A29703:219
The privy key of heaven, or, Twenty arguments for closet-prayer in a select discourse…The privie key of heaven, or, Twenty arguments for closet-prayer in a select discourse…
The privy key of heaven, or, Twenty arguments for closet-prayer in a select discourse on that subject with the resolution of several considerable questions : the main objections also against closet-prayer are here answered ... with twenty special lessons ... that we are to learn by that severe rod, the pestilence that now rageth in the midst of us / by Thomas Brooks.The privie key of heaven, or, Twenty arguments for closet-prayer in a select discourse on that subject with the resolution of several considerable questions : the main objections also against closet-prayer are here answered ... with twenty special lessons ... that we are to learn by that severe rod, the pestilence that now rageth in the midst of us / by Thomas Brooks.
London : Printed for and are to be sold by John Hancock, 1665
THE PRIVY KEY OF HEAVEN, Or, a Discourse of CLOSET-PRAYER. › Argument 6
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
When Peter was upon the house-top at prayer alone, then he fell into a trance, and then he saw Heaven opened, and then he had his spirit raised, his Mind clevated, and all the Faculties of his soul filled with a Divine Revelation. And so when Pa•l was at prayer alone, he saw in ⟨p. 41⟩1a Vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Paul had not been long at private prayer, before it was revealed to him, that he was a chosen vessel, & before he was filled with the gifts Graces, and Comforts of the Holy Ghost. And when John was alone in the Isle of Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ (whither he was banished by Domitian, a most cruel Emperor) then he had a glorious 2sight of the Son of man, and then the Lord discovered to him most deep and profound Mysteries, both concerning the present and future state of the Church, to the end of the world. And when John was weeping (in private prayer doubtless) then the sealed book was opened to him. So when Daniel was at private prayer, God dispatches a heavenly messenger to him, and his Errand was to open more clearly and fully the blessed Scripture to him. Some comfortable & encouraging ⟨p. 42⟩knowledge this holy man 3of God had attained unto before by his frequent and constant study in the word, and this eggs him on to private prayer, and private prayer posts an Angel from heaven to give him a clearer and fuller light. Private prayer is a Golden-key to unlock the mysteries of the word unto us. The knowledge of many choice and blessed Truths are but the returns of private prayer. The Word dwells most richly in their hearts, who are most in pouring out of their hearts before God in their Closets. When Bonaventure. (that seraphical Doctor, as some call him) was asked by Aquinas, from what books and helps he derived such holy and divine expressions and contemplations? He pointed to a Crucifix, and said (Iste est liber, &c.) Prostrate in prayer at the feet of this Image, my soul receiveth greater light from heaven, than from all study and disputation. Though this be a Monkish tradition & superstitious Fiction, yet some improvement