A29703:318
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
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.
Secondly, That God hath a quick ear, and is taken more with the voice of the heart, than he is with the clamour of the mouth. God can easily hear the most secret breathings of thy soul. God is more curious in observing the messages delivered by the heart, than he is those that are only delivered by the mouth. He that prays aloud in private, seems to tell others, that God doth not understand the secret desires, and thoughts, and workings of his peoples hearts.
Thirdly, 'Tis not meet, 'tis not convenient, nor expedient, that any should be acquainted with our secret prayers, but God and our own souls. Now 'tis as much our duty to look to what is expedient, as 'tis 1to look to what is lawful, 1 Cor. 6. 12. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient. So Chap. 10. 23. All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but all things ⟨p. 131⟩edify not. Now 'tis so far from being expedient, that 'tis very high folly for men to lay open their secret infirmities unto others, that will rather deride them, than lift up a prayer for them.
Thirdly, 'Tis not meet, 'tis not convenient, nor expedient, that any should be acquainted with our secret prayers, but God and our own souls. Now 'tis as much our duty to look to what is expedient, as 'tis 1to look to what is lawful, 1 Cor. 6. 12. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient. So Chap. 10. 23. All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but all things ⟨p. 131⟩