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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
soul_n heart_n spirit_n word_n 12,735 5 4.2755 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A60343 A discourse of closet (or secret) prayer from Matt. VI 6 first preached and now published at the request of those that heard it / by Samuel Slater. Slater, Samuel, d. 1704. 1691 (1691) Wing S3960; ESTC R25761 88,954 200

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since_o he_o be_v of_o a_o plasant_a plant_n become_v no_o better_o than_o a_o briar_n a_o thorn_n dry_a stubble_n fit_a for_o the_o burn_a how_o well_o may_v guilty_a sinner_n call_v with_o they_o in_o the_o 6_o of_o the_o revelution_n v_o 16._o to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n but_o the_o belove_a and_o everblessed_n son_n of_o god_n in_o a_o most_o gracious_a compliance_n with_o and_o pursuance_n of_o his_o father_n will_n have_v restore_v unto_o man_n freedom_n of_o access_n to_o god_n jesus_n christ_n though_o he_o know_v full_a well_o how_o great_a the_o attempt_n be_v and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v stand_v he_o in_o do_v put_v his_o life_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o engage_v his_o heart_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n and_o be_v our_o peace_n have_v procure_v for_o we_o a_o liberty_n of_o approach_v too_o and_o of_o draw_v nigh_o go_v as_o near_o as_o we_o will_v even_o 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and_o dread_a upon_o thy_o spirit_n with_o as_o great_a humility_n and_o reverence_n in_o thy_o carriage_n and_o deportment_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n upon_o thou_o though_o thou_o may_v in_o thy_o retirement_n be_v more_o free_a and_o open_a in_o give_v a_o account_n of_o thyself_o and_o thy_o condition_n thy_o burden_n want_n and_o desire_n because_o no_o body_n see_v thou_o yet_o thou_o must_v not_o be_v rude_a unmannerly_a and_o saucy_a because_o god_n see_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o corner_n god_n be_v in_o heaven_n upon_o a_o throne_n of_o glory_n attend_v by_o innumerable_a angle_n who_o in_o his_o presence_n cover_v their_o face_n with_o their_o wing_n as_o know_v their_o distance_n their_o inability_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o behold_v he_o remember_v thou_o have_v to_o do_v with_o majesty_n yea_o with_o a_o infinite_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n and_o shall_v not_o his_o excellency_n make_v you_o afraid_a and_o his_o dread_a fall_n upon_o you_o job_n 13._o 11._o and_o indeed_o then_o be_v we_o most_o excellent_a when_o we_o do_v most_o fear_n god_n excellency_n david_n begin_v psalm_n 8._o with_o the_o admiration_n of_o god_n excellency_n o_o lord_n our_o lord_n how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o name_n in_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o then_o in_o the_o same_o psalm_n he_o fall_v to_o humble_v and_o vilify_a thought_n and_o expression_n of_o man._n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o abraham_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n yet_o how_o low_o be_v he_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o how_o much_o fill_v with_o a_o awe_n of_o god_n when_o he_o alone_o stand_v before_o he_o plead_v for_o wicked_a sodom_n observe_v how_o he_o carry_v and_o what_o he_o say_v genesis_n 18._o 27._o behold_v now_o i_o have_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o speak_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o vers_fw-la 30._o o_o let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a and_o i_o will_v speak_v and_o yet_o again_o verse_n 32._o o_o let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a and_o i_o will_v speak_v yet_o but_o this_o once_o by_o all_o this_o you_o see_v how_o much_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o offend_a god_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n expect_v from_o his_o creature_n yea_o from_o his_o dear_a child_n he_o stand_v upon_o his_o honour_n and_o look_v to_o be_v treat_v like_o himself_o levit._fw-la 10._o 3._o moses_n say_v unto_o aaron_n this_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n speak_v i_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o all_o they_o that_o come_v nigh_o i_o see_v then_o that_o you_o have_v grace_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n as_o know_v that_o your_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n heb._n 12._o 28_o 29._o nadab_n and_o abihu_n find_v he_o so_o when_o destroy_v by_o fire_n that_o come_v from_o his_o presence_n upon_o their_o not_o observe_v his_o order_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n they_o bring_v with_o they_o strange_a fire_n and_o meet_v with_o devour_a fire_n therefore_o do_v you_o fear_v before_o he_o when_o you_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o though_o nobody_o be_v by_o remember_v and_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v by_o as_o to_o hear_v your_o prayer_n so_o curious_o to_o observe_v both_o the_o frame_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o your_o deportment_n before_o he_o as_o he_o be_v of_o pitiful_a eye_n so_o of_o pure_a and_o pierce_a eye_n which_o can_v endure_v to_o behold_v iniquity_n and_o from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v all_o be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o he_o with_o who_o you_o have_v to_o do_v second_o when_o thou_o set_v about_o the_o work_n of_o secret-prayer_n study_n and_o endeavour_v secrecy_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o be_v as_o secret_a as_o ever_o thou_o can_v do_v not_o tell_v other_o the_o business_n thou_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n what_o though_o none_o know_v of_o it_o let_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o thou_o that_o thy_o father_n do_v for_o that_o be_v enough_o he_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v thy_o witness_n and_o to_o do_v for_o thou_o all_o that_o thou_o desire_v never_o go_v to_o it_o with_o a_o design_n nor_o in_o such_o manner_n that_o other_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o for_o thy_o commendation_n a_o christian_a indeed_o may_v do_v alm_n and_o pray_v so_o as_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o let_v his_o light_a shine_n before_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o allure_a of_o other_o and_o draw_v they_o to_o the_o like_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n but_o to_o give_v other_o by_o any_o mean_n a_o item_n of_o our_o private_a duty_n in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o applause_n that_o we_o may_v have_v praise_n with_o man_n and_o be_v by_o they_o account_v in_o the_o number_n of_o serious_a strict_a and_o eminent_a christian_n be_v too_o low_a a_o pitch_n for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o fly_v it_o be_v pharisaical_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a and_o sure_o i_o be_o you_o yourselves_o will_v find_v it_o true_a at_o the_o last_o that_o a_o name_n thus_o obtain_v will_v not_o pay_v the_o charge_n but_o cost_v you_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o it_o be_v worth_a it_o be_v far_o better_a for_o we_o to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o name_n if_o we_o can_v please_v god_n and_o get_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v there_o though_o nobody_o know_v all_o the_o step_n we_o take_v in_o the_o way_n thither_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o work_n and_o warm_a at_o it_o when_o the_o fire_n burn_v speak_v with_o thy_o tongue_n it_o be_v thy_o friend_n in_o prayer_n and_o thy_o glory_n in_o praise_n but_o command_v it_o to_o keep_v a_o due_a decorum_n be_v not_o so_o loud_a that_o other_o may_v hear_v do_v not_o like_o some_o make_v the_o street_n ring_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o voice_n be_v sometime_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o oppress_a spirit_n who_o speak_v will_v not_o serve_v there_o must_v be_v cry_v and_o that_o aloud_o sometime_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o soul_n fire_v and_o inflame_v with_o holy_a long_n and_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o help_n to_o the_o raise_n up_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o affection_n only_o when_o thou_o do_v make_v use_n of_o it_o get_v as_o far_o as_o thou_o can_v out_o of_o the_o hear_n of_o other_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v as_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o conveniency_n for_o that_o neither_o within_o door_n nor_o without_o then_o go_v to_o god_n as_o he_o come_v to_o elijah_n in_o a_o soft_a and_o still_a voice_n thy_o father_n can_v hear_v thy_o whisper_n for_o thou_o always_o speak_v in_o his_o ear_n yea_o more_o roman_n 8._o 27._o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o have_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o speak_v of_o groan_n that_o can_v not_o be_v utter_v desire_n that_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n which_o it_o know_v not_o how_o to_o express_v but_o though_o thou_o can_v utter_v neither_o sigh_n nor_o groan_n nor_o word_n god_n know_v your_o mind_n what_o your_o spirit_n be_v work_v out_o after_o when_o you_o say_v nothing_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o you_o will_v have_v all_o my_o desire_n be_v before_o thou_o he_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o thy_o sigh_n yea_o thy_o very_a tear_n be_v to_o he_o articulate_v when_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o thy_o mouth_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o woman_n say_v any_o thing_n who_o wash_v christ_n foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n but_o in_o those_o tear_n and_o action_n christ_n see_v love_n and_o thankfulness_n much_o be_v forgive_v she_o therefore_o she_o love_v much_o yea_o he_o do_v know_v what_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o by_o your_o very_a look_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o the_o flood_n compass_v jonah_n about_o and_o all_o the_o billow_n and_o wave_n pass_v over_o he_o and_o he_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o be_v in_o a_o perish_a condition_n he_o resolve_v upon_o give_v god_n a_o look_n before_o he_o be_v quite_o lose_v jonah_n 2._o 4._o then_o i_o say_v i_o be_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o sight_n yet_o i_o will_v look_v again_o towards_o thy_o holy_a temple_n and_o that_o look_v save_v he_o verse_n 6._o thou_o have_v bring_v up_o my_o life_n from_o corruption_n o_o lord_n my_o god_n he_o look_v pitiful_o up_o to_o god_n and_o god_n look_v gracious_o down_o upon_o he_o do_v thou_o so_o act_v the_o saint_n as_o careful_o to_o avoid_v every_o
of_o thy_o heavenly_a father_n i_o be_o confident_a if_o thou_o will_v begin_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n thou_o will_v not_o easy_o give_v it_o over_o i_o do_v not_o indeed_o know_v what_o interruption_n the_o devil_n may_v give_v thou_o who_o hate_v all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o man_n but_o if_o by_o temptation_n thou_o shall_v for_o a_o time_n be_v take_v off_o from_o it_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v well_o nor_o able_a to_o enjoy_v thyself_o till_o thou_o do_v return_v to_o it_o again_o i_o dare_v say_v in_o a_o humble_a holy_a and_o believe_a performance_n thou_o will_v experience_n such_o incomparable_a sweetness_n and_o so_o much_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o thou_o that_o thou_o will_v go_v on_o and_o call_v upon_o god_n as_o long_o as_o thou_o live_v and_o then_o expire_v thy_o soul_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o stephen_n do_v who_o last_o word_n be_v prayer_n act_v 7._o 59_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n and_o lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o fall_v asleep_a that_o which_o i_o have_v further_o to_o do_v will_v be_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o lay_v down_o motive_n to_o the_o work_n 2._o give_v direction_n for_o manage_v it_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o motive_n for_o the_o allure_a and_o draw_v you_o to_o this_o excellent_a work_n who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n to_o it_o or_o very_o backward_o and_o by_o consequence_n inconstant_a off_o and_o on_o and_o i_o shall_v most_o hearty_o rejoice_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v gracious_o please_v to_o succeed_v these_o endeavour_n so_o that_o what_o i_o shall_v suggest_v to_o you_o may_v bring_v you_o upon_o your_o knee_n that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o of_o this_o chamber-practice_n more_o of_o a_o chamber-fellowship_n and_o closet-communion_n with_o your_o god_n the_o motive_n be_v these_o first_o do_v you_o pray_v in_o secret_a because_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o prayer_n see_v in_o secret_a as_o trust_v in_o he_o you_o do_v at_o no_o time_n and_o in_o no_o condition_n trust_v in_o a_o god_n that_o can_v save_v so_o direct_v your_o prayer_n to_o he_o you_o do_v in_o no_o place_n pray_v unto_o a_o god_n that_o can_v hear_v when_o hagar_n have_v in_o a_o fear_n flee_v from_o the_o face_n of_o her_o incense_a mistress_n god_n find_v she_o out_o in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o she_o be_v abscond_v and_o appear_v and_o speak_v unto_o she_o there_o whereupon_o it_o be_v say_v in_o gen._n 16._o 13._o that_o she_o call_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o speak_v unto_o she_o thou_o god_n see_v i_o for_o she_o say_v have_v i_o also_o here_o look_v after_o he_o that_o see_v i_o we_o may_v as_o some_o do_v reckon_v