leave_v you_o under_o hardness_n deadness_n distraction_n uncomfortablenesse_n you_o be_v to_o mourn_v for_o it_o inquire_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o reflect_v upon_o yourselves_o see_v what_o guilt_n there_o be_v upon_o conscience_n which_o separate_v betwixt_o god_n and_o your_o soul_n and_o then_o if_o time_n permit_v fall_v to_o it_o again_o lament_v the_o sin_n be_v ingenuous_a in_o confession_n make_v strong_a resolution_n remove_v all_o obstruction_n that_o god_n and_o your_o soul_n may_v not_o be_v at_o any_o distance_n reckon_v straight_o and_o make_v up_o your_o account_n part_v friend_n that_o you_o may_v meet_v friend_n the_o next_o time_n you_o go_v to_o he_o if_o you_o find_v that_o god_n have_v help_v melt_v and_o gracious_o manifest_v himself_o to_o your_o soul_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o it_o record_v that_o for_o time_n to_o come_v slight_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o god_n own_v he_o in_o praise_v he_o for_o these_o sweet_a manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n learn_v this_o lesson_n even_o of_o hagar_n the_o bondwoman_n when_o she_o be_v in_o a_o solitary_a wilderness_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n comfort_v she_o tell_v her_o god_n have_v hear_v her_o affliction_n she_o be_v with_o child_n her_o seed_n shall_v be_v multiply_v she_o in_o a_o answerable_a return_n to_o god_n for_o his_o kindness_n set_v a_o asterism_n of_o observation_n upon_o the_o place_n as_o a_o memorial_n of_o god_n see_v and_o look_v after_o she_o so_o the_o well_o be_v call_v beer-la-hai-roi_a i._n e._n the_o well_o of_o he_o that_o live_v and_o see_v i_o gen._n 16.13_o 14._o thus_o do_v you_o think_v and_o think_v again_o oh_o who_o or_o what_o be_o i_o that_o god_n shall_v look_v after_o i_o or_o take_v notice_n of_o i_o in_o this_o desolate_a state_n and_o place_n i_o shall_v remember_v this_o time_n of_o love_n while_o i_o live_v in_o such_o a_o room_n i_o meet_v with_o god_n such_o a_o chamber_n or_o câ—oset_n be_v a_o bethel_n a_o mount_n nebo_n a_o sycomore-tree_n where_o i_o behold_v my_o jesus_n and_o take_v a_o bless_a view_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n thus_o christian_n reflect_v upon_o and_o recollect_v your_o experience_n in_o god_n presence_n which_o may_v be_v of_o use_n unto_o you_o all_o your_o day_n 2._o let_v your_o carriage_n at_o all_o time_n be_v suitable_a to_o your_o closet_n prayer_n let_v it_o appear_v that_o you_o be_v whole_o devote_v to_o god_n cross_v not_o your_o prayer_n with_o your_o practice_n pray_v much_o &_o live_v well_o let_v it_o appear_v you_o have_v be_v with_o god_n that_o you_o have_v be_v draw_v your_o influence_n from_o the_o springhead_n walk_v with_o man_n as_o those_o that_o walk_v with_o god_n let_v the_o smell_n and_o savour_n of_o your_o heavenly_a conversing_n break_v forth_o in_o your_o gracious_a expression_n and_o exemplary_a conversation_n live_v not_o after_o the_o ordinary_a rate_n of_o professor_n as_o your_o heart_n be_v god-ward_n so_o let_v your_o light_n be_v men-ward_n that_o
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
the_o word_n be_v necessary_a and_o so_o be_v this_o nor_o must_v the_o one_o justle_v out_o the_o other_o yea_o these_o secret_a duty_n help_v we_o to_o profit_v by_o public_a ordinance_n if_o dung_n be_v pour_v down_o on_o heap_n in_o the_o field_n it_o do_v no_o good_a it_o must_v be_v spread_v abroad_o before_o it_o make_v fruitful_a ground_n the_o plaster_n heal_v not_o except_o it_o be_v apply_v so_o the_o word_n must_v be_v spread_v on_o our_o heart_n by_o serious_a and_o secret_a meditation_n and_o application_n or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o make_v our_o soul_n healthful_a and_o fruitful_a and_o then_o we_o must_v pray_v over_o it_o for_o the_o shower_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o wash_v it_o and_o work_v it_o into_o our_o heart_n many_o sermon_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o soul_n take_v they_o home_o to_o their_o closet_n and_o turn_v they_o to_o prayer_n i_o fear_v all_o will_v be_v little_a enough_o that_o minister_n can_v preach_v or_o write_v upon_o this_o theme_n i_o doubt_v still_o this_o work_n will_v be_v either_o total_o neglect_v or_o negligent_o perform_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a work_n the_o spirit_n must_v travel_v in_o it_o and_o say_v good_a mr._n bains_n the_o saint_n can_v endure_v better_a to_o hear_v a_o hour_n than_o to_o pray_v a_o quarter_n yea_o our_o trifle_a heart_n will_v make_v any_o excuse_n to_o shift_v from_o this_o duty_n or_o shuffle_v it_o off_o nay_o though_o it_o be_v in_o exchange_n for_o another_o a_o sign_n the_o work_n be_v of_o god_n and_o tend_v much_o to_o the_o soul_n good_a or_o else_o satan_n and_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n will_v never_o so_o much_o hinder_v or_o oppose_v it_o poor_a soul_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o look_v abroad_o and_o see_v much_o wickedness_n commit_v holiness_n persecute_v thy_o god_n dishonour_v many_o thing_n out_o of_o order_n thou_o want_v a_o capacity_n to_o bring_v a_o remedy_n i_o must_v therefore_o say_v to_o thou_o as_o it_o be_v report_v albertus_n crantzius_n say_v to_o â—…her_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o oppose_v the_o pope_n frater_fw-la vade_v in_fw-la cellam_fw-la &_o die_v miserere_fw-la mei_fw-la deus_fw-la brother_n go_v into_o thy_o cell_n and_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o so_o say_v i._o alas_o thy_o interest_n and_o influence_n reach_v but_o a_o little_a way_n to_o mend_v a_o wicked_a world_n though_o thou_o must_v seek_v to_o perform_v as_o far_o as_o thy_o place_n and_o calling_n extend_v but_o go_v thy_o way_n to_o thy_o god_n in_o thy_o closet_n bewail_v thy_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o plead_v with_o god_n for_o thy_o own_o soul_n busy_a thyself_o about_o thyself_o set_v all_o straight_a at_o home_n take_v heed_n of_o that_o which_o the_o poor_a church_n complain_v of_o cant._n 1.6_o they_o make_v i_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o vineyard_n but_o my_o own_o vineyard_n have_v i_o not_o keep_v oh_o leave_v other_o thing_n undo_v rather_o than_o this_o great_a matter_n that_o concern_v the_o affair_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n mr._n fox_n tell_v we_o of_o one_o peter_n moyce_n a_o german_a martyr_n be_v call_v before_o the_o synod_n at_o dornick_n 1â—2_n act_n mon._n 2._o vol._n lib._n 8._o fol._n 1â—2_n they_o begin_v to_o examine_v he_o in_o certain_a article_n of_o religion_n to_o who_o as_o he_o be_v about_o to_o answer_v bold_o and_o express_o to_o every_o point_n they_o interrupt_v he_o bid_v he_o say_v in_o two_o word_n yea_o or_o nay_o then_o say_v he_o if_o you_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o answer_v for_o myself_o in_o thing_n of_o such_o importance_n send_v i_o to_o my_o prison_n again_o among_o my_o toad_n and_o frog_n which_o will_v not_o interrupt_v i_o while_o i_o talk_v with_o my_o lord_n my_o god_n oh_o christian_n the_o time_n may_v come_v or_o be_v already_o when_o man_n may_v stop_v thy_o mouth_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v thou_o to_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n withdraw_v thyself_o from_o man_n and_o retire_v unto_o thy_o god_n who_o will_v make_v thou_o free_o welcome_a to_o pour_v out_o thy_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o secret_a he_o will_v neither_o stop_v thy_o mouth_n nor_o stop_v his_o car_n he_o bid_v thou_o open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a psal_n 81.10_o and_o he_o tell_v thou_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o thy_o cry_n psal_n 34.15_o that_o cast_v not_o ask_v such_o great_a thing_n as_o he_o can_v and_o will_v give_v only_o see_v thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n naturalist_n tell_v of_o a_o precious_a stone_n of_o a_o excellent_a virtue_n yet_o lose_v all_o its_o efficacy_n when_o it_o be_v put_v into_o a_o dead_a man_n mouth_n so_o prayer_n in_o the_o lip_n of_o a_o saint_n or_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o but_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v not_o only_o ineffectual_a but_o abominable_a to_o god_n see_v to_o your_o state_n and_o then_o see_v that_o you_o pray_v aright_o for_o manner_n matter_n end_n many_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o they_o ask_v amiss_o above_o all_o soul_n in_o thy_o secret_a address_n to_o god_n take_v heed_n of_o a_o trifle_a spirit_n will_v find_v most_o ado_n with_o thyself_o herein_o our_o wanton_a spirit_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v pen_v up_o in_o the_o narrow_a room_n of_o a_o spiritual_a performance_n we_o love_v to_o take_v our_o liberty_n in_o range_v abroad_o to_o a_o thousand_o object_n but_o christian_n as_o thou_o love_v thy_o peace_n thy_o soul_n thy_o god_n look_v to_o thy_o spirit_n in_o secret_a prayer_n do_v not_o trifle_v away_o thy_o time_n upon_o thy_o knee_n let_v not_o thy_o word_n freeze_v as_o they_o come_v from_o thou_o let_v no_o discouragement_n beat_v thou_o off_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n as_o one_o say_v take_v the_o bullet_n that_o christ_n shoot_v at_o she_o and_o with_o a_o humble_a boldness_n of_o faith_n send_v they_o back_o again_o in_o prayer_n which_o indeed_o reach_v his_o heart_n and_o prevail_v with_o god_n for_o mercy_n but_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v no_o more_o at_o present_a but_o refer_v thou_o to_o this_o small_a treatise_n wherewith_o i_o have_v according_a to_o my_o poor_a talon_n lay_v before_o thou_o this_o great_a duty_n what_o effect_v it_o shall_v have_v i_o know_v not_o my_o god_n know_v in_o who_o hand_n the_o blessing_n of_o our_o endeavour_n lie_v get_v alone_o and_o pray_v over_o this_o book_n and_o for_o the_o unworthy_a sinful_a author_n as_o he_o desire_v to_o do_v for_o thou_o into_o who_o hand_n this_o may_v come_v let_v our_o prayer_n daily_o meet_v at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n till_o our_o soul_n meet_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n if_o thou_o receive_v any_o good_a by_o this_o or_o any_o other_o work_v this_o poor_a worm_n have_v hand_v to_o thou_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o the_o instrument_n but_o all_o to_o the_o agent_n and_o efficient_a our_o good_a god_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n disdain_v not_o the_o work_n for_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o stile_n it_o be_v purposely_o put_v in_o this_o dress_n for_o the_o vulgar_n benefit_n and_o if_o it_o or_o myself_o be_v expose_v to_o censure_v for_o that_o it_o be_v welcome_a i_o write_v not_o to_o please_v learned_a scholar_n but_o to_o profit_v plain_a christian_n who_o spiritual_a good_a i_o prefer_v above_o any_o credit_n to_o myself_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v none_o due_a there_o be_v few_o of_o my_o brethren_n but_o they_o transcend_v i_o in_o part_n and_o learning_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o nor_o be_v that_o grace_n altogether_o in_o vain_a for_o as_o it_o have_v help_v i_o in_o labour_n so_o he_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n bless_v my_o labour_n though_o i_o be_v nothing_o the_o least_o of_o saint_n not_o meet_v to_o be_v call_v a_o minister_n do_v those_o that_o read_v my_o labour_n know_v i_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o despise_v my_o undertake_n this_o i_o speak_v because_o my_o former_a book_n have_v find_v such_o good_a acceptance_n and_o this_o be_v so_o much_o desire_v and_o that_o no_o man_n think_v of_o i_o above_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v in_o i_o my_o heart_n have_v be_v near_o faint_v through_o discouragement_n from_o my_o great_a weakness_n have_v i_o not_o be_v support_v many_o a_o time_n with_o that_o word_n in_o 2_o cor._n 4.7_o but_o we_o have_v this_o treasure_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man._n whence_o i_o gather_v that_o god_n can_v make_v use_n of_o weak_a unlearned_a sinful_a instrument_n to_o do_v great_a work_n and_o he_o can_v use_v person_n of_o mean_a ability_n to_o accomplish_v his_o glorious_a end_n in_o convert_v soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o profound_a clerk_n or_o wise_a man_n on_o
