A29703:226
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 8
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.
Eighthly, Consider, the great prevalency of secret prayer. Private prayer is (Porta Coeli, Clavis Paradisi) the Gate of Heaven, a Key to let us into Paradise. Oh the great things that private prayer hath done with God! Oh the 1great mercies that have been obtained by private prayer! And, oh 2the great threatenings that have been diverted by private prayer! And, oh the great judgements that have been removed by private prayer! And, oh the great judgements that have been prevented by private prayer! I have read of a malicious woman who gave her self to the Devil, provided that he would do a mischief to such a neighbour, whom she mortally ⟨p. 48⟩hated: The Devil went again and again to do his errand, but at last he returns and tells her, that he could do no hurt to that man, for when ever he came, he found him either reading the Scriptures, or at private prayer. Private prayers pierces the Heavens, and are commonly blest and loaded with gracious and glorious returns from thence. Whilst Hezekiah was praying and weeping in private, God sent the Prophet Isaiah to him to assure him, that his prayer was heard, and that his tears were seen, and that he would add unto his days fifteen years. So when Isaac was all alone meditating and praying, 3and treating with God for a good wife in the fields, he meets Rebekah. So Jacob, Gen. 32. 24, 25, 426, 27, 28. And Jacob was left alone: and there wrestled a man with him, until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him he touched the hollow of his thigh: and the hollow of Jacobs thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he ⟨p. 49⟩said, let me go, for the day breaketh; and he said, I will not let thee go except thou bless me. And he said unto him, what is thy name? and he said, Jacob. And he said, thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a Prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. In this Scripture we have an elegant description of a Duel fought between the Almighty and Jacob; and in it there are these things most observable.