these_o word_n to_o be_v word_n of_o reprehension_n as_o relate_v to_o herself_o and_o word_n of_o admiration_n as_o refer_v to_o god_n have_v i_o also_o look_v after_o he_o here_o i_o be_o but_o how_o stupid_a and_o foolish_a have_v i_o be_v i_o have_v be_v look_v back_o to_o the_o comfort_n which_o i_o have_v when_o in_o the_o family_n and_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o my_o master_n abraham_n and_o i_o have_v be_v look_v to_o the_o displeasure_n and_o severity_n of_o my_o mistress_n sarah●●_n and_o i_o have_v be_v look_v to_o the_o desolate_a place_n and_o distress_a condition_n into_o which_o i_o be_o now_o bring_v but_o have_v i_o here_o mind_v god_n and_o look_v after_o god_n i_o have_v be_v so_o afflict_v with_o my_o loss_n and_o have_v pore_v so_o much_o upon_o my_o trouble_n that_o i_o have_v be_v unmindful_a of_o god_n do_v find_v neither_o heart_n nor_o leisure_n to_o think_v of_o he_o or_o look_v after_o he_o a_o case_n it_o be_v too_o common_a among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n yet_o here_o he_o ●eeth_v i_o and_o mind_n i_o here_o he_o look_v upon_o my_o person_n and_o upon_o my_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n and_o may_v not_o thou_o my_o friend_n say_v the_o very_a same_o when_o thou_o be_v alone_o and_o in_o thy_o closet-recesses_a thou_o god_n see_v i_o when_o no_o soul_n live_v be_v by_o when_o no_o mortal_a eye_n se●th_v i_o then_o thou_o god_n see_v i_o now_o let_v i_o desire_v thou_o after_o that_o serious_a consideration_n to_o propound_v this_o as_o a_o serious_a question_n to_o thyself_o have_v i_o also_o here_o look_v after_o he_o that_o see_v i_o god_n eye_n have_v be_v here_o upon_o i_o but_o have_v my_o eye_n be_v again_o upon_o god_n and_o unto_o god_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n i_o have_v look_v after_o that_o god_n who_o see_v i_o there_o i_o have_v have_v many_o frequent_a repeat_v and_o raise_v thought_n at_o he_o there_o i_o have_v wait_v for_o he_o more_o than_o they_o that_o watch_v for_o the_o morning_n yea_o more_o than_o they_o that_o watch_v for_o the_o morning_n but_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o chamber_n can_v thou_o make_v thy_o appeal_n to_o god_n and_o say_v o_o lord_n thou_o know_v and_o be_v my_o witness_n that_o even_o here_o i_o have_v look_v after_o thou_o that_o see_v i_o here_o my_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o prayer_n have_v be_v towards_o the_o lord_n that_o see_v i_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n which_o our_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o text_n that_o your_o father_n see_v in_o secret_a the_o royal_a prophet_n say_v psalm_n 139._o 7._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n the_o question_n speak_v it_o a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v do_v his_o eye_n be_v fasten_v upon_o thou_o and_o follow_v thou_o whithersoever_o thou_o go_v look_v to_o thyself_o and_o ponder_v all_o thy_o action_n thou_o be_v under_o the_o pure_a and_o pierce_a and_o all-discerning_a eye_n of_o the_o infinite_o great_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n when_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o congregation_n and_o in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o shop_n and_o in_o the_o kitchen_n yea_o and_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o closet_n too_o and_o since_o he_o do_v see_v thou_o there_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v he_o see_v thou_o do_v will_v thou_o have_v he_o see_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n in_o thy_o mind_n and_o corruption_n in_o thy_o heart_n will_v thou_o have_v he_o see_v nothing_o do_v by_o thou_o but_o look_v into_o thy_o glass_n and_o into_o thy_o chest_n and_o bag_n or_o turn_v over_o thy_o finery_n and_o foolery_n and_o so_o feed_v thy_o wantonness_n and_o pride_n or_o make_v provision_n for_o a_o perish_a carcase_n to_o deck_v and_o adorn_v it_o or_o gratify_v a_o brutish_a and_o sensual_a appetite_n but_o never_o see_v thou_o upon_o thy_o knee_n seek_v his_o face_n and_o favour_n or_o the_o good_a of_o thy_o own_o precious_a and_o never-dying_a soul_n oh_o that_o his_o eye_n may_v affect_v your_o heart_n that_o divine_a eye_n which_o be_v upon_o all_o your_o way_n and_o look_v you_o through_o and_o thorough_a that_o eye_n which_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n yea_o inconceivable_o more_o than_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o all_o the_o man_n upon_o earth_n the_o eye_n of_o god_n shall_v among_o other_o have_v these_o two_o effect_n upon_o we_o and_o upon_o all_o man_n that_o know_v and_o own_v he_o first_o it_o shall_v awe_v we_o se●ondly_o it_o shall_v quicken_v and_o animate_v we_o it_o shall_v awe_v we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o be_v a_o effectual_a curb_n to_o those_o lust_n and_o corruption_n which_o will_v otherwise_o break_v loose_a and_o grow_v rampant_a when_o no_o body_n be_v by_o do_v not_o dare_v to_o sin_n because_o god_n be_v by_o this_o preserve_v young_a joseph_n from_o fall_v before_o a_o great_a temptation_n when_o he_o may_v have_v procure_v the_o savour_n of_o his_o mistress_n and_o as_o some_o will_v have_v think_v have_v do_v himself_o a_o kindness_n this_o thought_n break_v the_o neck_n of_o the_o temptation_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n again_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n shall_v animate_v and_o put_v life_n into_o you_o it_o shall_v as_o a_o golden_a spur_n quicken_v you_o to_o the_o careful_a and_o lively_a performance_n of_o duty_n when_o you_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o no_o body_n at_o hand_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o make_v report_n let_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o you_o enough_o alone_o that_o god_n see_v your_o love_n to_o he_o and_o the_o desire_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o his_o name_n and_o a_o remembrance_n of_o he_o and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o he_o need_v none_o to_o inform_v he_o of_o your_o unmindfulness_n and_o neglect_n of_o he_o no_o no_o he_o
countenance_n he_o understand_v they_o already_o for_o he_o count_v thy_o step_n and_o tell_v thy_o wander_n he_o know_v every_o act_n of_o sin_n which_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o every_o circumstance_n with_o which_o that_o act_n be_v clothe_v psalm_n ●0_n 21._o i_o will_v reprove●_n thou_o and_o set_v they_o in_o order_n before_o thou_o upon_o which_o word_n reverend_a mr._n dickson_n have_v this_o passage_n sin_v forget_v cast_v behind_o the_o back_n and_o throw_v into_o confusion_n by_o the_o secure_a sinner_n shall_v in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n reckon_n be_v bring_v to_o remembrance_n with_o time_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n and_o so_o present_v to_o the_o conscience_n as_o the_o sinner_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o look_v aside_o from_o his_o fearful_a accusation_n or_o to_o deny_v any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prevent_v god_n charge_v they_o upon_o we_o to_o our_o confusion_n and_o everlasting_a condemnation_n be_v for_o we_o to_o confess_v they_o unto_o he_o with_o contrition_n and_o self-abhorrency_a therefore_o do_v you_o go_v and_o do_v it_o quick_o and_o full_o yea_o further_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n you_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o for_o thereby_o you_o give_v he_o glory_n joshua_n 7._o 19_o joshua_n say_v unto_o achan_n my_o son_n give_v i_o pray_v thou_o glory_n to_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n and_o make_v confession_n unto_o he_o thou_o do_v great_o dishonour_v he_o by_o thy_o foul_a sin_n but_o thou_o will_v honour_v he_o by_o thy_o humble_a and_o free_a confession_n as_o it_o be_v a_o own_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o omnisciency_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o do_v this_o open_o and_o before_o other_o unless_o it_o be_v where_o the_o sin_n be_v open_a and_o other_o by_o it_o scandalize_v open_v and_o full_a confession_n of_o secret_a sin_n before_o man_n be_v not_o or_o may_v not_o be_v in_o all_o case_n safe_a it_o may_v not_o be_v safe_a for_o other_o because_o of_o the_o bad_a example_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v infect_v and_o it_o may_v not_o be_v safe_a for_o thyself_o but_o expose_v thou_o to_o punishment_n to_o be_v sure_a man_n can_v heal_v thy_o soul_n nor_o wash_v away_o thy_o filthiness_n nor_o lay_v the_o furious_a storm_n which_o be_v in_o thy_o conscience_n but_o they_o may_v reproach_v and_o blemish_v thy_o name_n and_o give_v such_o a_o fatal_a blow_n and_o wound_n to_o thy_o reputation_n as_o can_v be_v cure_v without_o a_o scar_n while_o thou_o breathe_v 2._o be_v thou_o not_o sensible_a of_o base_a corruption_n in_o thy_o heart_n vile_a lust_n which_o lurk_v and_o lodge_v in_o thy_o bosom_n be_v they_o not_o often_o troublesome_a and_o vexatious_a to_o thou_o do_v they_o not_o stink_v in_o thy_o nostril_n when_o they_o stir_v in_o thy_o soul_n and_o be_v they_o not_o frequent_o too_o too_o powerful_a and_o prevalent_a thou_o have_v oftentimes_o perhaps_o horrible_a and_o blasphemous_a thought_n those_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v with_o a_o strong_a hand_n throw_v into_o thy_o mind_n and_o do_v so_o startle_v and_o affright_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o burden_n and_o terror_n to_o thyself_o and_o even_o weary_a of_o thy_o life_n at_o other_o time_n thou_o have_v filthy_a unclean_a and_o lascivious_a thought_n which_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o a_o goat_n or_o dog_n than_o for_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o govern_v and_o command_v himself_o and_o then_o again_o thy_o mind_n be_v like_o the_o rage_a sea_n that_o can_v rest_v but_o be_v continual_o cast_v up_o ●ire_n and_o dirt_n there_o appear_v cruel_a malicious_a and_o revengeful_a thought_n yea_o and_o in_o thy_o very_a duty_n thy_o most_o sacred_a solemn_a attendance_n upon_o god_n thou_o abounde_v with_o vain_a foolish_a and_o impertinent_a thought_n and_o now_o i_o ask_v thou_o will_v thou_o have_v all_o know_v what_o a_o vile_a nature_n and_o wretched_a heart_n thou_o have_v how_o that_o loathsome_a dunghill_n be_v send_v forth_o its_o unsavoury_a smell_n what_o a_o filthy_a scum_n be_v continual_o rise_v up_o and_o what_o vermin_n overspread_v and_o cover_v the_o face_n of_o thy_o soul_n which_o shall_v have_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n its_o god_n upon_o it_o no_o no_o i_o be_o persuade_v thou_o will_v not_o have_v thy_o dear_a friend_n privy_a to_o all_o this_o for_o a_o world_n if_o other_o shall_v know_v that_o by_o thou_o which_o thou_o do_v know_v by_o thyself_o thou_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o show_v thy_o head_n let_v this_o then_o drive_v thou_o to_o thy_o secret_a prayer_n a_o person_n that_o labour_v under_o the_o foul_a disease_n and_o desire_v a_o cure_n will_v go_v in_o private_a and_o acquaint_v his_o physician_n who_o silence_n he_o dare_v promise_v himself_o god_n be_v the_o great_a and_o only_a physician_n of_o soul_n go_v and_o tell_v he_o thy_o case_n who_o have_v gracious_o and_o faithful_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o tell_v again_o but_o so_o pardon_v as_o to_o cover_v to_o this_o purpose_n read_v what_o himself_o have_v say_v and_o give_v we_o under_o his_o hand_n ezek._n 33._o 16._o if_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o sin_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a none_o of_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v shall_v be_v mention_v to_o he_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o have_v it_o be_v say_v so_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o admirable_a mercy_n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o divine_a mercy_n do_v not_o stop_v there_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v mention_v but_o bury_v in_o eternal_a oblivion_n and_o carry_v into_o the_o land_n of_o forgetfulness_n as_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o to_o his_o condemnation_n so_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v mention_v to_o his_o reproach_n god_n will_v take_v care_n not_o only_o of_o his_o people_n soul_n but_o likewise_o of_o their_o name_n james_n 5._o 11._o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job._n yes_o and_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o passion_n of_o job_n his_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n but_o hold_v not_o a_o word_n of_o that_o it_o now_o be_v as_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v 3._o let_v i_o propound_v to_o you_o one_o question_n further_o have_v thou_o nothing_o to_o ask_v of_o god_n be_v there_o not_o some_o secret_a boon_n and_o kindness_n which_o thy_o heart_n carry_v thou_o out_o to_o the_o desire_v of_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n such_o a_o scruple_n in_o thy_o conscience_n which_o put_v thou_o to_o pain_n and_o will_v glad_o have_v take_v out_o but_o can_v not_o by_o all_o thy_o study_n and_o endeavour_n remove_v and_o such_o a_o blot_n in_o thy_o evidence_n for_o thy_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n which_o put_v thou_o to_o a_o stand_n so_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o read_v on_o nor_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o to_o thy_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n this_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v other_o know_v but_o desire_v a_o deliverance_n from_o thou_o have_v such_o a_o good_a purpose_n and_o excellent_a design_n in_o thy_o head_n which_o thou_o know_v not_o how_o to_o communicate_v yet_o thou_o will_v be_v direct_v assist_v and_o prosper_v in_o thou_o have_v perhaps_o a_o yoke-fellow_n that_o be_v a_o son_n of_o belial_n do_v not_o know_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o place_n or_o though_o he_o know_v it_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o but_o be_v a_o thorn_n in_o thy_o side_n and_o make_v thou_o go_v mourn_v all_o the_o day_n and_o thou_o love_v he_o so_o well_o and_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o his_o reputation_n that_o thou_o will_v not_o tell_v the_o dear_a friend_n thou_o have_v of_o it_o and_o i_o commend_v thy_o prudence_n and_o affection_n bear_v it_o as_o long_o and_o as_o well_o as_o ever_o thou_o can_v but_o thou_o may_v do_v both_o he_o and_o thyself_o a_o singular_a kindness_n by_o tell_v thy_o god_n of_o it_o thou_o have_v a_o unnatural_a and_o disobedient_a child_n who_o come_v out_o of_o thy_o own_o bowel_n and_o who_o thou_o love_v as_o thy_o own_o soul_n but_o he_o neither_o fear_v god_n nor_o reverence_v man_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o follow_v the_o good_a counsel_n thou_o give_v he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v it_o thou_o can_v not_o think_v of_o he_o without_o breathe_v a_o sigh_n scarce_o see_v he_o without_o drop_v a_o tear_n and_o thy_o soul_n do_v even_o break_v with_o the_o long_n it_o have_v to_o see_v he_o another_o man_n a_o new_a man_n convince_v convert_v sanctify_a turn_v from_o his_o disobedience_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a and_o bring_v over_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n thou_o will_v have_v more_o of_o