chap._n ii_o the_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o closet-prayer_n be_v a_o christian-duty_n sect_n i._o the_o first_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n all_o the_o reason_n that_o i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o at_o this_o time_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o clear_v secret_a prayer_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n shall_v be_v fetch_v out_o of_o the_o text_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 4._o rea._n 1._o the_o conveniency_n of_o privacy_n for_o prayer_n 2._o the_o relation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o saint_n 3._o god_n omniscience_n see_v in_o secret_a 4._o god_n munificence_n reward_v 1._o the_o great_a conveniency_n there_o be_v in_o privacy_n for_o prayer_n and_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o we_o private_a room_n which_o implicit_o call_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n for_o there_o be_v in_o retirement_n a_o great_a advantage_n for_o the_o manage_n of_o any_o work_n of_o wisdom_n prov._n 18.1_o through_o desire_v a_o man_n have_v separate_v himself_o seek_v and_o intermeddle_v with_o all_o wisdom_n i._n e._n he_o that_o be_v real_o studious_a of_o true_a piety_n will_v voluntary_o sequester_v himself_o to_o prosecute_v it_o this_o be_v ancient_o the_o well-meaning_a design_n of_o a_o monastic_a life_n which_o since_o have_v be_v woeful_o abuse_v but_o yet_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n in_o solitariness_n for_o carry_v on_o a_o religious_a business_n take_v only_o two_o at_o present_a which_o be_v advantage_n particular_o refer_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n whereunto_o secrecy_n contribute_v 1._o self-expostulation_n and_o self-abasing_a gesture_n and_o expression_n when_o a_o christian_a in_o prayer_n find_v his_o heart_n hard_o dead_a dull_a distract_a or_o any_o way_n out_o of_o order_n he_o may_v in_o secret_a make_v a_o pause_n and_o begin_v to_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n examine_v the_o matter_n lament_v the_o cause_n chide_v his_o untoward_a heart_n and_o charge_v his_o wanton_a spirit_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o his_o god_n in_o duty_n thus_o david_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n awake_v psaltery_a and_o harp_n i_o myself_o will_v awake_v early_o my_o soul_n wait_v thou_o upon_o god_n nothing_o more_o familiar_a in_o the_o psalm_n than_o such_o intercision_n and_o diversion_n from_o the_o work_n in_o hand_n to_o raise_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o a_o high_a tune_n in_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o this_o may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n for_o by_o such_o heart-reasonings_a and_o debate_v a_o saint_n may_v wind_v up_o his_o spirit_n and_o get_v better_o prepare_v for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o the_o exercise_n now_o such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o will_v not_o be_v so_o seasonable_a and_o convenient_a when_o other_o join_v in_o the_o duty_n so_o also_o for_o bodily_a posture_n sometime_o for_o a_o evidence_n of_o great_a humiliation_n a_o christian_n find_v it_o requisite_a to_o prostrate_v himself_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o use_v such_o gesture_n as_o will_v not_o be_v fit_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o other_o therefore_o closet-prayer_n be_v very_o necessary_a where_o a_o christian_a may_v use_v his_o discretion_n as_o god_n shall_v direct_v he_o for_o the_o humble_v quicken_a raise_v and_o melt_v of_o his_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n alone_o that_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a help_n against_o distraction_n when_o we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o world_n we_o be_v then_o fit_a for_o attendance_n upon_o god_n the_o affair_n discourse_n trouble_n and_o confusion_n of_o a_o family_n if_o within_o hear_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n experience_n testify_v this_o a_o man_n can_v study_v or_o cast_v account_n in_o a_o crowd_n or_o throng_n of_o people_n when_o we_o be_v intent_n upon_o any_o business_n how_o little_a a_o noise_n divert_v we_o it_o may_v be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o that_o hospitable_a gentlewoman_n in_o 2_o king_n 4.10_o will_v have_v a_o chamber_n build_v for_o her_o welcom-guest_n the_o prophet_n elisha_n yea_o build_v upon_o the_o wall_n for_o she_o may_v judge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o contemplative_a man_n and_o though_o she_o may_v have_v lodging-room_n in_o her_o house_n yet_o she_o may_v look_v upon_o that_o at_o a_o little_a distance_n as_o more_o commodious_a for_o his_o devotion_n and_o meditation_n as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o houshold-business_n and_o hurrying_n a_o active_a fancy_n quick_o close_v with_o any_o diversion_n in_o our_o attendance_n upon_o god_n therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o study_v to_o attend_v upon_o the_o lord_n without_o distraction_n when_o abraham_n go_v to_o worship_n in_o the_o mount_n he_o leave_v his_o servant_n below_o in_o the_o valley_n lest_o they_o shall_v obstruct_v his_o communion_n with_o god_n when_o moses_n be_v to_o go_v up_o unto_o the_o lord_n though_o aaron_n nadab_n and_o abihu_n and_o the_o seventy_o elder_n go_v further_a than_o the_o people_n yet_o the_o text_n say_v they_o shall_v worship_v afar_o off_o but_o say_v god_n moses_n alone_o shall_v come_v near_o the_o lord_n exod._n 24.1_o 2._o observe_v it_o when_o moses_n have_v part_v with_o his_o company_n and_o be_v alone_o than_o he_o shall_v come_v near_o the_o lord_n common_a professor_n worship_v not_o god_n at_o all_o acceptable_o sincere_a saint_n worship_v god_n with_o other_o be_v comparative_o far_o off_o but_o soul_n in_o a_o corner_n or_o closet_n be_v admit_v to_o come_v near_o god_n and_o have_v sweet_a intimacy_n with_o he_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v anon_o yet_o mistake_v i_o not_o not_o as_o though_o i_o prefer_v secret_a prayer_n alone_o before_o public_a prayer_n with_o other_o for_o as_o god_n delight_v in_o the_o joint_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n so_o a_o soul_n may_v enjoy_v god_n in_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o be_v ordinary_o more_o carry_v out_o to_o god_n than_o in_o private_a according_a to_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n he_o have_v with_o other_o yet_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v in_o frame_n there_o be_v usual_o more_o intimacy_n express_v betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a in_o secret_a than_o with_o other_o yet_o further_o mistake_v not_o not_o as_o though_o solitariness_n free_v we_o from_o all_o distraction_n iâ—_n we_o take_v our_o heart_n with_o we_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o principle_n of_o diversion_n and_o need_v neither_o noise_n nor_o visible_a object_n to_o hinder_v we_o from_o god_n and_o this_o those_o that_o have_v magnify_v solitariness_n most_o have_v find_v by_o sad_a experience_n and_o leave_v upon_o record_n take_v a_o instance_n plur_n locus_fw-la secretus_fw-la eligitur_fw-la quia_fw-la solus_fw-la dei_fw-la judicio_fw-la â—eâ—unia_fw-la suut_n agenda_fw-la &_o singularem_fw-la inspectorem_fw-la adjutoremque_fw-la deum_fw-la volunt_fw-la haec_fw-la habere_fw-la câ—…tamina_fw-la neque_fw-la in_o ago_o bus_fw-la aliquibus_fw-la periculosus_fw-la militatur_fw-la prope_a hoc_fw-la solitudo_fw-la carent_fw-la arbitris_fw-la &_o eremus_fw-la assentaterum_fw-la satellitio_fw-la vacua_fw-la à _fw-la jejunanâ—e_fw-la christo_fw-la el_fw-es gitur_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la cum_fw-la carne_fw-la &_o sanguine_fw-la sed_fw-la cum_fw-la spiritualibus_fw-la nequiâ—iis_fw-la dimicâ—tur_fw-la &_o amotis_fw-la minorum_fw-la occasionibus_fw-la homo_fw-la cum_fw-la diabolo_fw-it colluctetur_fw-la &_o soli_fw-la sint_fw-la in_o palastra_fw-la christus_fw-la &_o antichristus_fw-la spiritus_fw-la &_o antispiritus_fw-la neque_fw-la putet_fw-la homo_fw-la se_fw-la evasisse_fw-la pericula_fw-la cum_fw-la in_o eremum_fw-la venerit_fw-la quia_fw-la quanto_fw-la saltilius_fw-la tanto_fw-la difficilius_fw-la à _fw-la teâ—tatore_fw-la invaditur_fw-la qui_fw-la cogitationum_fw-la foribus_fw-la assilens_fw-la omne_fw-la virtutum_fw-la germina_fw-la in_o ipso_fw-la ortu_fw-la strangulare_a molitur_fw-la cyp._n de_fw-fr jejun_fw-fr &_o teâ—tat_fw-la christi_fw-la prope_fw-la init_fw-la pag._n 300_o 301._o verum_fw-la siberius_fw-la anima_fw-la expedita_fw-la obviat_fw-la impugnanti_fw-la ubi_fw-la compedes_fw-la impedimentorum_fw-la defueriat_fw-la &_o aspectus_fw-la irritamenta_fw-la non_fw-la noveriat_fw-la securiorque_fw-la est_fw-la congressus_fw-la ubi_fw-la singuâ—a_fw-la non_fw-la vellicant_fw-la dimicante_fw-la nec_fw-la inebriant_fw-la animum_fw-la lenocinio_fw-la voluptatum_fw-la vid._n plur_n cyprian_n speak_v of_o christ_n fast_v and_o be_v tempt_v in_o the_o wilderness_n choose_v that_o place_n for_o its_o secrecy_n because_o say_v he_o fast_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v so_o as_o god_n alone_o may_v be_v judge_n and_o in_o such_o contest_v as_o these_o we_o be_v to_o call_v on_o god_n alone_o as_o spectator_n and_o helper_n and_o show_v notable_o the_o danger_n of_o vainglory_n and_o advantage_n of_o secrecy_n yet_o add_v let_v not_o a_o man_n imagine_v he_o have_v escape_v all_o danger_n when_o he_o come_v into_o a_o wilderness_n or_o solitary_a place_n because_o he_o be_v invade_v by_o the_o tempter_n so_o much_o the_o more_o difficulty_n because_o more_o subtle_o who_o sit_v before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o thought_n seek_v to_o strangle_v all_o the_o bud_n of_o virtue_n
use_v to_o say_v my_o god_n and_o i_o be_v good_a company_n this_o this_o be_v to_o be_v thoroughpaced_n in_o religion_n this_o be_v enoch_n walk_v with_o god_n a_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n a_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n a_o emblem_n of_o glory_n and_o the_o sweet_a happy_a life_n a_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n and_o much_o of_o this_o consist_v in_o a_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n and_o all_o this_o flow_v from_o a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o god_n omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n and_o this_o reason_n cyprian_n render_v 409._o denique_fw-la magisterio_fw-la svo_fw-la dominus_fw-la secret_a nos_fw-la orare_fw-la precepit_fw-la in_o abditis_fw-la &_o secretis_fw-la vel_fw-la semotis_fw-la locis_fw-la in_fw-la enbiculis_fw-la ipsis_fw-la quod_fw-la magis_fw-la convenit_fw-la fidei_fw-la ut_fw-la sciamus_fw-la deum_fw-la ubique_fw-la esse_fw-la praesentem_fw-la audire_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o videre_fw-la &_o majestatis_fw-la suae_fw-la plenitudine_fw-la in_o abdita_fw-la quoque_fw-la &_o occulta_fw-la penetrare_fw-la sicut_fw-la scriptum_n est_fw-la jer._n 23.23_o 24._o &_o prov._n 15.3_o cypr._n serm._n de_fw-fr orat_fw-la dom._n p._n 409._o why_o jesus_n christ_n here_o do_v prescribe_v our_o closet-devotion_n as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o christian_a faith_n that_o we_o may_v know_v god_n be_v everywhere_o present_a hear_v all_o and_o pierce_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o majesty_n into_o the_o inmost_a room_n and_o hide_a place_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o true_o this_o be_v a_o doctrine_n worth_n confirm_v by_o such_o a_o practice_n and_o this_o be_v a_o practice_n worthy_a of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v the_o three_o reason_n sect_n iv_o the_o last_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o god_n reward_v open_o 4._o last_o the_o text_n say_v thy_o father_n that_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v thou_o open_o this_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o god_n munificence_n wherein_o we_o have_v 1._o the_o promise_n that_o be_v a_o reward_n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n open_o this_o be_v a_o comfortable_a circumstance_n it_o be_v worth_a something_o to_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n be_v not_o lose_v it_o shall_v be_v reward_v yea_o it_o shall_v be_v reward_v by_o god_n who_o reward_n be_v great_a like_o himself_o yea_o it_o shall_v be_v reward_v by_o thy_o father_n a_o father_n take_v in_o good_a part_n a_o little_a service_n from_o a_o obedient_a child_n and_o give_v a_o great_a reward_n for_o a_o little_a work_n yea_o closet-prayer_n shall_v be_v open_o reward_v the_o observableness_n of_o the_o mercy_n inhance_v the_o rate_n of_o it_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o christian_n comfort_n example_n to_o other_o encouragement_n to_o right_a worshipper_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n all_o these_o thing_n may_v take_v up_o much_o time_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o hint_n what_o be_v that_o open_a reward_n that_o god_n give_v to_o such_o as_o be_v constant_a in_o closet-prayer_n that_o be_v these_o four_o way_n 1._o by_o return_v a_o visible_a answer_n to_o secret_a prayer_n none_o see_v jacob_n wrestle_v hand_n to_o fist_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o angel_n 33.4_o gen._n 32.24_o with_o chap._n 33.4_o but_o all_o may_v observe_v the_o love_a embrace_n betwixt_o that_o good_a man_n and_o his_o hostile_a brother_n esau_n there_o be_v no_o witness_n of_o moses_n intercession_n for_o israel_n in_o the_o mount_n but_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n 14._o exod._n 32.10_o 11_o 14._o may_v bear_v witness_n of_o god_n hear_v his_o prayer_n for_o spare_v a_o offend_a people_n when_o eli_n observe_v hanna_n lip_n move_v and_o hear_v no_o voice_n he_o misjudge_v she_o to_o be_v a_o drunken_a woman_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v she_o be_v busy_a with_o her_o god_n in_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o though_o he_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o then_o yet_o afterward_o he_o see_v the_o effect_n 1_o sam._n 1.13_o with_o ver_fw-la 27._o for_o this_o child_n i_o pray_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v i_o my_o petition_n which_o i_o ask_v of_o he_o ecce_fw-la signum_fw-la behold_v a_o sign_n of_o his_o favour_n behold_v a_o evident_a token_n that_o i_o pray_v in_o truth_n many_o a_o time_n yea_o many_o a_o time_n be_v i_o provoke_v by_o my_o scoff_a adversary_n peninnah_n and_o as_o often_o do_v i_o make_v my_o moan_n to_o my_o heavenly_a husband_n and_o see_v here_o the_o fruit_n of_o my_o sincere_a devotion_n in_o a_o corner_n none_o see_v my_o tear_n all_o may_v see_v my_o child_n none_o hear_v my_o cry_n in_o prayer_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o my_o samuel_n may_v be_v hear_v by_o all_o israel_n he_o shall_v carry_v the_o memorial_n of_o answer_n to_o secret_a prayer_n in_o his_o name_n to_o the_o grave_n and_o can_v many_o a_o soul_n speak_v the_o same_o language_n can_v you_o seal_v to_o the_o same_o or_o like_a experiment_n can_v some_o of_o god_n child_n say_v this_o mercy_n i_o get_v from_o god_n in_o such_o a_o room_n chamber_n or_o closet_n no_o creature_n upon_o earth_n know_v what_o i_o