A29703:298
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 19
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.
so that he cannot turn into his closet, nor creep into any hole to converse privately with his God, but he follows him hard at heels, & will be still injecting one thing or another into the soul, or else objecting one thing or another against the soul▪ A Christian is as well able to tell the stars of ⟨p. 116⟩Heaven, and to number the sands of the sea, as he is able to number up the several devices and slights that Satan uses to obstruct the souls private addresses to God. Now from that great opposition that Satan makes against private prayer, a Christian may safely conclude these five things.
so that he cannot turn into his closet, nor creep into any hole to converse privately with his God, but he followes him hard at heels, & will be stil injecting one thing or another into the soul, or else objecting one thing or another against the soul▪ A Christian is as well able to tell the stars of ⟨p. 116⟩Heaven, and to number the sands of the sea, as he is able to number up the several devices and slights that Satan uses to obstruct the souls private addresses to God. Now from that great opposition that Satan makes against private prayer, a Christian may safely conclude these five things.
First, The excellency of private prayer. Certainly, If it were not an excellent thing, for a man to be in secret with God, Satan would never make such head against it.
Secondly, The necessity of this duty. The more necessary any duty is to the internal and eternal welfare of a Christian, the more Satan will bestir himself, to blunt a Christians Spirit in that duty.