some_o turn_n in_o a_o holy_a fellowship_n and_o as_o enoch_n do_v walk_v with_o god_n before_o he_o be_v remove_v from_o hence_o and_o take_v up_o to_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o glory_n the_o chamber_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o in_o these_o walk_v he_o find_v his_o heart_n warm_v and_o a_o holy_a fire_n kindle_v and_o then_o return_v with_o that_o burn_a within_o he_o then_o he_o speak_v with_o his_o tongue_n and_o send_v up_o a_o pure_a flame_n of_o earnest_a supplication_n confident_a i_o be_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o course_n will_v not_o be_v in_o the_o least_o question_v by_o any_o who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o own_o that_o absolute_a and_o necessary_a dependence_n which_o both_o as_o creature_n and_o christian_n we_o have_v upon_o he_o and_o who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n upon_o their_o soul_n yea_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o duty_n by_o many_o very_o many_o of_o those_o who_o yet_o do_v not_o themselves_o live_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o there_o have_v such_o a_o clear_a light_n break_v in_o upon_o they_o as_o have_v convince_v their_o judgement_n though_o that_o conviction_n have_v not_o have_v power_n enough_o upon_o their_o will_n as_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o do_v not_o know_v so_o much_o as_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v question_v and_o make_v a_o point_n of_o controversy_n this_o i_o do_v with_o a_o fullness_n of_o persuasion_n assert_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n secret_a prayer_n be_v so_o and_o i_o do_v add_v this_o wish_v those_o into_o who_o hand_n this_o little_a piece_n shall_v come_v serious_o to_o think_v of_o it_o those_o person_n that_o do_v not_o make_v conscience_n hereof_o let_v they_o make_v never_o so_o great_a a_o noise_n do_v indeed_o make_v conscience_n of_o nothing_o he_o be_v not_o a_o true_a christian_n that_o be_v not_o a_o through_o christian_n nor_o he_o a_o real_a disciple_n that_o have_v not_o a_o cordial_a respect_n to_o all_o that_o christ_n command_v he_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o wonder_n to_o see_v or_o hear_v that_o man_n be_v remiss_a and_o careless_a and_o negligent_a in_o other_o thing_n for_o which_o at_o present_a he_o pretend_v a_o zeal_n and_o at_o the_o long_o run_v to_o throw_v up_o all_o yea_o and_o i_o will_v venture_v to_o add_v this_o one_o thing_n further_o he_o that_o do_v not_o seek_v god_n when_o he_o be_v alone_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o promise_v himself_o god_n gracious_a meeting_n with_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o company_n but_o if_o you_o will_v exclude_v and_o shut_v god_n out_o of_o your_o chamber_n and_o closet_n you_o will_v not_o to_o your_o comfort_n though_o indeed_o you_o may_v to_o your_o terror_n find_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n the_o only_a thing_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v more_o in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n will_v be_v to_o prove_v the_o point_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o all_o convenient_a brevity_n to_o show_v that_o secret_a prayer_n be_v i._o a_o duty_n ii_o a_o advantage_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o former_a of_o these_o private_a or_o secret_a prayer_n be_v a_o great_a duty_n which_o all_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n aught_o to_o be_v much_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o for_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o to_o you_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o four_o thing_n 1._o first_o secret_a prayer_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n as_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o redeem_v we_o so_o to_o direct_v we_o as_o his_o death_n be_v a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n so_o his_o life_n be_v a_o lead_a example_n he_o be_v that_o excellent_a copy_n without_o blot_n after_o which_o we_o be_v to_o write_v and_o that_o most_o exact_a and_o perfect_a pattern_n without_o blemish_n or_o defect_n the_o imitation_n whereof_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o study_v and_o endeavour_v and_o that_o to_o our_o utmost_a we_o must_v lead_v his_o life_n as_o near_o as_o ever_o we_o can_v and_o tread_v in_o his_o step_n for_o that_o be_v to_o foot_v it_o right_a and_o we_o must_v show_v forth_o his_o virtue_n there_o must_v be_v a_o impress_n of_o they_o upon_o our_o disposition_n and_o conversation_n the_o same_o mind_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o we_o that_o be_v in_o he_o phil._n 2._o 5._o then_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o his_o beauty_n and_o glory_n when_o he_o be_v clothe_v with_o christ_n and_o shine_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o christ._n now_o christ_n be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o work_n of_o secret_a prayer_n and_o exceed_o frequent_a at_o it_o how_o do_v his_o perfect_o pure_a and_o precious_a soul_n delight_n to_o be_v on_o the_o wing_n and_o mount_v up_o to_o his_o and_o our_o father_n in_o his_o recess_n he_o do_v not_o only_o teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v give_v they_o in_o this_o chapter_n a_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n for_o they_o to_o draw_v they_o by_o nor_o do_v he_o only_o pray_v with_o they_o as_o master_n of_o the_o family_n but_o he_o likewise_o do_v many_o and_o many_o a_o time_n pray_v by_o himself_o alone_o a_o great_a deal_n often_o than_o we_o do_v or_o any_o in_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v know_v of_o but_o something_o to_o this_o purpose_n have_v be_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n who_o guide_v the_o holy_a penman_n put_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n thus_o in_o matt._n 14._o 23._o after_o he_o have_v wrought_v that_o great_a and_o amaze_a miracle_n of_o feed_v five_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n when_o he_o have_v no_o more_o provision_n than_o five_o loaf_n and_o two_o fish_n he_o send_v the_o multitude_n away_o and_o not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o their_o absence_n alone_o he_o will_v have_v his_o very_a disciple_n go_v by_o ship_n to_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v say_v he_o constrain_v they_o to_o go_v 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thing_n 1._o safety_n 2._o comfort_n 1._o first_o secret_a prayer_n be_v a_o choice_n and_o excellent_a mean_n of_o security_n will_v a_o man_n be_v safe_a when_o he_o be_v alone_o then_o let_v he_o pray_v when_o he_o be_v alone_a on_o this_o side_n of_o heaven_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o place_n to_o be_v sound_n in_o which_o a_o person_n may_v rational_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o quit_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o danger_n i_o hear_v one_o once_o witty_o say_v he_o do_v not_o upon_o the_o road_n fear_v highwayman_n so_o long_o as_o be_v be_v alone_o but_o there_o be_v other_o enemy_n from_o who_o we_o may_v apprehend_v mischief_n when_o we_o be_v most_o alone_o the_o subtle_a serpent_n wriggle_v himself_o into_o paradise_n itself_o and_o there_o he_o do_v mortal_o sting_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o undo_v they_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n in_o they_o holy_a paul_n be_v perfect_o safe_a while_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o three_o heaven_n the_o malicious_a tempter_n 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yea_o more_o than_o one_o possible_o more_o than_o a_o legion_n it_o may_v have_v be_v rational_o conclude_v that_o david_n walk_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o his_o house_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o his_o lifeguard_n about_o he_o who_o be_v that_o shall_v or_o can_v do_v the_o king_n a_o mischief_n there_o yet_o even_o there_o a_o naked_a woman_n conquer_v that_o man_n of_o war_n and_o a_o malicious_a devil_n let_v fly_v one_o of_o his_o envenom_a arrow_n and_o wound_v he_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n by_o the_o eye_n it_o have_v be_v well_o for_o that_o good_a man_n if_o instead_o of_o gaze_v about_o and_o view_v every_o object_n that_o present_v he_o have_v be_v look_v up_o to_o his_o god_n and_o pray_v in_o secret_a know_v and_o consider_v o_o thou_o poor_a soul_n the_o devil_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o thou_o not_o out_o of_o any_o love_n he_o bear_v thou_o for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o devil_n they_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v devil_n before_o they_o can_v have_v any_o kindness_n for_o man_n but_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o you_o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n have_v to_o his_o prey_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o bloody_a design_n he_o be_v restless_a though_o he_o can_v do_v himself_o no_o good_a he_o reckon_v it_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o do_v thou_o a_o mischief_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o only_o walk_v with_o thou_o up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o street_n and_o from_o this_o private_a or_o public_a house_n to_o that_o nor_o only_o follow_v thou_o to_o the_o public_a congregation_n there_o to_o divert_v thy_o thought_n or_o deaden_a thy_o affection_n or_o direct_v thy_o eye_n to_o some_o vain_a and_o wanton_a object_n or_o pick_v up_o the_o seed_n which_o be_v sow_v that_o though_o it_o be_v cast_v in_o at_o the_o ear_n yet_o it_o may_v never_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o the_o heart_n to_o root_v there_o and_o bring_v forth_o precious_a fruit_n in_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n but_o he_o will_v also_o dog_v you_o into_o your_o chamber_n and_o intrude_v into_o your_o closet_n when_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v he_o will_v get_v in_o you_o can_v while_o here_o get_v clear_a of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o the_o old_a serpent_n and_o wherever_o he_o be_v you_o may_v be_v sure_a he_o come_v for_o no_o good_a he_o be_v whole_o set_v upon_o mischief_n that_o be_v his_o constant_a employ_v his_o belove_a work_n his_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o it_o he_o follow_v it_o close_o and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n therefore_o my_o advice_n be_v that_o thou_o will_v make_v prayer_n thy_o closet-business_n that_o when_o this_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o thou_o find_v thou_o alone_o he_o may_v not_o have_v a_o advantage_n against_o thou_o when_o in_o ephes._n 6._o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v tell_v you_o of_o the_o enemy_n you_o must_v contend_v with_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_a flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o also_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n he_o advise_v you_o to_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n and_o over_o and_o above_o he_o direct_v you_o to_o this_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a work_n of_o prayer_n as_o know_v that_o both_o your_o security_n and_o victory_n depend_v as_o much_o upon_o that_o as_o any_o thing_n your_o armour_n will_v not_o do_v without_o your_o god_n and_o he_o you_o can_v expect_v without_o prayer_n if_o then_o you_o will_v not_o fall_v both_o into_o temptation_n and_o by_o it_o your_o care_n and_o work_n must_v be_v to_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o doubt_n but_o prayer_n have_v lay_v many_o a_o restraint_n upon_o the_o devil_n and_o keep_v he_o off_o from_o meddle_v with_o a_o child_n of_o god_n when_o his_o finger_n have_v itch_v at_o he_o and_o blunt_v his_o tool_n often_o and_o often_o so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v the_o work_n he_o intend_v with_o they_o and_o break_v