do_v there_o but_o now_o all_o may_v see_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o my_o hard_a travel_n i_o find_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o seek_v god_n in_o private_a none_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o mercy_n but_o myself_o i_o may_v call_v it_o napthali_n 38.8_o gen._n 38.8_o for_o with_o great_a wrestle_n have_v i_o wrestle_v with_o my_o god_n and_o prevail_v this_o mercy_n bear_v a_o double_a price_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o it_o be_v win_v by_o prayer_n and_o now_o may_v be_v wear_v with_o praise_n and_o triumph_v so_o that_o a_o soul_n may_v say_v this_o be_v my_o god_n i_o have_v wait_v for_o he_o he_o will_v save_v i_o 25.9_o isa_n 25.9_o this_o be_v my_o god_n jehovah_n i_o have_v wait_v for_o he_o i_o will_v be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v in_o his_o salvation_n lo_o here_o he_o be_v i_o can_v now_o make_v my_o boast_n of_o my_o god_n wicked_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v where_o be_v thy_o god_n now_o i_o can_v answer_v they_o lo_o this_o be_v he_o that_o return_v such_o answer_n to_o my_o prayer_n that_o appear_v so_o glorious_o for_o i_o this_o be_v my_o god_n in_o who_o i_o have_v trust_v on_o who_o i_o have_v call_v and_o he_o have_v answer_v i_o be_o not_o disappoint_v bless_a be_v god_n these_o appearance_n be_v the_o visible_a return_n of_o my_o secret_a prayer_n 2._o god_n reward_v secret_a prayer_n open_o by_o discriminate_v providence_n in_o a_o common_a calamity_n god_n usual_o take_v they_o into_o the_o chamber_n of_o his_o protection_n that_o retire_v themselves_o into_o chamber_n of_o devotion_n 26.20_o isa_n 26.20_o they_o that_o enjoy_v most_o of_o god_n shall_v be_v best_o secure_v by_o god_n psal_n 91.1_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o most_o high_a shall_v abide_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a i._n e._n he_o that_o by_o faith_n and_o prayer_n have_v get_v most_o intimate_a communion_n with_o god_n be_v lodge_v in_o the_o safe_a shelter_n in_o the_o day_n of_o danger_n and_o who_o be_v so_o likely_a to_o enjoy_v god_n as_o that_o christian_a that_o wait_v much_o upon_o god_n in_o secret_a he_o get_v into_o god_n secret_a place_n who_o be_v much_o with_o god_n in_o secret_a place_n david_n put_v up_o many_o a_o hearty_a prayer_n in_o solitary_a cave_n and_o how_o remarkable_o do_v god_n secure_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o apparent_a hazard_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o saul_n and_o his_o courtier_n we_o find_v the_o mourner_n in_o zion_n lament_v secret_o the_o abomination_n commit_v open_o and_o god_n set_v a_o obvious_a character_n upon_o their_o forehead_n see_v discernable_o by_o the_o destroy_a angel_n and_o know_v apparent_o by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o to_o the_o world_n in_o their_o exemption_n from_o the_o general_a stroke_n of_o desolation_n ezek._n 9_o 39.11_o jer._n 13.17_o with_o chap._n 39.11_o 4_o 6._o jeremiahs_n soul_n weep_v in_o secret_a for_o the_o pride_n and_o profaneness_n of_o israel_n and_o he_o be_v strange_o secure_v in_o the_o day_n of_o israel_n dreadful_a destruction_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a what_o be_v record_v in_o gen._n 19.29_o god_n remember_v abraham_n and_o send_v lot_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o overthrow_n why_o what_o do_v abraham_n the_o former_a chapter_n tell_v we_o that_o abraham_n have_v be_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n in_o secret_a and_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o god_n will_v snatch_v lot_n out_o of_o that_o dreadful_a burn_a as_o a_o return_n of_o secret_a prayer_n god_n take_v a_o time_n to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o his_o pray_a people_n and_o other_o faith_n and_o prayer_n be_v two_o foot_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o the_o righteous_a run_v into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v their_o strong_a tower_n
through_o 243._o clark_n general_a martyr_n c._n 29._o fol._n 243._o william_n gardiner_n martyr_n in_o portugal_n seek_v out_o solitary_a place_n for_o prayer_n before_o he_o attempt_v that_o strange_a act_n of_o public_a opposition_n to_o idolatry_n in_o take_v the_o host_n out_o of_o the_o cardinal_n hand_n trample_v it_o under_o his_o foot_n and_o with_o the_o other_o hand_n overthrow_v the_o chalice_n which_o act_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v scarce_o warrantable_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n yet_o show_v a_o heroical_a spirit_n for_o the_o main_a obtain_v by_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n 318._o ibid._n fol._n 318._o take_v one_o instance_n more_o it_o be_v mr._n george_n wischard_v or_o wiseheart_n one_o of_o the_o holy_a man_n and_o choice_a reformer_n that_o scotland_n ever_o have_v one_o night_n he_o gate_n up_o and_o go_v into_o a_o yard_n there_o he_o walk_v in_o a_o alley_n for_o some_o space_n breathe_v forth_o many_o sob_n and_o deep_a groan_n than_o he_o fall_v upon_o his_o knee_n and_o his_o groan_n increase_v then_o he_o fall_v upon_o his_o face_n two_o man_n watch_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o weep_v and_o pray_v near_o a_o hour_n so_o go_v to_o bed_v again_o as_o this_o saint_n be_v much_o with_o god_n so_o the_o lord_n be_v much_o with_o he_o in_o preach_v prophesy_a act_v brave_o and_o suffer_a death_n cheerful_o sure_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o glory_n rest_v upon_o this_o man_n of_o god_n if_o ever_o upon_o any_o the_o adversary_n themselves_o be_v judges_n this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n they_o have_v be_v most_o eminent_a that_o have_v be_v most_o with_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n let_v scripture_n and_o history_n speak_v time_n and_o room_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o enumerate_v who_o more_o famous_a for_o piety_n and_o learning_n of_o late_a year_n than_o the_o great_a usher_n it_o be_v his_o usual_a practice_n to_o sequester_v himself_o into_o some_o privacy_n 27._o dr._n bernard_n the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o dr._n usher_n p._n 27._o and_o to_o spend_v it_o in_o strict_a examination_n penitential_a humiliation_n and_o ardent_a supplication_n and_o this_o he_o find_v sweet_a to_o his_o soul_n and_o other_o see_v the_o effect_n sect_n vi_o the_o last_o reward_n of_o secret_a prayer_n be_v at_o the_o great_a day_n 4._o the_o last_o and_o chief_a reward_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v bestow_v on_o those_o that_o have_v wait_v on_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n will_v be_v the_o open_a acknowledgement_n and_o acceptance_n of_o they_o at_o that_o solemn_a day_n of_o judgement_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v be_v summon_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o every_o one_o shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a 2_o cor._n 5.10_o then_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o shall_v be_v judge_n will_v single_a out_o this_o seed_n of_o jacob_n and_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v not_o seek_v his_o face_n in_o vain_a he_o will_v now_o solemn_o acknowledge_v they_o before_o his_o father_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a angel_n as_o person_n with_o who_o he_o have_v have_v familiar_a acquaintance_n in_o a_o corner_n oh_o the_o joy_n and_o triumph_v in_o such_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n when_o our_o dear_a redeemer_n shall_v speak_v such_o a_o language_n as_o this_o before_o those_o miriads_o of_o creature_n this_o or_o that_o soul_n call_v it_o forth_o with_o honour_n though_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n for_o religion_n much_o less_o for_o worldly_a greatness_n have_v yet_o have_v intimate_a familiarity_n with_o myself_o and_o i_o with_o he_o he_o have_v perform_v many_o a_o solemn_a duty_n which_o none_o but_o a_o omniscient_a eye_n have_v see_v though_o he_o have_v live_v obscure_o in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v little_o know_v to_o eminent_a preacher_n or_o professor_n yet_o he_o and_o i_o have_v be_v long_o and_o well_o acquaint_v i_o have_v have_v his_o company_n many_o time_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o now_o i_o can_v but_o remember_v the_o kindness_n of_o his_o youth_n and_o old_a age_n the_o love_n of_o his_o espousal_n when_o he_o go_v after_o i_o in_o solitary_a place_n rather_o than_o want_v my_o presence_n he_o have_v visit_v i_o in_o duty_n and_o i_o have_v visit_v he_o in_o mercy_n oh_o what_o mutual_a embrace_n and_o reciprocal_a exchange_n of_o love_n have_v there_o be_v betwixt_o we_o he_o have_v own_v i_o and_o i_o have_v own_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n when_o ever_o he_o have_v any_o doubt_n or_o want_v or_o fear_v or_o affliction_n i_o hear_v from_o he_o in_o a_o closet_n he_o send_v his_o wing_a messenger_n of_o a_o believe_a prayer_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o i_o take_v it_o well_o from_o he_o i_o do_v not_o despise_v his_o person_n or_o deny_v his_o suit_n when_o other_o have_v be_v sport_v away_o time_n in_o vain_a recreation_n or_o damn_v their_o soul_n in_o profane_a practice_n this_o ransom_a believer_n when_o he_o can_v steal_v a_o little_a time_n run_v into_o a_o corner_n and_o there_o do_v make_v his_o moan_n to_o i_o and_o then_o i_o give_v he_o something_o worth_a his_o pain_n i_o send_v he_o away_o with_o a_o cheerful_a heart_n and_o thankful_a tongue_n and_o now_o take_v notice_n all_o you_o angel_n and_o man_n i_o declare_v that_o i_o accept_v this_o soul_n labour_n of_o love_n and_o pardon_v all_o its_o imperfection_n &_o set_v he_o in_o my_o immediate_a presence_n in_o eternal_a mansion_n he_o that_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o world_n shall_v now_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o goat_n and_o be_v set_v on_o my_o right_a hand_n he_o that_o long_v so_o much_o to_o enjoy_v i_o shall_v everlasting_o enjoy_v i_o without_o cessation_n or_o interruption_n oh_o bless_a day_n oh_o transcendent_a reward_n be_v not_o this_o a_o reward_v open_o you_o will_v say_v how_o do_v you_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v thus_o bespeak_v a_o pray_a soul_n i_o reply_v though_o we_o know_v not_o the_o form_n of_o word_n he_o will_v speak_v yet_o that_o a_o discovery_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o the_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n mat._n 25._o evident_o declare_v yea_o that_o secret_a duty_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o light_a as_o well_o as_o secret_a sin_n the_o scripture_n declare_v 1_o cor._n 4.5_o who_o will_v both_o bring_v to_o light_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n and_o will_v make_v manifest_a the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o shall_v every_o man_n have_v praise_n of_o god_n then_o good_a man_n shall_v receive_v open_a approbation_n and_o commendation_n for_o their_o holy_a exercise_n in_o secret_a place_n then_o will_v god_n wipe_v off_o all_o reproach_v calumny_n of_o black-mouthed_a liar_n wherewith_o they_o have_v bespatter_v the_o reputation_n of_o pray_v saint_n and_o clear_v up_o their_o uprightness_n as_o the_o noonday_n by_o let_v the_o world_n see_v how_o the_o saint_n spend_v their_o time_n in_o corner_n both_o alone_a and_o with_o their_o fellow-christians_a not_o in_o plot_v but_o pray_v yea_o plead_v for_o those_o that_o persecute_v they_o oh_o bless_a day_n oh_o happy_a resurrection_n of_o body_n and_o of_o name_n sure_o then_o pray_v soul_n will_v not_o then_o repent_v themselves_o of_o all_o their_o pain_n in_o private_a when_o they_o pour_v out_o their_o heart_n in_o prayer_n and_o tear_n since_o now_o they_o be_v reward_v with_o such_o a_o bless_a euge_fw-la and_o be_v open_o entertain_v into_o their_o master_n joy_n and_o father_n kingdom_n chap._n iii_o the_o first_o use_n of_o information_n sect_n i._o concern_v place_n of_o prayer_n 1._o if_o closet-prayer_n be_v a_o christian_a duty_n than_o it_o show_v we_o that_o in_o gospel-time_n god_n stand_v not_o precise_o upon_o place_n this_o holy_a incense_n may_v ascend_v to_o heaven_n with_o as_o much_o acceptance_n upon_o the_o golden_a altar_n the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o well_o in_o a_o private_a chamber_n as_o a_o public_a church_n some_o have_v scornful_o call_v private_a devotion_n by_o the_o derogate_a title_n of_o chimney-prayer_n and_o think_v to_o confine_v all_o religion_n to_o public_a place_n yea_o a_o great_a scholar_n say_v once_o god_n hear_v prayer_n in_o a_o consecrate_a place_n non_fw-la quia_fw-la precatur_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la ibi_fw-la not_o because_o man_n pray_v but_o because_o they_o pray_v there_o as_o though_o the_o conceit_a holiness_n of_o the_o place_n add_v some_o virtue_n to_o the_o prayer_n 2._o judaismus_fw-la est_fw-la alligare_fw-la religionem_fw-la ad_fw-la certa_fw-la loca_fw-la hospin_n de_fw-fr orig_n temp._n lib._n 4._o c._n 2._o or_o render_v it_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o be_v worse_a than_o plain_a judaisme_n to_o tie_v religion_n to_o place_n the_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 heart-searching_a god_n by_o prayer_n and_o cry_v out_o to_o he_o to_o search_v his_o heart_n and_o discover_v he_o to_o himself_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o a_o soul_n communion_n with_o god_n in_o secret_a a_o man_n have_v so_o much_o religion_n as_o he_o have_v betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o no_o more_o a_o true_a saint_n dare_v approve_v his_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n he_o be_v there_o exercise_v himself_o like_o a_o soldier_n by_o himself_o