A29703:238
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.
But as this wrestling was corporal, so 'twas spiritual also; Jacobs soul takes hold of God, and Jacobs faith takes hold of God, and Jacobs prayers takes hold of God, and Jacobs tears takes hold of God, Hosea 12. 4, 5. Certainly Jacobs weapons in this warfare were mainly spiritual, and so mighty through God. There is no overcoming of God but in his own strength. Jacob did more by his royal faith, than he did by his noble hands, and more by weeping than he did by sweating, and more by praying than he did by all his bodily strivings.
But as this wrestling was corporal, so 'twas spiritual also; Jacobs soul takes hold of God, and Jacobs faith takes hold of God, and Jacobs prayers takes hold of God, and Jacobs tears takes hold of God, Hosea 12. 4, 5. Certainly Jacobs weapons in this warfare were mainly spiriritual, and so mighty through God. There is no overcoming of God but in his own strength. Jacob did more by his royal faith, than he did by his noble hands, and more by weeping than he did by sweating, and more by praying than he did by all his bodily strivings.
Sixthly and lastly, You have the issue of the Combat, and that is Victory over the Angel, vers. 28. Jacob wrestles in the Angels arms and armour, and so overcomes him; as a Prince he over-powers the Angel, by that very power he had from the Angel. The Angel was as freely and fully willing to be conquered by Jacob, as Jacob was willing to be conqueror. When ⟨p. 57⟩Lovers wrestle, the strongest is willing enough to take a fall of the weakest; and so 'twas here. The Father in wrestling with his Child is willing enough, for his child's comfort and encouragement, to take a fall now and then; and so 'twas between the Angel and Jacob in the present case. Now in this blessed story, as in a Chrystal-glass, you may see the great power and prevalency of private prayer; it conquers the great Conqueror; it is so omnipotent, that it overcomes an omnipotent God.