the_o neck_n of_o many_o a_o curse_a design_n which_o he_o be_v most_o industrious_o carry_v on_o 2._o second_o secret_a prayer_n be_v a_o special_a way_n for_o the_o make_n of_o your_o retirement_n comfortable_a and_o pleasant_a to_o you_o solitariness_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o have_v melancholy_a for_o its_o usual_a companion_n and_o a_o life_n of_o loneliness_n and_o retirement_n be_v reckon_v a_o very_a disconsolate_a life_n the_o prophet_n make_v this_o a_o part_n of_o his_o bitter_a complaint_n psal._n 102._o 7._o that_o he_o be_v as_o a_o sparrow_n alone_o upon_o the_o house_n top_n and_o solomon_n say_v eccles._n 4._o 10._o woe_n be_v to_o he_o that_o be_v alone_o hence_o one_o say_v he_o that_o love_v to_o be_v alone_o be_v either_o a_o beast_n or_o a_o god_n but_o secret-prayer_n be_v a_o excellent_a way_n to_o sweeten_v solitariness_n and_o take_v off_o the_o uncomfortableness_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o do_v but_o in_o thy_o uprightness_n apply_v thyself_o hearty_o to_o this_o work_n when_o thou_o be_v without_o any_o company_n thou_o shall_v not_o be_v without_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v but_o with_o hagar_n in_o the_o wilderness_n find_v a_o spring_n open_v to_o thou_o that_o be_v a_o great_a say_n of_o one_o nunquam_fw-la minus_fw-la solus_fw-la quam_fw-la cum_fw-la maxim_n solus_fw-la i_o be_o never_o less_o alone_o than_o when_o i_o be_o most_o alone_o he_o do_v never_o find_v less_o want_n of_o company_n than_o when_o he_o have_v none_o then_o a_o man_n enjoy_v his_o god_n and_o himself_o and_o he_o that_o have_v indeed_o that_o enjoyment_n need_v no_o body_n john_n 16._o 32._o our_o saviour_n speak_v thus_o to_o his_o disciple_n the_o hour_n come_v yea_o be_v now_o come_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v scatter_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o and_o shall_v leave_v i_o alone_o and_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a because_o the_o father_n be_v with_o i_o not_o alone_a when_o alone_o i_o shall_v be_v altogether_o without_o you_o but_o not_o without_o my_o father_n who_o do_v more_o infinite_o more_o than_o fill_v up_o those_o vacancy_n as_o at_o noonday_n we_o do_v not_o want_v the_o star_n though_o they_o be_v all_o obscure_v and_o disappear_v because_o we_o have_v the_o glorious_a light_n and_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n who_o do_v abundant_o supply_v their_o absence_n david_n tell_v we_o in_o psalm_n 145._o 18._o which_o be_v a_o psalm_n of_o praise_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n sincere_a prayer_n will_v fetch_v god_n down_o from_o heaven_n to_o stand_v at_o thy_o right_a hand_n our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v more_o ready_a than_o the_o most_o affectionate_a tender-hearted_a mother_n upon_o earth_n to_o arise_v and_o come_v in_o at_o the_o cry_n
of_o the_o child_n in_o psalm_n 18._o we_o find_v that_o good_a man_n in_o his_o distress_n call_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o cry_v unto_o his_o god_n and_o god_n hear_v he_o divine_a love_n be_v quick_a of_o hear_v he_o hear_v my_o voice_n out_o of_o his_o holy_a temple_n and_o my_o cry_n come_v before_o he_o even_o into_o his_o ear_n and_o now_o observe_v what_o haste_n god_n make_v to_o his_o servant_n vers._n 9_o 10._o he_o bow_v the_o heaven_n and_o come_v dew_v he_o ride_v upon_o a_o cherub_n and_o do_v fly_v yea_o he_o do_v fly_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n when_o holy_a david_n want_v his_o god_n god_n will_v be_v with_o he_o present_o i_o dare_v assure_v thou_o o_o saint_n if_o thou_o will_v but_o get_v thy_o soul_n upon_o the_o wing_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o servant_n believe_v prayer_n knock_v at_o heaven_n door_n thou_o shall_v to_o thy_o comfort_n find_v that_o thy_o belove_a will_v not_o be_v long_o from_o thou_o no_o no_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a gracious_o to_o return_v thy_o visit_n he_o will_v come_v and_o drop_v some_o sweet_a smell_a myrrh_n upon_o the_o handle_v of_o thy_o lock_n secret_a prayer_n be_v the_o near_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o secret_a and_o intimate_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o open_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n so_o it_o make_v way_n for_o god_n open_v of_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o when_o that_o be_v open_v what_o bless_a discovery_n be_v make_v what_o treasure_n appear_v and_o riches_n of_o grace_n what_o counsel_v of_o wisdom_n and_o thought_n of_o good_a and_o great_a design_n the_o very_a sight_n of_o which_o be_v ravish_v and_o may_v well_o put_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o transport_n when_o guilty_a but_o convince_v ephraim_n get_v alone_o and_o make_v his_o reflection_n and_o thereupon_o bemoan_v himself_o for_o his_o former_a folly_n stubbornness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o beg_v hard_o for_o convert_v turn_v grace_n god_n present_o turn_v towards_o he_o and_o with_o yearn_v bowel_n speak_v his_o love_n this_o resolution_n be_v immediate_o take_v up_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o in_o a_o word_n god_n do_v sometime_o in_o displeasure_n withdraw_v from_o his_o sin_v child_n but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o be_v find_v of_o they_o when_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o to_o return_v to_o they_o when_o he_o be_v send_v for_o hos._n 5._o 15._o i_o will_v go_v and_o return_v to_o my_o place_n till_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n and_o seek_v my_o face_n i_o will_v stay_v away_o i_o will_v not_o come_v near_o they_o i_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o till_o they_o do_v this_o but_o let_v they_o do_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o will_v and_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o acceptance_n i_o will_v rise_v out_o of_o my_o place_n and_o visit_v they_o with_o salvation_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o come_v at_o prayer_n call_v if_o some_o cry_a sin_n or_o other_o do_v not_o drown_v the_o voice_n of_o it_o and_o his_o presence_n and_o beam_n will_v effectual_o scatter_v the_o thick_a and_o black_a cloud_n the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n when_o once_o lift_v up_o will_v make_v it_o a_o day_n of_o gladness_n to_o the_o most_o benight_a soul_n whenever_o he_o come_v he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o bring_v a_o blessing_n along_o with_o he_o and_o so_o appear_v unto_o its_o joy_n these_o particular_n to_o which_o i_o have_v large_o speak_v be_v i_o hope_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o secret_a prayer_n be_v both_o your_o duty_n and_o your_o interest_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o it_o by_o application_n which_o will_v be_v twofold_a 1._o for_o reprehension_n 2._o for_o exhortation_n the_o use_n of_o reprehension_n or_o reproof_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o do_v indeed_o deserve_v to_o fall_v under_o it_o and_o oh_o that_o it_o may_v come_v with_o such_o power_n as_o to_o make_v they_o fall_v before_o it_o and_o issue_n in_o their_o amendment_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n break_v in_o upon_o they_o they_o shall_v see_v to_o be_v amiss_o first_o they_o be_v sharp_o to_o be_v reprove_v for_o they_o be_v deep_o guilty_a before_o god_n who_o instead_o of_o make_v conscience_n and_o live_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o secret_a prayer_n be_v altogether_o stranger_n to_o and_o live_v in_o the_o total_a neglect_n of_o all_o prayer_n they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o approach_v unto_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n before_o he_o they_o go_v to_o their_o bed_n at_o night_n like_a swine_n to_o their_o sty_n not_o beg_v divine_a protection_n and_o rise_v out_o of_o they_o in_o a_o morning_n and_o go_v about_o their_o business_n without_o pay_v any_o acknowledgement_n to_o their_o great_a benefactor_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o who_o careful_a providence_n they_o be_v secure_v yea_o sit_v down_o to_o their_o table_n without_o ask_v god_n blessing_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o when_o they_o have_v eat_v and_o be_v full_a rise_v up_o to_o work_n or_o play_v without_o give_v god_n thanks_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o beholden_a to_o he_o and_o thus_o they_o live_v prayerless_a life_n in_o the_o world_n they_o have_v pass_v many_o day_n and_o escape_v many_o danger_n and_o receive_v many_o mercy_n and_o commit_v many_o sin_n but_o never_o set_v themselves_o at_o least_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o put_v up_o one_o prayer_n oh_o how_o do_v they_o tumble_v out_o by_o wholesale_n a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o execrable_a oath_n and_o tremendous_a curse_n which_o speak_v their_o tongue_n the_o devil_n instrument_n set_v on_o fire_n with_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n but_o no_o body_n ever_o see_v they_o upon_o their_o knee_n before_o god_n nor_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o prayer_n drop_v from_o their_o li_n they_o have_v have_v many_o danger_n prevent_v but_o never_o seek_v refuge_n nor_o take_v shelter_n in_o god_n they_o have_v every_o day_n receive_v multitude_n of_o mercy_n but_o do_v never_o solemn_o beg_v one_o god_n do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n order_n that_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o altar_n shall_v never_o go_v out_o and_o appoint_v the_o morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n but_o poor_a creature_n these_o have_v no_o fire_n their_o heart_n be_v as_o cold_a as_o ice_n they_o know_v not_o what_o true_a love_n to_o god_n mean_v and_o have_v no_o fire_n in_o themselves_o god_n shall_v have_v no_o sacrifice_n from_o they_o his_o altar_n shall_v be_v empty_a they_o have_v nothing_o to_o lay_v on_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o never_o make_v a_o attempt_n this_o way_n never_o try_v to_o pray_v never_o go_v about_o the_o work_n they_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n he_o be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n ps._n 10._o 4._o in_o all_o of_o they_o he_o be_v but_o in_o few_o of_o they_o and_o when_o he_o be_v in_o any_o when_o he_o forcible_o break_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o make_v his_o own_o way_n for_o they_o never_o invite_v he_o nor_o study_v to_o think_v of_o he_o he_o be_v not_o welcome_a nor_o grateful_a to_o they_o i_o fear_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v and_o ask_v some_o of_o you_o such_o a_o question_n as_o this_o friend_n neighbour_n what_o intercourse_n be_v there_o between_o god_n and_o you_o what_o converse_v and_o fellowship_n have_v you_o with_o god_n do_v you_o pray_v a-days_o do_v you_o pray_v by_o yourselves_o in_o your_o chamber_n or_o with_o your_o family_n be_v you_o some_o of_o that_o bless_a wrestle_a generation_n who_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n if_o you_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o cover_v your_o sin_n and_o shame_n with_o a_o lie_n you_o must_v answer_v no_o not_o i_o god_n know_v i_o can_v pray_v i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o pray_v i_o never_o go_v about_o it_o i_o see_v no_o need_n of_o it_o i_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o may_v we_o not_o say_v of_o these_o what_o agur_n say_v of_o himself_o prov._n 30._o 2._o sure_o they_o be_v more_o brutish_a than_o any_o man_n they_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n they_o have_v not_o learned_a wisdom_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a let_v they_o be_v reckon_v for_o beast_n in_o human_a shape_n some_o have_v write_v as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o reason_n but_o religion_n as_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o specifical_a difference_n