handle_v his_o pike_n and_o keep_v his_o posture_n that_o he_o may_v be_v better_o fit_v for_o a_o more_o solemn_a onset_n yea_o a_o christian_a do_v purposely_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o company_n that_o he_o may_v converse_v with_o god_n papist_n be_v true_a christian_n ape_n hence_o come_v the_o solitary_a life_n of_o monk_n pretend_v to_o imitate_v eliah_n and_o elisha_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o hierom_n and_o great_a stickler_n for_o a_o monastic_a life_n that_o this_o practice_n begin_v not_o till_o about_o the_o year_n 260_o or_o 300._o some_o say_v hilarion_n other_o paulus_n thebaeus_n other_o antonius_n begin_v this_o manner_n of_o conversation_n but_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o those_o ancient_a christian_n solitary_a life_n and_o the_o papist_n way_n of_o monastic_a live_n 1._o those_o first_o christian_n live_v solitary_a of_o necessity_n that_o they_o may_v lie_v hide_v more_o safe_o in_o a_o time_n of_o persecution_n 2._o they_o be_v not_o compel_v to_o give_v all_o to_o the_o poor_a 3._o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o certain_a rule_n nor_o do_v they_o engage_v themselves_o by_o a_o perpetual_a vow_n to_o that_o place_n and_o state_n 228._o vid._n perk._n demonstr_n problem_n monach._n p._n 227_o 228._o but_o may_v change_v their_o manner_n of_o life_n if_o they_o see_v good_a they_o be_v not_o bind_v as_o to_o meat_n marriage_n fast_v 4._o these_o ancient_a monk_n be_v of_o the_o laity_n not_o of_o the_o clergy_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n 5._o they_o have_v no_o conceit_n of_o merit_n in_o a_o monastic_a life_n till_o these_o latter_a age_n i_o may_v add_v 6._o 13._o clark_n eccles_n hist_o fol._n 13._o those_o ancient_a monk_n have_v a_o particular_a call_v and_o do_v work_v as_o the_o monk_n of_o bangor_n that_o live_v by_o the_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n and_o 7._o they_o be_v not_o tie_v up_o from_o converse_v abroad_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o occasion_n there_o be_v manifold_a it_o be_v not_o fit_a person_n shall_v be_v always_o coop_v up_o in_o a_o corner_n but_o that_o they_o be_v of_o use_n to_o other_o in_o their_o place_n and_o capacity_n we_o be_v not_o bear_v for_o ourselves_o nor_o must_v we_o live_v only_o within_o ourselves_o which_o will_v contradict_v the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n discentium_fw-la vita_fw-la solitaria_fw-la communi_fw-la inferior_a est_fw-la quia_fw-la importunis_fw-la cogitationibus_fw-la plena_fw-la quae_fw-la tanquam_fw-la muscae_fw-la minutissimae_fw-la de_fw-la timo_fw-la surgentes_fw-la volunt_fw-la in_o oculos_fw-la coâ—dis_fw-la &_o interrumpunt_fw-la sabbathum_fw-la mentis_fw-la ivo_n carnatensis_fw-la epist_n 258._o videsis_n plura_fw-la in_o perk_n ubi_fw-la supra_fw-la demonstrat_fw-la monasteria_fw-la veterum_fw-la ut_fw-la plurimum_fw-la faisse_fw-fr scholas_fw-la publicas_fw-la i._n e._n communitates_fw-la docentium_fw-la &_o discentium_fw-la a_o constant_a solitariness_n expose_v person_n to_o a_o world_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o be_v alone_o say_v solomon_n a_o ancient_a can_v speak_v it_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o a_o solitary_a life_n be_v inferior_a to_o a_o common_a converse_v because_o it_o be_v full_a of_o importunate_a cogitation_n which_o like_o little_a fly_n arise_v from_o dung_n fly_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o interrupt_v the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o mind_n thus_o he_o but_o i_o need_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o mention_n of_o popish_a foppery_n a_o right-bred_n christian_n that_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n be_v thrust_v into_o a_o corner_n know_v how_o to_o improve_v solitariness_n for_o soul-advantage_n and_o voluntary_o do_v withdraw_v himself_o into_o a_o corner_n that_o he_o may_v set_v himself_o to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o good_a earnest_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n concern_v husband_n and_o wife_n 1_o cor._n 7.5_o defraud_v you_o not_o one_o the_o other_o except_o it_o be_v with_o consent_n for_o a_o time_n that_o you_o may_v give_v yourselves_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n thence_o note_n that_o it_o be_v convenient_a sometime_o for_o christian_n to_o sequester_v themselves_o from_o near_a relation_n loc_fw-la vide_fw-la pareum_fw-la in_o loc_fw-la that_o they_o may_v have_v free_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o holy_a duty_n only_o let_v these_o four_o caution_n and_o limitation_n of_o the_o text_n be_v observe_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v with_o mutual_a consent_n 2._o but_o for_o a_o season_n 3._o the_o end_n a_o advantage_n for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n 4._o that_o they_o come_v together_o again_o this_o respect_v not_o every_o day_n ordinary_a performance_n but_o some_o solemn_a undertake_n of_o state_v and_o extraordinary_a fast_n in_o a_o day_n of_o danger_n or_o calamity_n at_o which_o time_n the_o bridegroom_n be_v to_o go_v forth_o of_o his_o chamber_n and_o the_o bride_n out_o of_o her_o closet_n joel_n 2.16_o i_o e._n to_o sequester_v themselves_o from_o conjugal_a delight_n to_o afflict_v their_o soul_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n but_o in_o these_o case_n a_o sound_n christian_n due_a discretion_n regulate_v by_o the_o general_n rule_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n will_v help_v in_o such_o performance_n that_o he_o may_v not_o dash_v on_o either_o rock_n of_o superstition_n or_o negligence_n but_o maintain_v a_o close_o and_o constant_a communion_n with_o god_n both_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o general_n and_o particular_a call_n in_o public_a ordinance_n and_o in_o private_a and_o secret_a duty_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o use_n chap._n iu._n the_o second_o use_n viz._n of_o reprehension_n sect_n i._o wicked_a man_n reprove_v 1._o here_o be_v just_a ground_n of_o sharp_a rebuke_n to_o all_o graceless_a prayerless_a person_n who_o understand_v nothing_o of_o this_o duty_n they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o tug_v and_o struggle_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o closet-prayer_n david_n say_v the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o his_o thought_n psal_n 10.4_o he_o can_v pray_v aright_o any_o where_n much_o less_o in_o secret_n the_o same_o psalm_n tell_v we_o what_o he_o do_v in_o secret_a ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10._o in_o the_o secret_a place_n do_v he_o murder_v the_o innocent_a his_o eye_n be_v privy_o set_v against_o the_o poor_a the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v a_o shame_n even_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v of_o they_o in_o secret_a eph._n 5.12_o oh_o the_o abominable_a practice_n of_o profane_a spirit_n in_o a_o corner_n their_o conscience_n can_v tell_v they_o sad_a story_n of_o secret_a sin_n which_o none_o but_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o themselves_o know_v of_o yea_o because_o they_o see_v not_o god_n they_o think_v god_n see_v not_o they_o like_o the_o silly_a bird_n because_o she_o thrust_v her_o head_n into_o a_o bush_n think_v she_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o fowler_n though_o her_o body_n be_v expose_v to_o open_a view_n carnal_a man_n maxim_n be_v like_o that_o monkish_a one_o caute_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la cast_v carry_v it_o wary_o if_o not_o chaste_o if_o they_o can_v hide_v their_o sin_n from_o man_n they_o take_v no_o notice_n whether_o god_n see_v they_o or_o no_o and_o from_o wish_v that_o he_o do_v not_o see_v begin_v to_o suspect_v whether_o he_o do_v see_v or_o no_o and_o
at_o last_o arrive_v to_o those_o man_n arrogant_a demand_n who_o see_v we_o or_o that_o positive_a conclusion_n psal_n 97.4_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o see_v neither_o shall_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n regard_n but_o what_o say_v the_o psalmist_n to_o these_o brutish_a soâ—s_n he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v he_o not_o hear_v he_o that_o form_v the_o eye_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v ver_fw-la 9_o let_v these_o atheist_n know_v that_o god_n see_v and_o set_v down_o all_o their_o secret_a wickedness_n and_o will_v bring_v it_o forth_o before_o angel_n and_o man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o reckon_n the_o sin_n of_o judah_n be_v write_v with_o a_o pen_n of_o iron_n 17.1_o jer._n 17.1_o and_o with_o a_o point_n of_o a_o diamond_n it_o can_v never_o be_v raze_v out_o but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o by_o multiply_a act_n of_o notorious_a sin_v some_o may_v blur_v the_o engraving_n of_o sin_n on_o the_o table_n of_o their_o heart_n yet_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o write_n with_o the_o juice_n of_o lemon_n be_v hold_v to_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n wrath_n it_o be_v as_o legible_a to_o the_o conscience_n as_o the_o first_o moment_n when_o the_o sin_n be_v commit_v oh_o the_o secret_a wickedness_n that_o wicked_a man_n have_v to_o reckon_v for_o but_o where_o be_v the_o secret_a prayer_n alas_o how_o rare_o or_o how_o formal_o do_v they_o wait_v on_o god_n alone_o custom_n vain_a glory_n and_o carnal_a interest_n may_v put_v they_o on_o join_v in_o public_a prayer_n or_o family-duty_n but_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o this_o spiritual_a self-denying_a duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n the_o carnal_a hypocrite_n expose_v all_o to_o open_a view_n he_o be_v like_o a_o house_n with_o a_o beautiful_a frontispiece_n but_o every_o room_n within_o be_v dark_a as_o one_o say_v he_o be_v a_o rot_a post_n fair_o guild_v he_o have_v dress_v himself_o in_o the_o garb_n of_o religion_n and_o will_v be_v as_o devout_a as_o the_o best_a in_o temple-worship_n but_o follow_v he_o to_o his_o closet_n he_o can_v afford_v god_n one_o hour_n in_o a_o week_n he_o do_v not_o make_v conscience_n of_o secret_a prayer_n this_o gain_v he_o no_o credit_n with_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v little_o use_v this_o right_o perform_v open_v the_o heart_n to_o god_n which_o the_o unsound_a professor_n dare_v not_o do_v i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o whether_o the_o hypocrite_n may_v use_v closet-prayer_n and_o wherein_o he_o be_v distinguish_v from_o a_o sincere_a soul_n in_o that_o duty_n at_o present_a i_o be_o reprove_v those_o that_o never_o use_v it_o that_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o below_o they_o they_o either_o dare_v not_o be_v alone_o or_o scorn_v to_o stoop_v so_o low_a and_o sigh_v out_o their_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o a_o corner_n as_o though_o they_o will_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o great_a god_n for_o any_o mercy_n but_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o practice_n speak_v the_o language_n of_o those_o proud_a atheist_n in_o jer._n 2.31_o we_o be_v lord_n we_o will_v come_v no_o more_o unto_o thou_o but_o let_v such_o know_v they_o shall_v die_v like_o man_n and_o be_v damn_v like_o devil_n that_o imagine_v they_o be_v god_n and_o will_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o our_o god_n for_o mercy_n lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o these_o poor_a prayerless_a sinner_n that_o understand_v not_o the_o necessity_n and_o mystery_n of_o closet-prayer_n but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o needless_a and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v it_o be_v more_o ado_n than_o needs_o but_o let_v these_o prepare_v to_o make_v good_a that_o desperate_a assertion_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o god_n justice_n with_o flame_n about_o their_o ear_n and_o let_v such_o know_v that_o god_n will_v answer_v their_o cavil_n against_o plain_a duty_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o his_o minister_n can_v do_v now_o to_o which_o dreadful_a judgement_n we_o leave_v they_o except_o prevent_v by_o a_o speedy_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n sect_n ii_o the_o godly_a reprove_v but_o the_o person_n to_o be_v principal_o reprove_v at_o present_a be_v the_o professor_n of_o religion_n that_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o grievous_o neglect_v it_o i_o fear_v god_n child_n be_v not_o so_o constant_a and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v be_v not_o good_a soul_n guilty_a of_o frequent_a omission_n intermission_n at_o least_o negligent_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o be_v one_o of_o old_a mr._n dod_n instruction_n that_o at_o night_n we_o shall_v ask_v ourselves_o have_v i_o twice_o this_o day_n humble_v myself_o before_o god_n in_o private_a herbert_n who_o go_v to_o bed_n and_o do_v not_o pray_v make_v two_o night_n to_o every_o day_n herbert_n and_o again_o how_o do_v i_o pray_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n i_o be_o afraid_a many_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v but_o a_o sorry_a account_n of_o these_o serious_a inquiry_n let_v we_o be_v ashamed_a lay_v it_o to_o our_o heart_n and_o give_v god_n glory_n by_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n for_o the_o humble_v of_o our_o heart_n in_o this_o case_n let_v i_o propound_v these_o ten_o awaken_v interrogatory_n that_o we_o may_v mourn_v for_o our_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n 1._o be_v you_o not_o very_o unlike_a jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o he_o the_o perfect_a copy_n that_o we_o shall_v write_v after_o and_o do_v we_o not_o find_v he_o often_o in_o private_a prayer_n we_o meet_v with_o he_o in_o this_o solitary_a duty_n sometime_o in_o the_o day_n 26.36_o luk._n 6.12_o mat._n 26.36_o sometime_o in_o the_o night_n sometime_o all_o night_n in_o a_o garden_n in_o a_o mountain_n he_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o go_v to_o his_o father_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n he_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o strong_a cry_v and_o tear_n heb._n 5.7_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n so_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o sharp_a his_o sorrow_n the_o strong_a his_o 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be_v to_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n and_o employ_v our_o dear_a advocate_n that_o we_o may_v speed_v and_o shall_v not_o we_o as_o it_o be_v set_v he_o a-work_o and_o send_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o be_v mix_v with_o his_o sweet_a incense_n the_o lord_n humble_v we_o for_o and_o pardon_v to_o we_o our_o neglect_n and_o omission_n 2._o be_v you_o not_o herein_o very_a unlike_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n be_v wrestler_n with_o god_n god_n have_v no_o child_n still-born_a they_o all_o cry_n abba_n father_n jacob_n wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n and_o ever_o since_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n have_v bear_v that_o name_n psal_n 24.6_o this_o be_v the_o generation_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o that_o seek_v thy_o face_n o_o jacob_n selah_n i._n e._n that_o seek_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n as_o jacob_n do_v 32.6_o psal_n 32.6_o and_o indeed_o every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a will_n thus_o pray_v there_o may_v be_v bring_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n in_o all_o age_n of_o pray_v saint_n that_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o secret_a it_o be_v record_v of_o the_o apostle_n james_n that_o his_o knee_n be_v as_o hard_o as_o camel_n foot_n with_o pray_v some_o have_v seek_v out_o for_o private_a place_n to_o pray_v in_o other_o have_v rise_v out_o of_o their_o bed_n to_o pray_v other_o have_v set_v day_n apart_o to_o humble_v themselves_o in_o secret_a by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n other_o will_v never_o adventure_v on_o business_n without_o seek_v god_n such_o as_o be_v acquaint_v with_o ecclesiastical_a history_n or_o christian_a experience_n may_v find_v store_n of_o instance_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v unlike_o our_o brethren_n have_v we_o not_o
way_n to_o hire_v soul_n to_o approach_v to_o he_o by_o hold_v out_o promise_v of_o reward_n as_o we_o do_v offer_v apple_n fruit_n etc._n etc._n to_o child_n to_o entice_v they_o to_o we_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o bait_n to_o cozen_v and_o ensnare_v we_o but_o real_a offer_n of_o kindness_n to_o we_o whereof_o we_o may_v partake_v and_o wherewith_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a suppose_v a_o prince_n desire_v a_o beggar_n company_n with_o expression_n of_o dear_a affection_n and_o promise_n of_o many_o kindness_n be_v it_o not_o gross_a ingratitude_n if_o she_o fling_v away_o and_o scorn_v the_o motion_n or_o suppose_v a_o potent_a person_n send_v to_o a_o poor_a man_n a_o love_a message_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v consider_v his_o case_n and_o have_v appoint_v time_n and_o place_n that_o they_o two_o together_o may_v confer_v about_o the_o necessary_a concernment_n of_o this_o poor_a man_n he_o shall_v have_v free_a admission_n and_o liberty_n without_o disturbance_n to_o present_v his_o petition_n and_o ask_v what_o he_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v none_o shall_v be_v present_a but_o only_o they_o two_o shall_v converse_v familiar_o together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o poor_a man_n but_o instead_o of_o a_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o this_o kindness_n the_o poor_a man_n pick_v quarrel_n with_o the_o messenger_n or_o message_n grow_v sullen_a and_o perverse_a run_v away_o and_o say_v i_o need_v neither_o his_o counsel_n nor_o assistance_n let_v he_o bestow_v his_o kindness_n where_o he_o will_v i_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o he_o be_v not_o this_o gross_a ingratitude_n and_o how_o will_v it_o be_v take_v the_o case_n be_v thou_o soul_n that_o neglecte_v secret_a duty_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n give_v thou_o notice_n to_o meet_v he_o in_o such_o a_o room_n to_o negotiate_v free_o the_o main_a concernment_n of_o thy_o precious_a soul_n and_o thou_o be_v coy_a and_o shy_a and_o will_v not_o come_v near_o he_o but_o either_o plain_o deny_v or_o 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the_o mediator_n but_o you_o must_v also_o slight_a the_o motion_n of_o god_n the_o bless_a spirit_n this_o be_v sad_a how_o often_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n knock_v at_o your_o door_n stir_v you_o up_o spur_v you_o forward_o unto_o duty_n and_o take_v you_o by_o the_o hand_n offer_v its_o assistance_n if_o you_o will_v go_v to_o god_n and_o yet_o do_v you_o refuse_v do_v you_o make_v nothing_o of_o quench_v grieve_v yea_o vex_a the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n consider_v what_o you_o do_v as_o you_o deal_v with_o it_o so_o it_o will_v deal_v with_o you_o if_o you_o do_v not_o embrace_v its_o call_n perhaps_o it_o will_v not_o be_v present_a at_o your_o call_n and_o what_o can_v you_o do_v in_o duty_n without_o it_o if_o you_o strive_v against_o it_o it_o will_v cease_v strive_v with_o you_o be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o you_o have_v not_o this_o heavenly_a wind_n at_o your_o command_n and_o you_o may_v toss_v in_o the_o boat_n of_o duty_n long_o but_o shall_v not_o approach_v the_o port_n without_o it_o nothing_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v carry_v thy_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o what_o can_v excite_v and_o comfort_v thou_o when_o thy_o assistant_n and_o comforter_n be_v slight_v and_o sadn_v grieve_v therefore_o christian_n for_o thy_o grieve_v of_o the_o spirit_n lay_v to_o heart_n thy_o careless_a quench_v of_o this_o holy_a fire_n and_o let_v those_o water_n of_o lust_n or_o negligence_n cost_v thou_o the_o water_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o repentance_n that_o this_o sin_n may_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o thy_o charge_n say_v as_o that_o divine_a poet_n and_o be_v thou_o grieve_v sweet_a and_o sacred_a dove_n when_o i_o be_o sour_a and_o cross_v thy_o love_n grieve_v for_o i_o the_o god_n of_o strength_n and_o power_n grieve_v for_o a_o worm_n which_o when_o i_o tread_v i_o pass_v away_o and_o leave_v it_o dead_a see_v the_o rest_n in_o herbert_n poem_n on_o eph._n 5.30_o pag._n 128._o 9_o if_o you_o can_v only_o pray_v in_o company_n what_o will_v you_o do_v when_o your_o company_n be_v go_v a_o time_n may_v come_v when_o you_o may_v be_v leave_v alone_o as_o christ_n say_v he_o be_v you_o have_v need_n engage_v the_o father_n to_o be_v with_o you_o that_o you_o may_v say_v as_o the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 1.3_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n it_o be_v true_a communion_n of_o saint_n be_v desirable_a but_o external_a communion_n be_v not_o always_o attainable_a you_o may_v be_v thrust_v out_o by_o divine_a providence_n now_o it_o will_v be_v sad_a to_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n when_o person_n be_v alone_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a expression_n of_o some_o that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o live_v it_o such_o and_o such_o christian_a friend_n or_o godly_a relation_n be_v take_v away_o why_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n be_v they_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n be_v your_o spiritual_a life_n maintain_v by_o the_o leaden_a pipe_n or_o by_o the_o live_a spring_n that_o stream_n through_o they_o alas_o sir_n if_o you_o more_o understand_v and_o use_v this_o art_n of_o draw_v influence_n from_o god_n immediate_o through_o christ_n by_o secret_a prayer_n you_o will_v not_o be_v so_o discourage_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n you_o will_v say_v indeed_o it_o be_v true_a my_o loss_n be_v great_a such_o a_o one_o have_v a_o notable_a gift_n in_o prayer_n and_o speak_v my_o very_a heart_n to_o god_n but_o though_o he_o be_v go_v be_v my_o god_n go_v be_v prayer_n go_v though_o i_o can_v get_v such_o move_a expression_n as_o such_o have_v yet_o i_o open_v my_o heart_n to_o god_n as_o i_o can_v in_o secret_a former_o and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o refuge_n now_o the_o same_o road_n unto_o this_o city_n and_o sanctuary_n i_o go_v in_o and_o therefore_o all_o my_o comfort_n be_v not_o go_v bless_a be_v my_o god_n but_o a_o poor_a soul_n that_o have_v lean_v upon_o the_o staff_n of_o other_o inlargement_n will_v be_v shrewd_o put_v to_o it_o when_o that_o staff_n be_v go_v and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a disparagement_n to_o a_o noble_a and_o immortal_a soul_n that_o it_o can_v treat_v and_o entertain_v its_o god_n alone_o what_o can_v god_n and_o a_o heaven_n bear_v soul_n converse_v together_o without_o auxiliary_n must_v another_o interpose_v as_o a_o instrument_n without_o who_o you_o can_v enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o chide_v yourselves_o as_o not_o act_v suitable_o to_o your_o rational_a spirit_n much_o less_o to_o a_o supernatural_a principle_n of_o grace_n 10._o last_o let_v i_o further_o demand_v of_o you_o what_o if_o our_o lord_n shall_v call_v you_o away_o and_o find_v you_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o know_a duty_n what_o confusion_n grief_n and_o jealousy_n will_v possess_v you_o if_o death_n arrest_v you_o in_o such_o a_o state_n what_o a_o hurry_n be_v forlorn_a saul_n in_o when_o the_o philistine_n be_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o have_v not_o offer_v sacrifice_n unto_o god_n and_o what_o a_o desperate_a plunge_n will_v you_o be_v put_v to_o when_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o have_v not_o personal_o and_o private_o be_v seek_v god_n though_o you_o may_v be_v right_a and_o safe_a for_o the_o main_a yet_o your_o spirit_n will_v be_v much_o perplex_v and_o you_o will_v suffer_v shrewd_a rebuke_n from_o your_o own_o conscience_n for_o your_o omission_n and_o will_v be_v put_v to_o that_o last_o prayer_n of_o a_o die_a saint_n eminent_a in_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n forgive_v i_o my_o sin_n of_o omission_n and_o possible_o may_v want_v that_o spiritual_a solace_n in_o a_o die_a hour_n that_o pray_v soul_n may_v have_v oh_o what_o a_o bless_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v if_o our_o dear_a
they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v god_n carry_v something_o out_o of_o your_o closet_n that_o may_v hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o work_n what_o david_n speak_v in_o word_n ps_n 119.55_o 56._o after_o he_o have_v say_v he_o remember_v god_n name_n in_o the_o night_n he_o add_v this_o i_o have_v because_o i_o keep_v thy_o precept_n he_o tell_v not_o what_o it_o be_v but_o certain_o something_o it_o be_v worth_n have_v possible_o it_o be_v some_o strength_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n some_o power_n over_o a_o corruption_n oh_o christian_n let_v your_o action_n demonstrate_v what_o you_o get_v in_o god_n presence_n what_o a_o sin_n and_o shame_n be_v it_o when_o person_n do_v that_o moral_o that_o moses_n do_v literal_o even_o come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n and_o break_v the_o table_n of_o god_n law_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v off_o the_o place_n oh_o how_o sad_o be_v it_o for_o a_o soul_n to_o come_v down_o from_o closet-prayer_n and_o be_v proud_a passionate_a envious_a or_o covetous_a and_o observe_v it_o than_o you_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n for_o than_o do_v satan_n tempt_v most_o and_o your_o heart_n be_v then_o most_o apt_a to_o be_v secure_a conceit_a and_o carnal_o confident_a as_o though_o you_o have_v do_v enough_o and_o may_v now_o sit_v down_o and_o take_v your_o ease_n and_o have_v sweat_n at_o duty_n and_o sudden_o cool_v the_o gracious_a soul_n do_v contract_v a_o dangerous_a surfeit_n and_o fall_v into_o a_o languish_a condition_n be_v jealous_a therefore_o of_o yourselves_o when_o you_o have_v be_v with_o god_n in_o secret_a and_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v like_o a_o cheater_n who_o strike_v in_o with_o a_o young_a heir_n when_o he_o have_v new_o receive_v his_o rent_n and_o never_o leave_v he_o till_o he_o have_v ease_v he_o of_o his_o money_n oh_o now_o walk_v wary_o and_o watchful_o consider_v where_o you_o have_v be_v and_o do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o your_o communion_n or_o profession_n let_v it_o never_o be_v say_v of_o you_o as_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v i_o wonder_v what_o such_o person_n do_v so_o much_o alone_o unless_o they_o live_v better_o and_o carry_v themselves_o after_o another_o order_n they_o pretend_v devotion_n but_o there_o be_v little_a see_v in_o their_o conversation_n they_o will_v talk_v as_o vain_o live_v as_o wanton_o be_v as_o hard_a and_o false_a in_o their_o way_n of_o trade_v and_o be_v as_o proud_a scornful_a perfidious_a and_o injurious_a as_o other_o be_v ah_o christian_n let_v it_o never_o be_v say_v thus_o at_o least_o give_v no_o occasion_n of_o such_o speech_n let_v the_o world_n see_v your_o prayer_n have_v some_o efficacy_n that_o you_o get_v some_o strength_n in_o duty_n which_o you_o lay_v out_o in_o your_o practice_n sect_n iii_o further_n duty_n after_o