between_o a_o man_n and_o a_o brute_n because_o there_o be_v something_o in_o brute_n which_o say_v they_o may_v pass_v for_o reason_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o look_v very_o like_o it_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o like_o religion_n in_o they_o and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o there_o be_v or_o at_o present_a can_v be_v of_o religion_n in_o that_o man_n or_o woman_n who_o live_v without_o prayer_n and_o how_o unworthy_a be_v such_o a_o one_o of_o the_o name_n man_n the_o late_a learned_a bishop_n wilkins_n in_o his_o treatise_n concern_v the_o principle_n and_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n have_v these_o passage_n in_o the_o action_n of_o many_o brute_n creature_n there_o be_v discernible_a some_o footstep_n some_o imperfect_a stricture_n and_o degree_n of_o ratiocination_n such_o a_o natural_a sagacity_n as_o at_o least_o bear_v a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o reason_n from_o whence_o it_o may_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n in_o the_o general_n which_o be_v the_o form_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v determine_v to_o action_n of_o religion_n of_o which_o we_o do_v not_o find_v the_o least_o sign_n or_o degree_n in_o brute_n man_n be_v the_o only_a creature_n in_o this_o visible_a world_n that_o be_v form_v with_o a_o capacity_n of_o worship_v and_o enjoy_v his_o maker_n and_o he_o add_v this_o be_v not_o any_o new_a opinion_n but_o what_o several_a of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n philosopher_n orator_n and_o poet_n have_v attest_v to_o who_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o adoration_n of_o he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a difference_n betwixt_o man_n and_o beast_n thou_o then_o who_o have_v hitherto_o live_v without_o god_n and_o prayer_n in_o the_o world_n own_o thy_o degeneracy_n take_v unto_o thyself_o both_o the_o name_n and_o shame_n of_o a_o brute_n and_o now_o begin_v to_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o man_n in_o fall_v ●pon_o thy_o knee_n before_o god_n and_o with_o a_o humble_a blush_n cry_v out_o as_o good_a asaph_n do_v when_o once_o get_v from_o under_o the_o power_n and_o fury_n of_o a_o hideous_a temptation_n psalm_n 73._o 22._o so_o foolish_a be_v i_o and_o ignorant_a i_o be_v as_o a_o beast_n before_o thou_o beside_o this_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o consider_v the_o disingenuity_n you_o discover_v in_o live_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n and_o in_o such_o a_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n as_o this_o what_o will_v you_o not_o so_o much_o as_o thank_v god_n for_o all_o that_o good_a he_o do_v you_o will_v you_o own_v he_o in_o none_o of_o the_o footstep_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o care_n do_v he_o step_v in_o between_o you_o and_o your_o danger_n hold_v your_o soul_n in_o life_n lade_v you_o with_o benefit_n direct_v your_o affair_n assist_v you_o it_o business_n succeed_v your_o endeavour_n do_v he_o day_n unto_o day_n show_v his_o bounty_n and_o night_n unto_o night_n his_o goodness_n and_o be_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o own_n will_v thou_o not_o make_v any_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n nor_o pay_v he_o any_o tribute_n of_o praise_n will_v thou_o carry_v thus_o to_o thy_o fellow-creature_n or_o will_v thou_o thyself_o bear_v it_o from_o another_o think_v again_o how_o unnatural_a you_o be_v to_o your_o own_o soul_n if_o a_o poor_a creature_n want_v bread_n how_o will_v he_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n and_o street_n and_o ask_v of_o every_o one_o he_o think_v able_a to_o give_v and_o continue_v upon_o his_o knee_n hour_n together_o do_v thou_o not_o see_v they_o while_o thou_o do_v thou_o have_v reason_n to_o reflect_v upon_o thyself_o with_o indignation_n and_o abhorrency_n will_v he_o beg_v for_o a_o penny_n and_o will_v not_o thou_o pray_v for_o a_o kingdom_n and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n far_o better_o than_o those_o of_o gold_n when_o a_o criminal_a have_v a_o sentence_n of_o death_n pass_v upon_o he_o he_o will_v plead_v hard_a for_o his_o life_n and_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a benhadad_n though_o a_o great_a king_n when_o in_o danger_n send_v his_o servant_n in_o a_o most_o submissive_a manner_n with_o rope_n about_o their_o neck_n to_o beg_v for_o his_o life_n thou_o be_v a_o criminal_a the_o sentence_n be_v pass_v upon_o thou_o and_o none_o can_v tell_v how_o soon_o execution_n may_v be_v do_v thou_o can_v not_o promise_v thyself_o a_o hour_n respite_n how_o unnatural_a then_o be_v thou_o how_o hard_o be_v thy_o heart_n and_o how_o cruel_a to_o thyself_o who_o go_v day_n after_o day_n and_o year_n after_o year_n without_o send_v up_o a_o petition_n for_o the_o life_n of_o thy_o soul_n though_o thou_o have_v often_o hear_v that_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o merciful_a king_n and_o that_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o he_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v if_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o go_v on_o at_o this_o rate_n and_o persevere_v in_o this_o inhuman_a neglect_n thou_o may_v even_o as_o well_o renounce_v thy_o allegiance_n to_o god_n disow_v thy_o be_v any_o of_o his_o creature_n deny_v any_o dependence_n which_o thou_o have_v upon_o he_o call_v not_o thyself_o from_o henceforth_o a_o man_n a_o woman_n endue_v with_o reason_n or_o act_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o dictate_v thereof_o but_o acknowledge_v thy_o be_v sink_v down_o and_o degenerate_v into_o a_o beast_n and_o true_o thou_o deserve_v to_o be_v send_v with_o nabuchadnezzar_n to_o graze_v among_o they_o till_o thou_o be_v make_v better_a to_o understand_v both_o god_n and_o thyself_o what_o o_o man_n o_o woman_n what_o do_v thou_o mean_v live_v and_o not_o pray_v live_v mere_o upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o not_o pray_v live_v upon_o his_o goodness_n and_o his_o cost_n and_o not_o pray_v must_v thou_o one_o day_n die_v and_o go_v into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o not_o send_v any_o prayer_n thither_o before_o thou_o must_v thou_o go_v to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o thy_o be_v judge_v by_o he_o and_o sentence_v as_o to_o thy_o everlasting_a state_n and_o yet_o not_o pray_v sure_o thou_o have_v lose_v thy_o reason_n and_o be_v chargeable_a with_o egregious_a folly_n and_o madness_n oh_o that_o i_o can_v do_v something_o in_o order_n to_o thy_o cure_n and_o bring_v thou_o to_o thyself_o and_o upon_o thy_o knee_n and_o that_o god_n will_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o power_n accompany_v what_o i_o shall_v to_o that_o purpose_n offer_v to_o thy_o most_o serious_a and_o repeat_v consideration_n first_o that_o man_n who_o spend_v his_o day_n altogether_o without_o prayer_n be_v dead_a while_o he_o live_v though_o he_o have_v a_o natural_a life_n yet_o he_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n nothing_o of_o that_o divine_a life_n of_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o purchaser_n and_o be_v the_o principle_n but_o be_v to_o this_o very_a day_n alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o perverseness_n which_o be_v in_o he_o and_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n newborn_a child_n cry_v what!_o can_v a_o person_n be_v bear_v spiritual_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o bring_v forth_o unto_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o cry_v not_o pray_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a it_o can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o prayer_n indeed_o may_v be_v for_o a_o while_n interrupt_v sometime_o through_o inward_a weakness_n and_o oppression_n as_o that_o holy_a man_n complain_v in_o psalm_n 77._o 4._o i_o be_o so_o trouble_v that_o i_o can_v speak_v sometime_o through_o violence_n offer_v he_o by_o temptation_n the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o man_n come_v and_o stop_v his_o mouth_n otherwise_o the_o very_a nature_n which_o a_o saint_n have_v be_v make_v a_o partaker_n of_o do_v carry_v he_o out_o hereunto_o and_o that_o holy_a fire_n which_o be_v kindle_v in_o his_o soul_n will_v be_v ascend_v up_o in_o such_o a_o flame_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 13._o it_o be_v write_v i_o believe_v therefore_o have_v i_o speak_v we_o also_o believe_v and_o therefore_o speak_v that_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o speak_v in_o a_o way_n of_o confession_n but_o it_o be_v true_a also_o speak_v in_o a_o way_n of_o supplication_n in_o act_n 9_o 11._o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o ananias_n arise_v go_v into_o the_o street_n which_o be_v call_v straight_o and_o inquire_v in_o the_o house_n of_o judas_n for_o one_o saul_n of_o tarsus_n for_o behold_v he_o pray_v poor_a ananias_n be_v startle_v at_o the_o order_n and_o not_o very_o willing_a to_o be_v send_v upon_o such_o a_o errand_n and_o begin_v to_o object_n lord_n this_o man_n have_v get_v a_o very_a bad_a name_n i_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o by_o many_o he_o be_v the_o talk_n both_o of_o town_n and_o country_n as_o have_v be_v a_o mischievous_a instrument_n he_o have_v do_v much_o evil_n to_o thy_o saint_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o now_o
sin_n in_o he_o and_o with_o a_o load_n of_o guilt_n upon_o he_o he_o do_v indeed_o justify_v and_o applaud_v himself_o but_o god_n soul_n abhor_v and_o loathe_v he_o whereas_o the_o poor_a humble_v brokenhearted_a publican_n stand_v a_o great_a way_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n from_o a_o inward_a and_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o vileness_n and_o he_o be_v send_v home_o to_o his_o house_n justify_v god_n give_v he_o a_o pardon_n and_o a_o smile_n i_o shall_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n or_o pain_n about_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n because_o i_o conclude_v their_o prejudice_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o will_v give_v very_o little_a heed_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v say_v though_o deliver_v with_o all_o possible_a meekness_n and_o real_o design_v for_o their_o good_a yet_o not_o know_v what_o it_o may_v please_v that_o god_n to_o do_v upon_o they_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o can_v make_v what_o impression_n upon_o they_o and_o change_n in_o they_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o sight_n i_o shall_v not_o pass_v they_o by_o altogether_o in_o silence_n but_o offer_v to_o their_o consideration_n these_o two_o thing_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n carry_v something_o of_o weight_n in_o they_o first_o place_n do_v not_o add_v any_o value_n to_o action_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o commend_v they_o to_o god_n i_o remember_v that_o which_o after_o the_o discourse_n of_o cornelius_n peter_n say_v unto_o he_o act_v 10._o 34._o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respector_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o and_o i_o may_v say_v as_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n so_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o place_n with_o god_n he_o have_v no_o more_o esteem_n for_o the_o chancel_n than_o for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o which_o be_v within_o the_o rail_n be_v no_o more_o sacred_a than_o that_o which_o be_v without_o they_o there_o be_v as_o near_o compendious_a and_o direct_v a_o way_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n from_o thy_o house_n o_o believer_n as_o there_o be_v from_o the_o church_n or_o the_o most_o magnificent_a cathedral_n and_o those_o supplication_n which_o be_v make_v and_o present_v there_o with_o a_o holy_a heart_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v find_v as_o free_v a_o access_n to_o god_n as_o ready_a a_o audience_n with_o he_o and_o as_o gracious_a a_o acceptance_n it_o be_v indeed_o by_o we_o and_o all_o grant_v that_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o holy_a place_n yea_o there_o be_v in_o it_o not_o only_o a_o holy_a place_n but_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n god_n himself_o have_v sanctify_v it_o and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o his_o own_o most_o solemn_a service_n there_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o place_v his_o name_n that_o be_v a_o excellent_a type_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n our_o everblessed_n mediator_n and_o wherever_o the_o jew_n be_v into_o what_o country_n soever_o they_o be_v scatter_v or_o carry_v captive_n they_o be_v to_o pray_v towards_o it_o dan._n 6._o 10._o when_o daniel_n know_v that_o the_o writing_n be_v sign_v he_o go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o his_o window_n be_v open_a in_o his_o chamber_n towards_o jerusalem_n he_o kneel_v upon_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o before_o his_o god_n as_o he_o do_v afore-time_o but_o that_o temple_n be_v destroy_v and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o stone_n leave_v upon_o another_o that_o church-state_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o that_o dispensation_n cease_v i_o know_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o holiness_n of_o place_n here_o below_o the_o synagogue_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v not_o holy_a but_o only_o convenient_a place_n for_o they_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o our_o church_n at_o this_o day_n come_v not_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o of_o those_o synagogue_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a stir_n and_o hot_a contention_n in_o our_o saviour_n day_n and_o before_o about_o the_o place_n of_o publick-worship_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o samaritan_n the_o jew_n be_v for_o the_o temple_n build_v by_o solomon_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a for_o that_o be_v the_o place_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o appoint_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o samaritan_n stand_v stiff_o for_o the_o temple_n which_o have_v be_v build_v by_o their_o ancestor_n upon_o mount_n gerizzim_n the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n have_v a_o opportunity_n put_v into_o her_o hand_n do_v in_o john_n 4._o 20._o start_n the_o question_n and_o propound_v it_o to_o our_o saviour_n seek_v as_o one_o say_v to_o be_v by_o he_o satisfy_v about_o it_o as_o in_o a_o case_n of_o conscience_n now_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o observe_v his_o answer_n thereunto_o which_o you_o have_v in_o verse_n 21._o jesus_n say_v unto_o she_o woman_n believe_v i_o the_o hour_n come_v when_o you_o shall_v neither_o at_o jerusalem_n nor_o in_o this_o mountain_n worship_v the_o father_n prayer_n ordinance_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v restrain_v to_o this_o place_n nor_o to_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v more_o please_a powerful_a and_o prevalent_a in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o place_n sake_n than_o it_o be_v in_o another_o add_v hereunto_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a apostle_n paul_n say_v