closet-prayer_n 3._o another_o duty_n after_o you_o have_v be_v with_o god_n in_o secret_a be_v to_o expect_v a_o seasonable_a return_n stand_v upon_o your_o watch_n harken_v what_o god_n will_v speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v david_n will_v i_o direct_v my_o prayer_n and_o will_v look_v up_o psal_n 5.3_o so_o do_v you_o christian_n look_v up_o to_o see_v what_o become_v of_o your_o prayer_n observe_v what_o answer_v god_n give_v in_o it_o be_v a_o unmannerly_a mock_v another_o pilate-like_a to_o ask_v a_o question_n and_o expect_v no_o answer_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o gross_a soloecism_n in_o religion_n to_o speak_v many_o thing_n to_o god_n and_o expect_v no_o return_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a fault_n among_o christian_n to_o pray_v and_o pray_v and_o never_o to_o consider_v or_o gather_v up_o the_o fruit_n of_o prayer_n be_v it_o not_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o folly_n for_o man_n to_o be_v always_o sow_v and_o never_o to_o look_v for_o a_o harvest_n sure_o christian_n have_v more_o harvest_n than_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o therefore_o sir_n observe_v how_o you_o reap_v 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have_v not_o only_o a_o rule_n for_o it_o but_o the_o exemplify_a of_o it_o in_o a_o precedent_n and_o we_o know_v example_n be_v of_o a_o prevail_a nature_n especial_o see_v that_o you_o put_v your_o family_n upon_o this_o practice_n oh_o what_o a_o bless_a thing_n be_v it_o if_o every_o person_n in_o several_a room_n of_o the_o house_n be_v at_o work_n with_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n how_o brave_o will_v that_o house_n be_v perfume_v how_o well_o will_v the_o trade_n of_o godliness_n thrive_v sure_o such_o a_o house_n be_v a_o more_o bless_a beautiful_a edifice_n than_o any_o prince_n palace_n under_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o disposition_n of_o gospel-penitents_a to_o mourn_v every_o family_n apart_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 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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
god_n 3._o obj._n but_o i_o be_o a_o servant_n and_o must_v obey_v my_o master_n i_o be_o keep_v too_o hardly_o at_o work_n to_o get_v time_n for_o secret_a prayer_n i_o be_o call_v to_o work_v betimes_o dog_v to_o it_o all_o the_o day_n answ_n though_o you_o be_v servant_n to_o do_v man_n work_n yet_o not_o slave_n to_o their_o lust_n in_o that_o respect_n you_o must_v not_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n if_o you_o be_v servant_n you_o be_v the_o lord_n freeman_n if_o free_a yet_o you_o be_v christ_n servant_n 1_o cor._n 7.22_o 23._o remember_v you_o have_v a_o master_n in_o heaven_n no_o mortal_a creature_n can_v discharge_v you_o from_o your_o attendance_n on_o god_n you_o must_v do_v god_n work_v as_o well_o as_o your_o master_n and_o your_o master_n work_n for_o god_n sake_n 7._o eph._n 6.6_o 7._o oh_o sir_n do_v not_o neglect_v your_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o pleasure_v man_n can_v your_o superior_a answer_n for_o your_o neglect_n or_o interpose_v betwixt_o flame_a wrath_n and_o your_o sin_v soul_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a some_o lie_v the_o blame_n on_o master_n when_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o deceive_v not_o thyself_o by_o accuse_v other_o to_o clear_v thyself_o this_o be_v adam_n fault_n think_v not_o that_o another_o rigour_n can_v excuse_v thy_o neglect_n let_v i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v never_o a_o servant_n so_o strict_o watch_v but_o may_v steal_v some_o time_n from_o his_o master_n for_o his_o god_n and_o yet_o do_v he_o no_o wrong_n only_o see_v that_o you_o be_v prudent_a in_o choose_v such_o season_n as_o may_v not_o just_o provoke_v your_o master_n or_o prejudice_v his_o occasion_n and_o be_v often_o in_o your_o calling_n lift_v up_o your_o heart_n to_o god_n be_v content_a with_o your_o condition_n have_v you_o more_o liberty_n it_o may_v be_v your_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v in_o so_o good_a a_o frame_n but_o let_v i_o bespeak_v master_n indulgence_n to_o poor_a and_o pious_a servant_n oh_o hinder_v they_o not_o in_o any_o good_a work_n rather_o put_v they_o upon_o it_o encourage_v they_o in_o it_o bless_v god_n that_o you_o have_v pray_v servant_n this_o be_v a_o hopeful_a presage_n of_o good_a success_n let_v not_o your_o servant_n fare_v the_o worse_o but_o the_o better_a for_o be_v god_n servant_n 4._o obj._n but_o i_o have_v no_o closet_n to_o pray_v in_o no_o convenient_a room_n for_o secret_a prayer_n i_o have_v a_o little_a house_n a_o busy_a full_a family_n and_o can_v retire_v myself_o answ_n a_o good_a good_a heart_n will_v find_v room_n either_o within_o door_n or_o without_o a_o gracious_a soul_n will_v seek_v out_o place_n to_o pray_v in_o any_o sorry_a cote_n will_v be_v a_o bethel_n where_o it_o can_v enjoy_v its_o god_n or_o if_o he_o can_v get_v to_o it_o under_o the_o roof_n he_o will_v with_o good_a isaac_n walk_v out_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v and_o to_o pray_v can_v heathen_n and_o idolatrous_a jew_n plant_v grove_n for_o their_o superstition_n in_o a_o apish_a imitation_n of_o 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good_a christian_n that_o never_o use_v it_o yea_o that_o maintain_v it_o in_o their_o judgement_n that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a except_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n what_o say_v you_o to_o that_o i_o answ_n i_o never_o yet_o meet_v with_o such_o person_n that_o have_v the_o face_n of_o religion_n that_o ever_o speak_v against_o the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v meet_v with_o some_o who_o be_v urge_v to_o family-prayer_n have_v put_v it_o off_o with_o this_o evasion_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v in_o their_o closet_n how_o well_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n know_v but_o if_o any_o professor_n judgement_n be_v so_o far_o bribe_v to_o plead_v for_o the_o flesh_n in_o this_o neglect_n the_o lord_n rebuke_v they_o and_o forgive_v they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v this_o be_v a_o lamentation_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_a any_o truth_n so_o sacred_a or_o duty_n so_o spiritual_a but_o it_o have_v be_v contradict_v in_o these_o licentious_a day_n some_o have_v plead_v against_o family-prayer_n catechise_v christian-meeting_n and_o what_o not_o but_o they_o can_v produce_v no_o solid_a argument_n do_v not_o you_o follow_v their_o example_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n precept_n and_o precedent_n many_o be_v produce_v for_o confirmation_n most_o whereof_o be_v not_o only_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n but_o be_v a_o ordinary_a practice_n and_o can_v you_o find_v the_o day_n that_o afford_v not_o some_o special_a matter_n to_o occasion_v you_o to_o make_v address_n to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n if_o you_o be_v sensible_a and_o observant_a sure_o you_o will_v see_v great_a need_n for_o such_o retirement_n in_o ordinary_a practice_n remember_v this_o that_o you_o follow_v no_o man_n but_o as_o he_o follow_v christ_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a our_o precious_a saviour_n use_v this_o practice_n sect_n iii_o more_o objection_n answer_v 6._o obj._n but_o i_o find_v not_o my_o heart_n affect_v or_o prepare_v be_v it_o not_o a_o tempt_a of_o god_n to_o go_v when_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o move_v i_o i_o answ_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a mistake_n to_o think_v you_o may_v not_o go_v to_o duty_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n move_v you_o for_o it_o may_v be_v long_o before_o it_o stir_v the_o spirit_n blow_v where_o and_o when_o it_o list_v you_o be_v therefore_o to_o lay_v yourselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n call_v in_o its_o aid_n which_o ordinary_o come_v when_o soul_n do_v their_o duty_n holy_a performance_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o walk_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o air_n where_o he_o breathe_v and_o be_v sure_a he_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o walk_v but_o you_o can_v expect_v he_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o plain_a duty_n try_v this_o way_n put_v god_n to_o it_o plead_v his_o promise_n you_o can_v think_v to_o be_v warm_a if_o you_o run_v from_o the_o fire_n if_o you_o have_v not_o a_o appetite_n to_o pray_v you_o must_v pray_v for_o a_o appetite_n for_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n never_o fit_v but_o always_o unfit_v for_o a_o duty_n if_o you_o will_v heed_v your_o trifle_a spirit_n and_o accept_v every_o excuse_n which_o they_o make_v you_o shall_v never_o pray_v if_o you_o play_v the_o truant_n one_o time_n you_o will_v have_v less_o mind_n to_o go_v to_o god_n the_o next_o time_n guilt_n make_v you_o afraid_a and_o you_o dare_v not_o come_v near_o that_o god_n who_o you_o have_v wrong_v as_o adam_n run_v from_o god_n and_o peter_n will_v thrust_v christ_n from_o he_o when_o conscious_a of_o guilt_n how_o dare_v you_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n who_o you_o have_v slight_v beside_o you_o will_v find_v that_o neglect_n of_o duty_n do_v not_o make_v the_o next_o performance_n more_o easy_a but_o more_o difficult_a it_o will_v as_o one_o say_v require_v more_o time_n and_o pain_n for_o you_o to_o tune_v your_o instrument_n than_o for_o another_o to_o play_v his_o lesson_n and_o be_v it_o not_o more_o likely_a god_n shall_v come_v to_o you_o in_o painstaking_a than_o total_a omission_n do_v you_o not_o read_v in_o the_o psalm_n how_o often_o david_n begin_v faint_o and_o end_v triumphant_o try_v the_o lord_n and_o see_v if_o he_o be_v not_o better_o than_o you_o expect_v 7._o obj._n i_o but_o say_v a_o poor_a soul_n i_o meet_v with_o temptation_n when_o i_o go_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a satan_n assault_v i_o i_o be_o timorous_a and_o dare_v not_o be_v alone_o or_o in_o the_o dark_a but_o be_o affright_v answ_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o duty_n be_v good_a because_o so_o bad_a a_o spirit_n oppose_v it_o the_o more_o satan_n see_v a_o duty_n be_v for_o the_o soul_n advantage_n
the_o more_o diligent_a he_o be_v to_o hinder_v the_o performance_n but_o must_v satan_n be_v gratify_v rather_o than_o god_n glorify_v or_o thy_o soul_n edify_v will_v thou_o give_v way_n to_o he_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o thou_o think_v not_o thou_o can_v perform_v a_o flesh-displeasing_a duty_n when_o satan_n be_v quiet_a and_o do_v not_o molest_v he_o will_v be_v busy_a to_o tempt_v when_o thou_o be_v go_v to_o thy_o god_n this_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n he_o will_v jog_v thy_o hand_n when_o thou_o be_v write_v thy_o letter_n to_o thy_o friend_n in_o heaven_n think_v not_o to_o be_v more_o exempt_v than_o even_o thy_o saviour_n himself_o he_o be_v set_v upon_o by_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o solitary_a recess_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o oh_o the_o horrible_a nature_n of_o those_o temptation_n mat._n 4._o when_o joshua_n the_o highpriest_n pray_v satan_n stand_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o resist_v he_o but_o the_o issue_n be_v good_a god_n rebuke_v he_o zech._n 3.1_o 2._o and_o thus_o he_o will_v do_v for_o thou_o he_o will_v tread_v satan_n under_o thy_o foot_n and_o make_v thou_o a_o conqueror_n only_o when_o thou_o be_v annoy_v with_o this_o foul_a spirit_n turn_v to_o thy_o god_n leave_v not_o thy_o work_n let_v not_o satan_n take_v thou_o off_o duty_n then_o he_o have_v attain_v his_o end_n fall_v close_o to_o the_o work_n consider_v fast_v and_o prayer_n cast_v out_o the_o devil_n 6.18_o matt._n 26.4_o eph_n 6.18_o watch_v and_o prayer_n be_v preservative_n from_o infection_n yea_o prayer_n itself_o be_v a_o chief_a piece_n of_o a_o christian_n armour_n if_o you_o be_v beat_v off_o this_o you_o be_v rout_v this_o engage_v god_n for_o you_o without_o this_o you_o be_v but_o like_o other_o man_n and_o the_o philistin_n will_v put_v out_o your_o eye_n lead_v you_o captive_a and_o make_v sport_n of_o you_o stick_v close_o to_o this_o what_o ever_o you_o do_v though_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n roar_v upon_o you_o yet_o run_v to_o your_o god_n in_o prayer_n they_o be_v sluggard_n or_o coward_n that_o say_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n when_o they_o be_v call_v out_o to_o hard_a service_n or_o difficult_a duty_n nay_o rather_o say_v as_o he_o once_o in_o a_o arduous_a undertake_n here_o be_v a_o work_n fit_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o alexander_n so_o here_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n to_o manage_v by_o your_o god_n you_o may_v run_v through_o a_o troop_n and_o leap_v over_o a_o wall_n but_o more_o of_o that_o anon_o 8._o obj._n but_o i_o get_v no_o good_a by_o closet-prayer_n i_o have_v use_v it_o so_o long_o and_o still_o my_o heart_n be_v as_o cold_a hard_a dead_a as_o ever_o i_o will_v give_v over_o now_o answ_n be_v not_o this_o too_o like_o the_o language_n of_o those_o that_o say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n mal._n 3.14_o and_o be_v you_o like_o those_o atheist_n that_o think_v prayer_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n i_o hope_v not_o you_o think_v it_o do_v good_a to_o some_o but_o not_o to_o you_o well_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n be_v it_o not_o because_o you_o do_v not_o pray_v aright_o therefore_o search_v yourselves_o see_v how_o you_o pray_v mourn_v over_o your_o defect_n and_o mend_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a