in_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v mark_v his_o manner_n of_o expression_n i_o will_v he_o speak_v with_o authority_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o he_o receive_v this_o from_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v never_o have_v say_v i_o will_v have_v he_o not_o be_v sure_o that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n it_o be_v god_n will_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v pawles_n will_n but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o man_n do_v not_o look_v to_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o pray_v but_o to_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o pray_v let_v they_o pray_v any_o where_o every_o where_o in_o what_o place_n they_o themselves_o judge_v fit_a and_o convenient_a so_o that_o their_o hand_n be_v wash_v in_o innocency_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v but_o cleanse_v from_o their_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n holy_a and_o pure_a prayer_n shall_v be_v welcome_a to_o god_n and_o have_v a_o most_o gracious_a reception_n from_o what_o quarter_n or_o corner_n soever_o it_o come_v we_o find_v that_o good_a jonah_n pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o fish_n which_o be_v so_o dark_a and_o dismal_a a_o place_n that_o he_o count_v and_o call_v it_o the_o belly_n of_o hell_n yet_o his_o prayer_n make_v there_o do_v not_o lose_v its_o way_n nor_o fail_v of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v send_v jonah_n 2._o 2._o i_o cry_v by_o reason_n of_o my_o affliction_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o hear_v i_o out_o of_o the_o belly_n of_o hell_n cry_v i_o and_o thou_o hear_v my_o voice_n second_o i_o do_v advise_v and_o desire_v you_o to_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o to_o be_v better_o study_v in_o and_o acquaint_v with_o your_o own_o heart_n than_o it_o may_v be_v as_o yet_o you_o be_v for_o i_o can_v but_o tell_v you_o though_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a work_n and_o necessary_a for_o all_o that_o will_v manage_v religion_n to_o everlasting_a advantage_n and_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n so_o it_o be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n necessary_a for_o they_o that_o lie_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o place_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n to_o watch_v their_o heart_n narrow_o and_o to_o keep_v a_o very_a strict_a eye_n upon_o they_o lest_o by_o those_o superstitious_a observance_n they_o be_v find_v want_v to_o and_o of_o the_o very_a vital_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o hug_v and_o please_v themselves_o with_o a_o rot_a and_o stink_a carcase_n where_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n be_v want_v and_o as_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o pharisee_n matt._n 23._o 23._o wo_n unto_o you_o scribes_z and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o pay_v tithe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v and_o cummin_n and_o have_v omit_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n they_o neglect_v the_o magnalia_fw-la legis_fw-la the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n while_o they_o be_v great_o solicitous_a about_o the_o minutula_n
not_o part_v with_o thou_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o take_v i_o up_o to_o thou_o thou_o shall_v not_o deny_v to_o go_v along_o with_o i_o unless_o desire_n and_o long_n be_v grow_v insignificant_a unless_o prayer_n and_o tear_n have_v lose_v their_o wont_a power_n i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o my_o house_n to_o my_o family_n to_o my_o chamber_n i_o be_o now_o set_v for_o the_o great_a privacy_n and_o for_o the_o sweet_a intimacy_n there_o will_v i_o pour_v out_o my_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o there_o i_o will_v humble_o and_o patient_o yet_o with_o inflame_a long_n attend_v thy_o pleasure_n and_o wait_v thy_o gracious_a answer_n we_o find_v that_o holy_a abraham_n do_v erect_v altar_n to_o god_n abroad_o in_o the_o several_a place_n to_o which_o he_o come_v god_n have_v his_o table_n for_o abraham_n and_o abraham_n will_v have_v his_o altar_n for_o god_n god_n be_v very_o gracious_a abraham_n very_o ingenuous_a god_n be_v bountiful_a and_o abraham_n grateful_a at_o sichem_n the_o lord_n appear_v to_o he_o and_o there_o he_o build_v a_o altar_n and_o another_o he_o make_v near_o unto_o bethel_n and_o another_o in_o the_o plain_a of_o mamre_n and_o doubtless_o as_o he_o have_v his_o altar_n so_o his_o sacrifice_n as_o all_o place_n be_v witness_n of_o god_n kindness_n to_o abraham_n so_o he_o will_v have_v they_o witness_n of_o his_o mindfulness_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o as_o he_o have_v his_o altar_n abroad_o so_o as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v he_o have_v his_o grove_n at_o home_n a_o oratory_n a_o place_n of_o prayer_n where_o he_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o everlasting_a god_n there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n and_o among_o ourselves_o who_o can_v find_v altar_n abroad_o and_o if_o there_o be_v none_o they_o will_v make_v some_o they_o have_v as_o lief_o be_v without_o church_n as_o without_o altar_n and_o oh_o how_o do_v they_o admire_v they_o as_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n though_o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n and_o how_o do_v 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i_o put_v the_o question_n to_o ●hee_v again_o be_v thou_o a_o christian_n have_v thou_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v thou_o ●ut_v on_o christ_n have_v he_o get_v the_o possession_n ●f_fw-mi thy_o heart_n and_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o command_v in_o it_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v uniform_a let_v thy_o whole_a life_n be_v of_o a_o piece_n linsey-woolsey_n christian_n bear_v with_o the_o expression_n be_v abominable_a both_o to_o god_n ●nd_v men._n what_o thou_o be_v that_o be_v in_o all_o place_n have_v put_v christ_n on_o keep_v he_o on_o ●nd_v walk_v up_o and_o down_o everywhere_o as_o a_o ●an_v in_o christ_n expressive_a of_o christ_n make_v ●im_a visible_a in_o thy_o life_n and_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o it_o do_v not_o thou_o carry_v like_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o congregation_n and_o like_o a_o heathen_a in_o the_o closet_n since_o god_n be_v so_o very_o gracious_a as_o to_o admit_v thou_o into_o his_o house_n to_o tread_v in_o his_o court_n to_o 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a_o stock_n go_v with_o other_o as_o in_o the_o african_a and_o east-india_n company_n but_o not_o satisfy_v with_o that_o they_o will_v have_v their_o secret_a stock_n also_o and_o will_v trade_v by_o themselves_o so_o here_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v trade_v and_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n go_v in_o the_o common_a stock_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o the_o saint_n psal._n 42._o 4._o holy_a david_n do_v reckon_v it_o a_o brave_a time_n when_o he_o go_v with_o the_o multitude_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o praise_n with_o a_o multitude_n that_o keep_v holy_a day_n psal._n 122._o 1._o he_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v unto_o he_o let_v we_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v prophesy_v and_o promise_v as_o a_o choce_fw-mi and_o singular_a blessing_n isa._n 2._o 3._o that_o many_o people_n shall_v go_v and_o say_v come_v you_o and_o let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n and_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o of_o his_o way_n and_o we_o will_v walk_v in_o his_o path_n but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v thrive_v amain_o and_o grow_v very_o rich_a towards_o god_n unless_o they_o have_v a_o secret_a stock_n go_v too_o and_o will_v be_v trade_v by_o themselves_o in_o private_a and_o keep_v up_o that_o communion_n correspondency_n and_o intercourse_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o other_o do_v not_o know_v of_o david_n be_v very_o much_o for_o sanctuary_n sight_n and_o enjoyment_n when_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o he_o do_v seek_v and_o thirst_n and_o long_o for_o they_o psal_n 63._o 1_o 2._o but_o still_o
the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thou_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o or_o have_v great_a dependence_n upon_o these_o thing_n and_o possible_o twenty_o more_o which_o may_v be_v reckon_v up_o be_v very_o much_o the_o matter_n of_o thy_o desire_n and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o god_n who_o perform_v all_o thing_n for_o david_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o thou_o and_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o willing_o have_v other_o acquaint_v with_o these_o thing_n if_o thou_o be_v loath_a that_o thy_o family_n shall_v be_v privy_a to_o the_o stir_n and_o work_n of_o thy_o heart_n in_o these_o respect_n then_o let_v they_o bring_v thou_o upon_o thy_o knee_n in_o thy_o secret_a retirement_n there_o thou_o may_v be_v bold_a and_o as_o free_a as_o thou_o please_v there_o thou_o may_v full_o open_v thy_o case_n and_o unbosom_v thyself_o and_o tell_v god_n all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o keep_v back_o nothing_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o holy_a david_n who_o can_v say_v in_o psal._n 38._o 9_o all_o my_o desire_n be_v before_o thou_o and_o my_o groan_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o five_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o the_o work_n be_v enough_o to_o attract_v and_o draw_v a_o holy_a soul_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o secret_a prayer_n bring_v the_o christian_a into_o secret_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o secret_a communion_n be_v a_o sweet_a communion_n as_o that_o person_n taste_v and_o experience_n who_o love_v god_n indeed_o two_o lover_n have_v abundant_o more_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o each_o other_o company_n when_o they_o be_v get_v in_o a_o corner_n and_o no_o body_n to_o interrupt_v or_o observe_v they_o than_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o throng_n of_o people_n or_o in_o a_o room_n where_o many_o eye_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o there_o they_o can_v be_v so_o familiar_a and_o free_a as_o their_o mutual_a affection_n do_v require_v we_o have_v free_a leave_n give_v we_o yea_o we_o be_v under_o a_o divine_a command_n to_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o holdness_n heb._n 4._o 16._o with_o a_o freedom_n of_o speech_n to_o fetch_v up_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o tell_v our_o whole_a mind_n to_o god_n but_o when_o the_o saint_n go_v in_o company_n many_o time_n he_o that_o be_v call_v out_o to_o be_v at_o that_o time_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o rest_n to_o god_n find_v himself_o confine_v and_o bind_v up_o by_o a_o natural_a and_o overpower_v modesty_n and_o his_o christian_a childlike_a boldness_n be_v abate_v nay_o whole_o to_o seek_v and_o he_o be_v at_o such_o a_o great_a loss_n and_o so_o exceed_o trouble_v that_o he_o can_v speak_v that_o i_o may_v use_v the_o word_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n asaph_n psal._n 73._o his_o freedom_n be_v turn_v into_o oppression_n and_o he_o be_v so_o full_a of_o matter_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v almost_o ready_a to_o break_v within_o he_o because_o at_o that_o time_n he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o give_v himself_o vent_v in_o such_o a_o case_n there_o be_v a_o awe_n upon_o he_o and_o that_o do_v issue_n in_o a_o painful_a restraint_n oh_o christian_n if_o you_o can_v hear_v some_o gracious_a soul_n in_o their_o private_a address_n to_o god_n it_o will_v put_v you_o into_o a_o amazement_n you_o can_v not_o forbear_v stand_v and_o wonder_v how_o bold_a they_o be_v with_o god_n though_o not_o saucy_a how_o familiar_o they_o will_v speak_v to_o god_n yet_o know_v and_o consider_v their_o distance_n how_o plain_a they_o will_v be_v how_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a how_o they_o will_v plead_v with_o he_o and_o produce_v their_o argument_n and_o strong_a reason_n and_o with_o vehemency_n urge_v they_o wrestle_v with_o he_o as_o those_o that_o must_v have_v their_o petition_n grant_v and_o will_v too_o before_o they_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o they_o do_v herein_o that_o which_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o above_o and_o use_v those_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v who_o speak_v in_o they_o they_o do_v not_o herein_o forget_v themselves_o or_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o nor_o be_v they_o more_o bold_a than_o welcome_a when_o they_o have_v raise_v and_o enlarge_v their_o desire_n and_o wound_v up_o their_o importunity_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v their_o kind_n and_o gracious_a father_n allowance_n for_o and_o then_o be_v their_o prayer_n his_o music_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v thus_o who_o but_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o have_v take_v the_o same_o course_n be_v able_a to_o tell_v or_o conceive_v the_o fruit_n and_o advantage_n which_o thereby_o come_v into_o they_o when_o their_o soul_n have_v have_v so_o large_a a_o vent_n what_o ●ase_n do_v they_o find_v in_o themselves_o what_o peace_n but_o such_o as_o pass_v understanding_n how_o do_v their_o face_n shine_v even_o as_o that_o of_o moses_n do_v when_o