one_o who_o see_v the_o well_o dry_a break_v or_o throw_v away_o his_o pitcher_n but_o be_v god_n a_o barren_a wilderness_n be_v it_o not_o good_a for_o you_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n be_v they_o ever_o ashamed_a that_o wait_v on_o he_o have_v not_o thou_o sometime_o find_v benefit_n by_o secret_a prayer_n god_n be_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o seek_v he_o try_v again_o you_o will_v not_o lose_v your_o labour_n be_v not_o weary_a of_o well-doing_n in_o due_a time_n you_o shall_v reap_v if_o you_o faint_v not_o let_v not_o your_o hand_n hang_v down_o let_v not_o your_o knee_n grow_v feeble_a the_o text_n tell_v you_o your_o father_n that_o see_v in_o secret_a will_v reward_v you_o open_o and_o dare_v you_o not_o trust_v he_o beyond_o sense_n and_o experience_n there_o may_v be_v more_o advantage_n by_o this_o duty_n than_o you_o be_v aware_a of_o you_o shall_v not_o yet_o know_v the_o profit_n you_o have_v by_o secret_a prayer_n you_o must_v keep_v on_o in_o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n and_o not_o give_v over_o till_o you_o receive_v a_o full_a reward_n but_o oh_o take_v heed_n of_o give_v over_o prayer_n because_o you_o think_v you_o want_v present_a profiâ—_n you_o can_v do_v satan_n great_a service_n or_o your_o soul_n more_o prejudice_n but_o more_o of_o this_o anon_o 9_o obj._n but_o i_o be_o weak_a in_o part_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v fain_o i_o will_v but_o alas_o i_o can_v open_v my_o want_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n i_o want_v gift_n ability_n answ_n i_o be_o glad_a to_o hear_v thou_o thus_o complain_v thou_o be_v fit_a for_o pray_v when_o thou_o can_v lie_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o inability_n to_o pray_v that_o be_v a_o useful_a disposition_n in_o duty_n but_o thou_o say_v thou_o can_v not_o pray_v then_o i_o will_v tell_v thou_o what_o to_o do_v go_v thy_o way_n alone_o and_o fall_v down_o upon_o thy_o knee_n and_o plain_o tell_v the_o lord_n thou_o can_v not_o pray_v and_o entreat_v he_o to_o help_v thou_o by_o his_o bless_a spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o tell_v the_o lord_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n or_o speak_v a_o good_a word_n without_o that_o bless_a spirit_n but_o it_o shall_v help_v thy_o infirmity_n and_o teach_v thou_o what_o to_o say_v oh_o beg_v hard_a for_o that_o holy_a spirit_n and_o then_o let_v some_o mean_n be_v use_v to_o get_v matter_n of_o prayer_n you_o know_v it_o consist_v of_o confession_n of_o sin_n petition_n for_o good_a thing_n deprecation_n of_o evil_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o mercy_n well_o then_o sit_v down_o and_o think_v with_o thyself_o what_o sin_n thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o original_a or_o actual_a of_o omission_n or_o commission_n this_o be_v too_o too_o fruitful_a a_o subject_n take_v they_o home_o tell_v god_n of_o they_o by_o ingenious_a confession_n then_o bethink_v thyself_o what_o thou_o want_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o pardon_n grace_n peace_n heaven_n and_o beg_v these_o consider_v also_o what_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o as_o guilt_n strength_n effect_n of_o sin_n god_n wrath_n satan_n malice_n and_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v these_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o last_o recollect_v what_o mercy_n thou_o have_v have_v from_o god_n and_o reckon_v they_o up_o to_o god_n with_o expression_n of_o thankfulness_n do_v this_o with_o plainness_n and_o seriousness_n heed_v not_o so_o much_o for_o exact_a method_n or_o fine_a phrase_n the_o gilt_n of_o the_o key_n make_v it_o not_o open_v the_o door_n a_o jot_n the_o better_a and_o a_o prayer_n do_v not_o work_v upon_o god_n any_o rather_o because_o of_o the_o neat_a language_n therein_o but_o unbosom_v thyself_o plain_o and_o serious_o before_o thy_o god_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v present_a assistance_n and_o acceptance_n and_o future_a enlargement_n and_o encouragement_n be_v honest_a though_o never_o so_o homely_a in_o prayer_n 10._o obj._n but_o i_o like_v not_o this_o stir_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n i_o will_v rather_o do_v any_o thing_n than_o this_o my_o spirit_n be_v wonderful_a averse_a to_o it_o say_v what_o you_o will_v it_o will_v not_o down_o with_o i_o to_o make_v all_o this_o ado_n in_o closet-prayer_n it_o be_v pretty_a fair_a if_o i_o can_v keep_v up_o such_o duty_n as_o church_n and_o family_n require_v answ_n this_o be_v the_o plead_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n this_o be_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o former_a objection_n i_o expect_v this_o all_o along_o if_o the_o tongue_n speak_v not_o thus_o the_o heart_n do_v let_v a_o duty_n be_v press_v never_o so_o home_o a_o carnal_a heart_n will_v make_v some_o evasion_n though_o the_o mouth_n be_v stop_v yet_o a_o cavil_v heart_n will_v have_v something_o to_o say_v against_o a_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v mad_a with_o reason_n it_o grow_v mad_a without_o reason_n and_o against_o scripture_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o bring_v argument_n to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n than_o to_o draw_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o a_o through_o obedience_n but_o soul_n will_v thou_o plead_v for_o baal_n will_v thou_o take_v the_o devil_n part_n and_o yield_v to_o carnal_a reason_n or_o will_v thou_o balk_v any_o divine_a command_n to_o gratify_v a_o lazy_a humour_n or_o a_o base_a lust_n god_n forbid_v methinks_v if_o thou_o can_v not_o obey_v as_o thou_o ought_v yet_o
thou_o shall_v take_v god_n part_n and_o plead_v for_o obedience_n paul_n do_v so_o rom._n 7.15_o 16._o though_o he_o say_v what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o but_o what_o i_o hate_v that_o do_v i_o yet_o say_v he_o i_o consent_v to_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v good_a i._n e._n i_o take_v patt_n with_o god_n and_o join_v with_o god_n will_v against_o my_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a affection_n that_o will_v draw_v my_o neck_n from_o under_o this_o heavenly_a yoke_n and_o if_o you_o have_v not_o something_o within_o you_o that_o take_v part_n with_o god_n reveal_v will_n you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n do_v facilitate_v and_o make_v easy_a the_o hard_a duty_n because_o there_o be_v a_o likeness_n betwixt_o holy_a heart_n and_o holy_a performance_n love_n make_v every_o thing_n easy_a hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n yoke_n be_v easy_a mat._n 11.30_o his_o way_n pleasant_a and_o his_o commandment_n not_o grievous_a 1_o joh._n 5.3_o if_o thy_o heart_n be_v right_a duty_n will_v be_v sweet_a to_o thy_o soul_n it_o be_v no_o burden_n to_o eat_v drink_v sleep_n the_o act_n of_o nature_n be_v delightful_a to_o person_n in_o a_o right_a temper_n if_o they_o be_v not_o nature_n be_v oppress_v and_o out_o of_o order_n a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o regenerate_v be_v like_o a_o man_n in_o his_o call_n or_o a_o creature_n in_o its_o proper_a element_n beside_o be_v thou_o more_o accustom_v to_o duty_n in_o secret_a it_o will_v be_v more_o familiar_a to_o thou_o and_o less_o irksome_a we_o see_v by_o experience_n use_v make_v heavy_a thing_n light_v we_o hardly_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o our_o clothes_n because_o fit_v to_o we_o and_o constant_o carry_v by_o we_o when_o as_o the_o same_o weight_n upon_o our_o shoulder_n will_v trouble_v we_o christian_n consider_v all_o christian_a duty_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a difficulty_n yet_o withal_o observe_v it_o duty_n that_o be_v hard_a to_o go_v through_o many_o 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affect_v with_o the_o sweetness_n of_o pardon_v grace_n and_o ardent_o plead_v with_o god_n for_o acceptance_n again_o when_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v act_v in_o the_o duty_n as_o a_o holy_a awe_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n faith_n love_n humility_z zeal_n and_o fervency_n and_o a_o willingness_n to_o forgive_v other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v forgive_v by_o the_o lord_n last_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v when_o it_o have_v communion_n with_o god_n by_o the_o consequence_n of_o duty_n as_o when_o the_o christian_a be_v more_o vile_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n as_o abraham_n be_v give_v god_n all_o the_o glory_n see_v and_o bewail_v his_o defect_n in_o great_a inlargement_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v leave_v in_o a_o better_a frame_n and_o fit_a to_o bear_v cross_n and_o perform_v after-duty_n etc._n etc._n i_o do_v but_o hint_n these_o thing_n 4._o case_n suppose_v i_o have_v pray_v and_o pray_v and_o find_v not_o my_o heart_n affect_v it_o be_v dead_a dull_a distract_a i_o do_v no_o good_a get_v no_o good_a in_o duty_n i_o fear_v i_o offend_v god_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v ans_fw-fr such_o a_o case_n be_v sad_a yet_o consider_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o gracious_a heart_n david_n be_v so_o depress_v and_o trouble_v that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v psal_n 77.3_o 4._o god_n best_a child_n be_v sometime_o out_o of_o frame_n their_o spirit_n unfit_a for_o duty_n 2._o a_o total_a neglect_n will_v not_o mend_v the_o matter_n nor_o help_v the_o frame_n of_o your_o heart_n one_o sin_n will_v never_o cure_v another_o run_v from_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o be_v warm_a your_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v better_o but_o worse_o by_o forbearance_n omission_n indispose_v 3._o who_o know_v but_o god_n may_v come_v in_o the_o next_o time_n keep_v upon_o the_o royal_a exchange_n still_o ply_v the_o oar_n give_v god_n no_o rest_n gratify_v not_o satan_n by_o neglect_n tradesman_n keep_v their_o market_n though_o for_o small_a gain_n you_o will_v get_v 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closet-prayer_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v all_o fall_v close_o to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n what_o do_v minister_n preach_v sermon_n or_o print_v book_n for_o be_v it_o to_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v in_o public_a be_v it_o to_o be_v applaud_v or_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o to_o do_v good_a to_o people_n soul_n and_o can_v people_n get_v any_o good_a by_o hear_v a_o sound_n of_o word_n or_o a_o complemental_a read_n what_o be_v write_v be_v there_o not_o something_o else_o require_v of_o you_o now_o even_o a_o set_n about_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o what_o be_v before_o you_o what_o say_v you_o sir_n to_o this_o point_n be_v closet-prayer_n a_o christian_a duty_n or_o be_v it_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o why_o do_v christ_n direct_v we_o to_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o performance_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o our_o father_n will_v reward_v it_o open_o will_v god_n reward_v any_o thing_n but_o command_v duty_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o disprove_v it_o now_o and_o to_o stand_v to_o his_o assertion_n another_o day_n before_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n but_o i_o think_v none_o will_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o sir_n dare_v any_o man_n that_o profess_v religion_n live_v in_o the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o plain_a duty_n do_v you_o think_v it_o be_v fit_a it_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o will_v you_o not_o do_v it_o shall_v your_o own_o tongue_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o witness_n against_o yourselves_o will_v you_o be_v like_o that_o son_n that_o say_v i_o go_v sir_n but_o go_v not_o shall_v god_n wait_v your_o leisure_n and_o you_o will_v not_o give_v he_o a_o visit_n will_v you_o go_v into_o your_o closet_n to_o make_v up_o your_o account_n and_o will_v you_o not_o reckon_v straight_o betwixt_o god_n and_o your_o soul_n dare_v you_o go_v from_o day_n to_o day_n under_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o know_a sin_n if_o you_o do_v not_o what_o you_o have_v read_v this_o book_n will_v fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o conscience_n another_o day_n but_o i_o be_o most_o afraid_a lest_o christian_n trifle_v about_o this_o work_n and_o shuffle_v it_o off_o after_o any_o fashion_n and_o so_o put_v off_o god_n with_o a_o mere_a outside_n performance_n to_o pacify_v conscience_n without_o that_o warmth_n and_o life_n we_o shall_v have_v in_o our_o closet_n it_o be_v record_v of_o luther_n that_o he_o pray_v every_o day_n three_o hour_n and_o even_o then_o when_o his_o spirit_n be_v most_o lively_a per_fw-la tres_fw-la horas_fw-la easq_fw-la ad_fw-la studia_fw-la aptissimas_fw-la nor_o be_v his_o closet-prayer_n dull_a careless_a heartless_a be_v so_o fervent_a and_o ardent_a say_v melancthon_n that_o they_o which_o stand_v under_o his_o window_n where_o he_o stand_v pray_v may_v see_v his_o tear_n fall_v and_o drop_v down_o oh_o but_o where_o be_v this_o zeal_n and_o ardency_n in_o our_o secret_a devotion_n be_v we_o not_o ready_a to_o drop_v asleep_a even_o upon_o our_o knee_n alas_o how_o formal_a be_v we_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n be_v want_v in_o our_o sacrifice_n nay_o do_v we_o not_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a many_o time_n and_o know_v not_o what_o we_o say_v oh_o why_o do_v we_o thus_o forget_v god_n omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n do_v not_o he_o know_v our_o heart_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o our_o closet_n