he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n what_o delight_n have_v they_o have_v what_o joy_n of_o faith_n what_o a_o satisfaction_n do_v they_o find_v within_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o holy_a david_n do_v with_o high_a confidence_n promise_v unto_o himself_o and_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n but_o he_o be_v encourage_v to_o promise_v so_o much_o to_o himself_o for_o the_o future_a by_o the_o experience_n he_o have_v have_v in_o former_a time_n psal._n 63._o 5_o 6._o my_o soul_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n he_o look_v not_o only_o for_o a_o little_a taste_n a_o drop_n of_o mercy_n or_o some_o crumb_n of_o comfort_n so_o much_o only_o as_o will_v set_v he_o a_o longing_n or_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o but_o a_o full_a meal_n he_o promise_v himself_o the_o best_a not_o brown-bread_n and_o water_n ordinary_a course_n fare_n but_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n yea_o and_o enough_o too_o a_o fullness_n so_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o rise_v up_o complain_v but_o admire_v and_o triumph_v my_o mouth_n shall_v praise_v thou_o with_o joyful_a lip_n when_o he_o have_v his_o sweet_a refresh_n his_o fill_n than_o he_o will_v bless_v his_o benefactor_n but_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o time_n when_o and_o the_o place_n where_o he_o do_v promise_v himself_o these_o rich_a and_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n it_o be_v in_o his_o retirement_n in_o his_o secret_n converse_v with_o god_n when_o i_o remember_v thou_o upon_o my_o bed_n and_o meditate_v upon_o thou_o in_o the_o night-watche_n upon_o which_o word_n mr._n dickson_n have_v this_o observation_n very_o apposite_a to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n the_o way_n to_o find_v refreshment_n spiritual_a be_v beside_o public_a ordinance_n to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n in_o secret_a at_o such_o time_n as_o our_o civil_a and_o natural_a necessity_n may_v best_o spare_v and_o then_o and_o there_o to_o recall_v to_o mind_n what_o we_o have_v hear_v see_v or_o feel_v of_o god_n word_n or_o work_v and_o to_o keep_v our_o thought_n upon_o this_o holy_a subject_n by_o prayer_n soliloquy_n and_o meditation_n this_o this_o bring_v in_o spiritual_a refreshment_n indeed_o this_o warm_v the_o heart_n this_o feast_n it_o this_o delight_v it_o this_o raise_v it_o this_o furnish_v it_o with_o new_a song_n six_o secret_a prayer_n shall_v not_o be_v vain_a our_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o only_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n in_o the_o full_a assembly_n of_o his_o saint_n thou_o indeed_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o psal._n 87._o 2._o the_o lord_n love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n i._n e._n say_v ainsworth_n the_o public_a assembly_n more_o than_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n but_o he_o will_v gracious_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o afford_v his_o presence_n and_o give_v a_o meeting_n to_o two_o or_o three_o of_o his_o friend_n when_o meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n there_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o you_o have_v christ_n own_o word_n for_o your_o assurance_n in_o the_o case_n matth._n 18._o 20._o as_o to_o assist_v so_o to_o accept_v and_o bless_v and_o do_v for_o they_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o they_o desire_v yea_o his_o grace_n be_v so_o infinite_a and_o his_o love_n so_o great_a that_o his_o condescension_n shall_v be_v low_a yet_o for_o he_o will_v come_v into_o a_o corner_n when_o he_o have_v a_o child_n of_o his_o alone_a pray_v and_o cry_v cantic_a 2._o 14._o o_o my_o dove_n that_o be_v in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n and_o in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n
and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a when_o she_o be_v most_o retire_a and_o abscond_v christ_n love_v both_o to_o see_v she_o and_o hear_v she_o though_o she_o be_v sunburn_a with_o persecution_n and_o soot_v with_o infirmity_n yet_o her_o countenance_n be_v comely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o christ_n because_o there_o he_o see_v his_o own_o and_o his_o father_n image_n and_o though_o her_o prayer_n be_v break_v and_o as_o the_o chattering_n of_o a_o crane_n yet_o the_o voice_n be_v sweet_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o although_o our_o lord_n speak_v this_o to_o his_o spouse_n the_o church_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o particular_a christian_n who_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o may_v take_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o when_o elijah_n be_v as_o you_o hear_v and_o we_o note_v before_o under_o the_o juniper-tree_n god_n be_v please_v to_o come_v and_o join_v himself_o to_o 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present_o add_v his_o fiat_fw-la his_o amen_o though_o it_o may_v be_v the_o answer_n shall_v not_o present_o be_v give_v in_o to_o thou_o yet_o the_o grant_n shall_v be_v pass_v in_o heaven_n thy_o father_n will_v say_v be_v it_o unto_o this_o soul_n even_o as_o it_o will_n nay_o he_o will_v not_o only_o give_v the_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v good_a for_o thou_o but_o more_o too_o and_o while_o thou_o ask_v like_o a_o child_n he_o will_v answer_v thou_o like_o a_o god_n a_o most_o gracious_a assurance_n hereof_o you_o have_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o he_o see_v the_o sincerity_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o the_o importunity_n of_o thy_o desire_n he_o see_v how_o thou_o labour_v at_o the_o oar_n and_o what_o pain_n thou_o have_v take_v and_o with_o what_o great_a wrestle_n thou_o haste_v wrestle_v and_o have_v see_v he_o will_v reward_v the_o work_n be_v do_v and_o the_o reward_n be_v to_o come_v so_o then_o if_o thou_o will_v believe_v christ_n thou_o shall_v not_o lose_v thy_o labour_n thou_o shall_v not_o have_v pang_n and_o throw_n of_o soul_n and_o after_o all_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o wind_n never_o do_v any_o one_o holy_a prayer_n fall_v short_a of_o heaven_n and_o drop_v by_o the_o way_n the_o great_a god_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o set_v his_o child_n about_o any_o unprofitable_a work_n paul_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v of_o that_o mind_n when_o he_o say_v in_o 1._o cor._n 15._o last_o be_v steadfast_a immovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n know_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n as_o their_o grievous_a suffering_n turn_v they_o to_o a_o very_a good_a account_n so_o shall_v all_o their_o holy_a action_n there_o be_v never_o a_o appointment_n of_o duty_n for_o they_o but_o it_o carry_v in_o its_o bowel_n a_o design_n of_o mercy_n he_o say_v not_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n seek_v you_o my_o face_n in_o vain_a the_o prepare_v and_o engage_v of_o their_o heart_n to_o pray_v speak_v his_o readiness_n and_o resolution_n to_o incline_v his_o ear_n to_o hear_v when_o he_o bid_v they_o open_v their_o mouth_n it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v fill_v they_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o give_v a_o knock_n at_o his_o door_n to_o no_o purpose_n but_o have_v promise_v when_o they_o do_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o they_o and_o when_o he_o open_v his_o door_n he_o will_v open_v his_o heart_n and_o hand_n too_o and_o not_o send_v they_o away_o empty_a when_o he_o bid_v they_o seek_v it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o their_o find_n and_o that_o which_o they_o find_v shall_v be_v worth_a their_o while_n and_o pay_v they_o for_o all_o the_o pain_n they_o take_v to_o be_v sure_a they_o shall_v not_o have_v cause_n to_o complain_v as_o those_o that_o sit_v down_o loser_n and_o have_v a_o disappointment_n of_o 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to_o prayer_n in_o general_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o up_o some_o that_o do_v particular_o concern_v and_o relate_v to_o secret-prayer_n they_o be_v these_o i_o beseech_v you_o mind_n and_o practise_v they_o first_o make_v thy_o secret_a approach_n to_o god_n with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n of_o spirit_n that_o thou_o can_v though_o thou_o go_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o mercy_n and_o with_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o with_o hope_n of_o find_v grace_n yet_o be_v sure_a that_o in_o his_o fear_n thou_o worship_v towards_o his_o holy_a temple_n though_o thou_o be_v alone_o and_o without_o any_o here_o to_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n do_v thou_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o with_o as_o great_a a_o ●we_n
thing_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi three_o when_o thou_o be_v alone_o in_o prayer_n make_v it_o thy_o great_a desire_n and_o care_n to_o be_v with_o god_n in_o all_o thy_o approach_n to_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thy_o appearance_n before_o he_o make_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v with_o he_o the_o psalmist_n can_v say_v psal._n 139._o 18._o when_o i_o awake_v i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o this_o some_o understand_v of_o the_o constancy_n of_o god_n kindness_n though_o the_o most_o vigilant_a of_o the_o saint_n sometime_o fall_v into_o sleepiness_n and_o drowsiness_n of_o spirit_n that_o they_o perceive_v not_o god_n presence_n with_o they_o nor_o care_n over_o they_o nor_o love_n to_o they_o yet_o when_o the_o lord_n awaken_v up_o their_o soul_n and_o renew_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n they_o be_v make_v to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v never_o leave_v they_o no_o not_o when_o they_o least_o perceive_v his_o presence_n but_o other_o do_v by_o this_o understand_v the_o gracious_a frame_n and_o work_n of_o david_n spirit_n he_o be_v every_o morning_n with_o god_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o open_v his_o eye_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o god_n god_n be_v the_o excellent_a and_o endear_a object_n that_o he_o will_v first_o converse_v with_o and_o bestow_v his_o morning_n visit_v upon_o i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o by_o meditation_n oh_o that_o thou_o can_v say_v the_o same_o in_o truth_n as_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n lord_n when_o i_o be_o at_o prayer_n i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o i_o be_o often_o upon_o my_o knee_n and_o i_o be_o as_o often_o with_o my_o god_n i_o john_n 1._o 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n do_v you_o press_v after_o that_o a_o fellowship_n with_o god_n do_v you_o inquire_v for_o that_o as_o elisha_n when_o he_o have_v get_v the_o mantle_n which_o his_o master_n have_v drop_v he_o cry_v out_o where_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o elijah_n so_o do_v you_o here_o be_v the_o prayer_n but_o where_o be_v the_o fellowship_n true_o that_o person_n be_v both_o wicked_o and_o miserable_o alone_a in_o his_o duty_n who_o be_v not_o with_o god_n in_o duty_n he_o sin_v great_o in_o it_o and_o he_o shall_v get_v nothing_o by_o it_o that_o be_v a_o accurse_a privacy_n out_o of_o which_o the_o great_a and_o everblessed_n god_n be_v exclude_v he_o be_v indeed_o with_o thou_o in_o all_o place_n in_o thy_o great_a retirement_n psal._n 139._o 8._o if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n thou_o be_v there_o so_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o congregation_n god_n be_v there_o if_o in_o the_o chamber_n god_n be_v there_o if_o in_o the_o field_n god_n be_v there_o he_o fill_v all_o place_n and_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o person_n and_o of_o all_o their_o action_n but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o no_o gracious_a soul_n that_o do_v indeed_o love_v he_o will_v sit_v down_o satisfy_v with_o that_o while_o god_n be_v with_o thou_o by_o his_o omnipresence_n observe_v thou_o and_o all_o thy_o way_n what_o duty_n thou_o do_v and_o how_o thou_o do_v they_o it_o must_v be_v thy_o great_a care_n to_o be_v with_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o holy_a meditation_n and_o affection_n to_o have_v the_o thought_n dwell_v with_o god_n the_o desire_n run_v out_o to_o god_n and_o the_o delight_n feast_v upon_o god_n have_v a_o care_n that_o when_o you_o pretend_v to_o be_v alone_o in_o your_o duty_n you_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o reins_o upon_o your_o neck_n and_o allow_v your_o mind_n in_o their_o loose_a and_o vain_a ex●ursions_n christian_n go_v to_o thy_o duty_n and_o go_v to_o thy_o god_n too_o so_o that_o good_a man_n wise_o resolve_v psal._n 43._o 3_o 4._o o_o send_v out_o thy_o light_n and_o truth_n let_v they_o lead_v i_o let_v they_o bring_v i_o unto_o thy_o hill_n and_o to_o thy_o tabernacle_n then_o will_v i_o go_v unto_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n unto_o god_n my_o exceed_a joy_n he_o will_v not_o stop_v at_o the_o altar_n but_o get_v up_o to_o the_o god_n who_o be_v worship_v there_o and_o when_o thou_o be_v with_o he_o keep_v with_o he_o as_o close_o as_o thou_o can_v let_v no_o temptation_n draw_v thou_o away_o four_o whensoever_o thou_o be_v in_o secret_a before_o god_n reveal_v all_o thy_o secret_n to_o he_o deal_v plain_o and_o open_o with_o he_o anatomize_v thy_o soul_n in_o his_o presence_n tell_v he_o all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o all_o that_o thou_o remember_v have_v be_v in_o thy_o life_n and_o do_v not_o hide_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o whatsoever_o thy_o own_o conscience_n preach_v to_o thou_o do_v thou_o go_v and_o repeat_v it_o all_o to_o god_n confess_v to_o he_o those_o evil_a action_n thou_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n and_o under_o the_o covert_n of_o darkness_n though_o no_o mortal_a eye_n see_v they_o nor_o can_v any_o body_n charge_v thou_o with_o they_o the_o keep_v back_o of_o part_n of_o thy_o sin_n may_v be_v thy_o ruin_n as_o well_o as_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n of_o the_o land_n and_o cover_v the_o fraud_n with_o a_o lie_n be_v the_o death_n of_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n acknowledge_v to_o he_o those_o heart-corruption_n which_o do_v never_o come_v into_o act_n the_o law_n in_o the_o member_n that_o war_v against_o the_o law_n in_o your_o mind_n the_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o that_o curse_a root_n of_o bitterness_n which_o lie_v under_o ground_n the_o vicious_a fountain_n that_o be_v continual_o boil_v and_o bubble_v up_o in_o filthy_a thought_n and_o vile_a affection_n though_o it_o never_o send_v forth_o such_o muddy_a and_o abominable_a stream_n as_o run_v in_o a_o impetuous_a and_o rapid_a manner_n in_o the_o life_n of_o other_o overflow_a all_o the_o bank_n that_o religion_n and_o reason_n do_v set_v they_o in_o a_o word_n do_v thou_o thyself_o acquaint_v god_n with_o the_o plague_n of_o thy_o heart_n which_o threaten_v the_o life_n of_o thy_o soul_n though_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n to_o be_v see_v by_o other_o upon_o thou_o though_o it_o do_v not_o show_v itself_o in_o botch_n and_o boil_n i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o though_o you_o need_v not_o let_v man_n know_v not_o your_o dear_a intimate_a and_o most_o faithful_a friend_n know_v all_o that_o you_o be_v chargeable_a with_o yet_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v so_o to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o a_o give_n of_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o omniscience_n and_o if_o you_o do_v it_o as_o you_o ought_v in_o a_o believe_a way_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n too_o as_o be_v a_o god_n ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o multiply_v pardon_n beside_o as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o hide_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o because_o he_o see_v all_o searcheth_z the_o heart_n possess_v the_o reins_o and_o have_v our_o most_o secret_a sin_n in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v not_o in_o that_o action_n when_o man_n go_v to_o eover_o god_n will_v come_v to_o discover_v adam_n have_v sin_v go_v like_o a_o guilty_a malefactor_n to_o hide_v himself_o but_o god_n know_v where_o he_o be_v and_o fetch_v he_o out_o with_o a_o word_n achan_n have_v steal_v the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o two_o hundred_o piece_n of_o silver_n and_o a_o goodly_a babylonish_n garment_n go_v and_o hide_v they_o in_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o tent_n but_o god_n make_v he_o fetch_v they_o out_o again_o when_o all_o be_v do_v plain-dealing_a be_v best_a special_o when_o you_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o god_n and_o let_v i_o here_o add_v that_o freedom_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n in_o a_o way_n of_o humble_a confession_n unto_o god_n be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n of_o a_o gracious_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o speak_v a_o person_n act_v by_o a_o ingenuous_a filial_a spirit_n that_o he_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o sin_n no_o admirer_n of_o himself_o but_o willing_a to_o load_v himself_o that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o more_o loath_a himself_o and_o work_v his_o heart_n into_o the_o great_a admiring_n of_o that_o patience_n which_o notwithstanding_o so_o many_o affront_n have_v so_o long_o bear_v with_o he_o and_o that_o grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o so_o great_a provocation_n do_v yet_o open_a to_o he_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n and_o take_v one_o thing_n with_o you_o further_o this_o freedom_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n in_o confess_v your_o sin_n to_o god_n be_v a_o singular_a
and_o compendious_a way_n mingle_v with_o it_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o provide_v for_o your_o own_o peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o you_o do_v humble_o and_o free_o load_v yourselves_o with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o sin_n you_o be_v guilty_a of_o you_o may_v find_v they_o lie_v more_o light_n upon_o you_o conscience_n when_o you_o bind_v they_o upon_o yourselves_o you_o may_v find_v god_n lose_v they_o and_o take_v they_o off_o by_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o full_a pardon_n till_o david_n come_v to_o this_o poor_a man_n he_o be_v in_o a_o most_o dismal_a condition_n psal._n 32._o 3._o while_o he_o keep_v silence_n his_o bone_n wax_v old_a through_o his_o roar_v all_o the_o day_n he_o keep_v silence_n i._n e._n he_o do_v not_o confess_v sin_n and_o then_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o spend_v all_o his_o time_n in_o roar_v because_o of_o the_o torment_n and_o anguish_n which_o he_o feel_v and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o do_v not_o carry_v towards_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o ingenuity_n god_n carry_v towards_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o severity_n vers._n 24._o day_n and_o night_n thy_o hand_n be_v heavy_a upon_o i_o my_o moisture_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o drought_n of_o summer_n he_o be_v sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o that_o hand_n and_o break_v almost_o to_o shiver_n and_o dry_v up_o like_o a_o potsherd_n but_o now_o see_v what_o a_o comfortable_a change_n be_v wrought_v and_o how_o god_n appear_v to_o his_o joy_n when_o he_o break_v off_o that_o sinful_a silence_n yea_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n of_o do_v it_o ver._n 5._o i_o acknowledge_v my_o sin_n unto_o thou_o and_o my_o iniquity_n have_v i_o not_o hide_v i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o forgave_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n so_o then_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o remove_v judgement_n to_o pacify_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n to_o quiet_a the_o conscience_n to_o recover_v the_o sense_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o to_o get_v for_o break_a bone_n the_o joy_n of_o god_n salvation_n five_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o secret_a keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n over_o thyself_o watch_v over_o both_o thy_o body_n and_o soul_n watch_v over_o thy_o body_n that_o it_o may_v not_o sleep_v as_o the_o disciple_n do_v very_o unreasonable_o when_o they_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o keep_v awake_a you_o know_v what_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o the_o body_n be_v weak_a where_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o therefore_o a_o great_a shame_n for_o people_n yea_o such_o as_o profess_v godliness_n when_o they_o be_v about_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o these_o assembly_n hear_v and_o pray_v to_o sleep_v away_o so_o much_o of_o that_o precious_a time_n as_o they_o do_v as_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v none_o of_o their_o business_n and_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o sure_o i_o be_o this_o be_v not_o to_o sit_v here_o as_o god_n people_n sit_v this_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o a_o serious_a christ●an_n come_v to_o hear_v for_o life_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o life_n and_o work_v out_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o yet_o they_o sleep_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o observer_n when_o they_o have_v some_o on_o all_o side_n to_o give_v they_o a_o awaken_n jog_v and_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o do_v it_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o duty_n and_o of_o love_n it_o be_v a_o friendly_a jog_v and_o the_o party_n to_o who_o you_o give_v it_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v it_o thankful_o at_o your_o hand_n as_o a_o kindness_n he_o do_v not_o know_v how_o much_o he_o may_v lose_v by_o a_o little_a nap_n some_o precious_a truth_n may_v then_o be_v speak_v and_o pass_v in_o which_o he_o be_v great_o concern_v and_o by_o which_o he_o may_v have_v be_v great_o benefit_v but_o it_o be_v go_v and_o lose_v as_o to_o he_o he_o sleep_v it_o away_o but_o when_o thou_o be_v all_o alone_a thou_o have_v none_o by_o to_o do_v that_o friendly_a office_n to_o bestow_v a_o jog_v upon_o thou_o than_o thou_o must_v do_v all_o the_o work_n thyself_o and_o look_v to_o thyself_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o thy_o own_o friend_n and_o take_v the_o more_o care_n and_o pain_n and_o also_o watch_v thy_o soul_n thy_o heart_n keep_v it_o as_o thou_o be_v command_v with_o all_o diligence_n and_o as_o deborah_n say_v to_o herself_o when_o she_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o work_n judge_n 5._o 12._o awake_v awake_a debroah_n awake_v awake_a utter_v a_o song_n so_o do_v you_o call_v upon_o yourselves_o in_o your_o duty_n awake_v awake_a o_o my_o soul_n awake_v awake_a lift_v up_o a_o prayer_n thou_o have_v now_o wrestling-work_n in_o hand_n do_v not_o be_v dull_a heavy_a and_o lazy_a at_o it_o watch_v thy_o heart_n for_o it_o need_v it_o and_o two_o thing_n in_o particular_a it_o be_v very_o subject_a to_o wander_n and_o cooling_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v a_o wander_a heart_n will_v not_o keep_v its_o way_n nor_o dwell_v upon_o its_o proper_a object_n david_n can_v say_v my_o heart_n be_v fix_v o_o god_n my_o heart_n be_v fix_v but_o can_v he_o say_v so_o always_o or_o can_v thou_o no_o though_o it_o be_v fix_v in_o its_o choice_n of_o god_n in_o its_o affection_n to_o he_o in_o its_o resolution_n for_o he_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o that_o fixation_n of_o thought_n and_o meditation_n upon_o he_o nor_o that_o fixedness_n of_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v thou_o think_v thou_o carry_v thy_o heart_n with_o thou_o to_o thy_o duty_n but_o do_v thou_o not_o often_o find_v it_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o slip_n and_o be_v go_v before_o thou_o have_v do_v therefore_o look_v to_o it_o keep_v thy_o eye_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o may_v keep_v its_o place_n and_o to_o its_o business_n but_o then_o again_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n have_v its_o cooling_n as_o well_o as_o its_o wander_n as_o it_o shall_v keep_v its_o way_n so_o it_o shall_v careful_o keep_v its_o heat_n be_v much_o therefore_o and_o frequent_a in_o stir_v up_o thyself_o when_o thou_o go_v by_o thyself_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o god_n beware_v of_o all_o deadness_n and_o dulness_n when_o thou_o be_v go_v to_o serve_v a_o live_a god_n when_o firebrand_n be_v together_o they_o will_v help_v one_o another_o and_o burn_v to_o the_o last_o but_o he_o that_o will_v keep_v a_o single_a one_o alive_a have_v need_n to_o tend_v it_o careful_o and_o be_v often_o blow_v it_o yea_o and_o add_v some_o fuel_n too_o watchfulness_n be_v as_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o duty_n as_o any_o the_o christian_n have_v to_o do_v he_o must_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v not_o go_v about_o it_o unreasonable_o that_o he_o may_v not_o lose_v a_o fit_a opportunity_n but_o set_v up_o his_o sail_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o that_o he_o also_o may_v make_v use_n of_o all_o advantage_n for_o the_o tune_n of_o his_o instrument_n and_o get_v his_o heart_n into_o a_o right_a frame_n and_o he_o must_v watch_v likewise_o in_o prayer_n that_o when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o work_n he_o may_v not_o idle_a in_o it_o and_o so_o lose_v his_o duty_n by_o lose_v himself_o for_o want_v of_o look_v to_o alas_o what_o be_v prayer_n without_o the_o heart_n unprofitable_a to_o man_n abominable_a to_o god_n it_o be_v like_o a_o carcase_n when_o the_o soul_n have_v once_o forsake_v it_o a_o stink_a and_o offensive_a thing_n who_o will_v make_v a_o present_a of_o it_o to_o a_o great_a king_n six_o when_o thou_o be_v upon_o thy_o knee_n engage_v in_o secret_a prayer_n unto_o god_n be_v sure_a that_o thou_o double_v thy_o diligence_n and_o put_v thy_o strength_n forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a when_o a_o great_a many_o be_v lift_v at_o a_o hairy_a weight_n every_o one_o may_v spare_v himself_o and_o put_v forth_o the_o less_o strength_n because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o number_n to_o assist_v but_o when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o single_a person_n tug_v at_o it_o he_o have_v need_v strain_n and_o labour_v hard_a else_o he_o must_v leave_v it_o where_o and_o as_o he_o find_v it_o when_o we_o be_v join_v together_o with_o other_o in_o prayer_n when_o with_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o assembly_n of_o saint_n there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o supplicant_n a_o great_a many_o besiege_n the_o throne_n of_o grace_n wrestle_v with_o god_n and_o pull_v down_o the_o blessing_n which_o be_v desire_v and_o then_o we_o may_v speak_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o david_n do_v psal._n 7._o 6_o 7._o arise_v o_o lord_n in_o thy_o anger_n lift_v up_o