yea_o do_v not_o satan_n stand_v under_o our_o closet-window_n or_o rather_o at_o our_o elbow_n and_o hear_v what_o we_o say_v to_o god_n in_o our_o closet_n if_o you_o take_v not_o notice_n of_o your_o mistake_n in_o closet-prayer_n satan_n do_v and_o take_v advantage_n by_o they_o indeed_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o make_v this_o a_o scruple_n whethey_a shall_v in_o secret_n confess_v heart-sin_n lest_o satan_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o what_o he_o know_v not_o before_o and_o so_o be_v furnish_v with_o matter_n to_o accuse_v they_o of_o but_o a_o ingenious_a confession_n prevent_v satan_n accusation_n because_o we_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o remission_n annex_v thereunto_o rom._n 8.33_o and_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o justify_v person_n he_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o take_v your_o confession_n and_o dash_v they_o in_o your_o tooth_n since_o that_o be_v both_o the_o mean_n and_o evidence_n of_o pardon_n but_o if_o you_o fear_v that_o you_o may_v do_v as_o hannah_n in_o prayer_n speak_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o then_o satan_n can_v tell_v what_o you_o say_v but_o your_o god_n do_v however_o neglect_v not_o the_o duty_n for_o this_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o satan_n will_v catch_v more_o advantage_n by_o omission_n or_o negligent_a performance_n than_o by_o a_o ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n of_o heart-sin_n though_o he_o do_v hear_v you_o sir_n awake_v to_o righteousness_n rouse_v up_o yourselves_o to_o the_o work_n put_v not_o off_o god_n or_o conscience_n with_o a_o negative_a answer_n you_o may_v as_o well_o say_v nay_o as_o pretend_v and_o promise_v to_o do_v it_o and_o not_o perform_v fall_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o therefore_o this_o day_n there_o be_v danger_n in_o delay_n if_o you_o do_v it_o not_o to_o day_n you_o will_v be_v more_o unfit_a to_o morrow_n at_o this_o instant_n fall_v upon_o thy_o knee_n beg_v a_o blessing_n upon_o this_o book_n for_o the_o good_a of_o thy_o soul_n and_o other_o look_v upon_o closet-prayer_n as_o thy_o privilege_n as_o well_o as_o thy_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n thou_o may_v go_v to_o god_n as_o often_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o for_o what_o thou_o need_v it_o be_v no_o small_a favour_n that_o god_n have_v allow_v thou_o the_o use_n of_o this_o privy_a key_n to_o open_a heaven-gate_n when_o thou_o have_v not_o the_o more_o public_a key_n of_o other_o help_v in_o prayer_n yet_o this_o be_v thy_o encouragement_n thy_o father_n that_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v thou_o open_o i_o shall_v shut_v up_o all_o with_o a_o piece_n of_o herbert_n poetry_n call_v artillery_n as_o i_o one_o evening_n sit_v before_o my_o cell_n methinks_v a_o star_n do_v shoot_v into_o my_o lap_n i_o rise_v and_o shake_v my_o clothes_n as_o know_v well_o that_o from_o small_a fire_n come_v oft_o no_o small_a mishap_n when_o sudden_o i_o hear_v one_o say_v do_v as_o thou_o use_v disobey_v expel_v good_a motion_n from_o thy_o breast_n which_o have_v the_o face_n of_o fire_n but_o end_n in_o rest_n i_o who_o have_v hear_v of_o music_n in_o the_o sphere_n but_o not_o of_o speech_n in_o star_n begin_v to_o muse_v but_o turn_v to_o my_o god_n who_o minister_n the_o star_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v if_o i_o refuse_v dread_a lord_n say_v i_o so_o oft_o my_o good_a then_o i_o refuse_v not_o even_o with_o blood_n to_o wash_v away_o my_o stubborn_a thought_n for_o i_o will_v do_v or_o suffer_v what_o i_o ought_v but_o i_o have_v also_o star_n and_o shooter_n too_o bear_v where_o thy_o servant_n both_o artillery_n use_v my_o tear_n and_o prayer_n night_n and_o day_n do_v woe_n and_o work_v up_o to_o thou_o yet_o thou_o do_v refuse_v not_o but_o i_o be_o i_o must_v say_v still_o much_o more_o oblige_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n than_o thou_o to_o grant_v i_o but_o because_o thy_o promise_n now_o have_v even_o set_v thou_o law_n then_o we_o be_v shooter_n both_o thou_o do_v deign_v to_o enter_v combat_n with_o we_o and_o contest_v with_o thy_o own_o clay_n but_o i_o will_v parley_v fain_o shun_v not_o my_o arrow_n and_o behold_v my_o breast_n yet_o if_o thou_o shun_v i_o be_o thou_o i_o must_v be_v so_o if_o i_o be_o i_o there_o be_v no_o article_v with_o thou_o i_o be_o but_o finite_a yet_o thy_o infinite_o finis_fw-la
his_o misery_n plead_v for_o mercy_n and_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n oh_o than_o he_o go_v away_o much_o satisfy_v and_o god_n must_v needs_o accept_v his_o person_n and_o hear_v his_o prayer_n why_o so_o why_o he_o have_v sound_a abundant_a assistance_n melt_n quickning_n and_o inlargement_n alas_o sir_n where_o be_v christ_n all_o this_o while_n i_o be_o afraid_a your_o advocate_n be_v quite_o forget_v your_o surety_n set_v aside_o as_o a_o poor_a insignificant_a cypher_n and_o tell_v i_o soul_n thou_o that_o boast_v thus_o of_o thy_o inlargement_n dare_v thou_o appear_v before_o a_o holy_a god_n in_o those_o rot_a rag_n suppose_v thy_o rag_n be_v velvet_n they_o be_v but_o rag_n still_o and_o be_v too_o scant_o a_o garment_n for_o thy_o naked_a soul_n thou_o come_v to_o unlock_v the_o ear_n of_o god_n and_o open_v his_o heart_n with_o a_o wrong_a key_n we_o be_v accept_v only_o in_o the_o belove_a and_o not_o because_o we_o be_v enlarge_v it_o be_v true_a evangelical_a assistance_n may_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o acceptance_n but_o it_o be_v no_o cause_n thereof_o no_o no_o our_o person_n and_o prayer_n be_v own_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o surety_n and_o intercessor_n our_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n who_o die_v for_o we_o he_o lie_v leaguer_a at_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n as_o our_o ambassador_n to_o plead_v for_o we_o and_o to_o see_v matter_n carry_v fair_o betwixt_o god_n and_o ransom_v soul_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o employ_v our_o advocate_n and_o find_v he_o work_v or_o shall_v we_o think_v to_o go_v our_o own_o errand_n lord_n forgive_v this_o gross_a ingratitude_n oh_o christian_n whatever_o your_o straitness_n or_o inlargement_n be_v make_v use_n of_o he_o who_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n lay_v your_o sacrifice_n on_o this_o golden_a altar_n lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o your_o acceptance_n upon_o christ_n meritorious_a intercession_n act_n faith_n on_o he_o who_o mingle_v his_o sweet_a incense_n with_o your_o sorry_a performance_n oh_o look_v after_o our_o aaron_n who_o be_v go_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n for_o we_o consider_v friend_n it_o will_v be_v sad_a with_o you_o if_o you_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o best_a secret_a duty_n that_o ever_o you_o perform_v it_o be_v good_a to_o have_v a_o enlarge_a heart_n in_o secret_a yet_o there_o be_v danger_n in_o it_o and_o it_o may_v undo_v we_o because_o our_o naughty_a heart_n be_v apt_a to_o boast_v of_o and_o trust_v to_o our_o inlargement_n therefore_o it_o be_v better_a for_o we_o sometime_o to_o be_v straighten_a then_o constant_o enlarge_v in_o our_o closet-prayer_n this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v make_v some_o say_v that_o their_o duty_n have_v do_v they_o more_o hurt_n than_o their_o infirmity_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o depend_v upon_o the_o former_a when_o as_o we_o be_v daunt_v and_o empty_v of_o ourselves_o by_o consider_v the_o latter_a the_o lord_n help_v we_o all_o in_o this_o main_a business_n of_o prayer_n yea_o this_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o righteousness_n and_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o access_n to_o and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n study_v these_o scripture_n joh._n 16.23_o 24._o eph._n 3.13_o heb._n 4.15_o 16.10.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o phil._n 3.3_o 18._o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o this_o yea_o this_o be_v the_o main_a hinge_n of_o our_o religion_n you_o be_v not_o christian_n unless_o you_o make_v jehovah_n your_o righteousness_n in_o all_o you_o do_v as_o well_o as_o god_n your_o ultimate_a end_n you_o will_v go_v away_o as_o the_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi without_o acceptance_n if_o you_o plead_v your_o inlargement_n with_o god_n but_o if_o you_o come_v as_o the_o publican_n plead_v only_a god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n you_o shall_v be_v own_v and_o crown_v with_o abundant_a income_n there_o be_v also_o several_a other_o necessary_a ingredient_n in_o all_o prayer_n which_o i_o may_v urge_v with_o reference_n to_o this_o duty_n of_o secret_a prayer_n as_o 1._o a_o right_a understanding_n 1_o cor._n 14.15_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o understanding_n for_o blind_a devotion_n be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n 2._o a_o sensible_a feel_n of_o our_o want_n we_o must_v come_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v mat._n 11.28_o press_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n pinch_v with_o want_n of_o grace_n 3._o fervency_n of_o spirit_n james_n 5.17_o arise_v from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o what_o we_o desire_v burn_v zeal_n 4._o a_o reverend_a disposition_n eccl._n 5.2_o a_o unfeigned_a abase_v of_o ourselves_o before_o he_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o our_o own_o indignity_n 5._o secret_n persuasion_n of_o prevail_a 1_o tim._n 2.8_o ground_a on_o god_n all_o sufficiency_n and_o fidelity_n though_o the_o soul_n be_v unworthy_a 6._o a_o charitable_a disposition_n forgive_a other_o mat._n 6.14_o bear_v a_o endear_a affection_n to_o all_o saint_n 7._o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n hold_v on_o without_o cessation_n eph._n 6.18_o follow_v god_n in_o the_o duty_n all_o our_o day_n such_o as_o these_o constitutive_a ingredient_n essential_o requisite_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o may_v urge_v but_o must_v contract_v this_o be_v the_o second_o sort_n of_o direction_n chap._n vi_o the_o circumstance_n of_o secret_a prayer_n open_v sect_n i._o the_o three_o head_n of_o instruction_n concern_v closet-prayer_n be_v the_o circumstance_n that_o attend_v it_o which_o may_v be_v a_o great_a furtherance_n or_o hindrance_n in_o this_o performance_n these_o be_v four_o refer_v either_o to_o the_o 1._o place_n 2._o posture_n 3._o season_n 4._o voice_n i_o shall_v but_o brief_o touch_v at_o these_o 1._o for_o the_o place_n i_o advise_v you_o to_o choose_v the_o most_o retire_a room_n where_o you_o may_v be_v free_a from_o disturbance_n that_o you_o may_v not_o hear_v the_o noise_n of_o the_o family_n or_o distract_n commotion_n of_o a_o tumultuous_a world_n be_v not_o curious_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o place_n so_o it_o accomplish_v your_o end_n for_o secrecy_n or_o retirement_n no_o matter_n how_o homely_a it_o be_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o company_n will_v compensate_a the_o meanness_n of_o the_o place_n lover_n care_v not_o where_o they_o meet_v so_o they_o may_v convenient_o be_v together_o if_o you_o have_v not_o a_o convenient_a room_n within_o door_n yet_o a_o good_a heart_n will_v not_o disdain_v to_o go_v meet_v its_o belove_a in_o any_o coat_n or_o barn_n or_o wood_n isaac_n walk_v out_o into_o the_o field_n to_o pray_v and_o meditate_v see_v you_o choose_v a_o private_a place_n wherever_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n before_o open_v to_o you_o observe_v god_n providence_n in_o dispose_v of_o you_o and_o accept_v such_o place_n as_o he_o shall_v offer_v to_o you_o 2._o for_o posture_n in_o general_n see_v that_o you_o use_v a_o humble_a gesture_n there_o be_v example_n of_o several_a laudable_a gesture_n in_o prayer_n sometime_o we_o find_v saint_n stand_v ordinary_o kneel_v spread_v forth_o their_o hand_n lift_v up_o their_o eye_n towards_o heaven_n sometime_o prostrate_v the_o body_n all_o along_o upon_o the_o earth_n before_o the_o lord_n you_o may_v do_v in_o this_o as_o you_o find_v most_o advantageous_a in_o your_o experience_n no_o universal_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v as_o to_o these_o particular_a circumstance_n only_o see_v that_o your_o closet-prayer_n be_v with_o as_o much_o reverence_n as_o if_o you_o be_v before_o other_o consider_v your_o body_n be_v god_n and_o must_v be_v present_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v worship_v with_o the_o outward_a as_o well_o as_o inward_a man_n you_o can_v without_o dangerous_a sacrilege_n rob_v he_o of_o either_o beside_o observe_v it_o there_o be_v both_o evidence_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o body_n humble_a gesture_n it_o be_v a_o help_n to_o make_v you_o humble_a and_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o you_o be_v humble_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o unsuitable_a sight_n and_o position_n of_o the_o body_n in_o god_n service_n be_v a_o sad_a sign_n of_o a_o unhumbled_a soul_n 409._o cogitemus_fw-la nos_fw-la sub_fw-la conspectu_fw-la dei_fw-la stare_n placendam_fw-la est_fw-la divinis_fw-la â—…ulis_fw-la &_o habitu_fw-la corporis_fw-la &_o mâ—de_fw-la vocis_fw-la cyp._n serm._n in_o orat._n dom._n p._n 409._o and_o hinder_v humiliation_n therefore_o though_o you_o be_v never_o so_o solitary_a yet_o remember_v your_o father_n in_o heaven_n see_v you_o therefore_o as_o cyprian_n exhort_v let_v we_o consider_v we_o stand_v under_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o seek_v to_o please_v the_o divin_n 〈…〉_o h_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o our_o body_n and_o manner_n o_o 〈…〉_o think_v of_o this_o