A29703:345
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.
And indeed what can be more just and righteous, than that they should never so much as taste of spiritual & eternal blessings, who prefer their earthly business before heavens dainties; who with the Reubenites prefer a country commodious 1for the feeding of their Cattle, before an interest in the Land of Promise Private prayer is a work of absolute necessity, both to the bringing of the heart into a good frame, and to the keeping of the heart in a good frame. 'Tis of absolute necessity both for the discovery of sin, and for the preventing of sin, and for the embittering of sin, and for the weakening of sin, and for the purging away of sin: 'Tis of absolute necessity, both for the discovery of grace, and for a full exercise of grace, and for an eminent increase of grace: ⟨p. 152⟩'Tis of absolute necessity to arm us, both against inward and outward temptations, afflictions, and sufferings: 'Tis of absolute necessity to fit us for all other duties and services, &c. For a man to glorify God, to save his own soul, and to further his own everlasting happiness, is a work of the greatest necessity: Now private prayer is such a work; and therefore why should any man plead business, great business, when a work of such absolute necessity is before him. If a mans child, or wife, were dangerously sick, or wounded, or near to death, he would never plead, I have business, I have a great deal of business to do; and therefore I cannot stay with my child, my wife; and I have no time to go or send to the Physician, &c. O! no, but he would rather argue thus, 'Tis absolutely necessary that I should look after the preservation of the life of my child, my wife, and this I will attend whatever becomes of my business. O sirs, your souls are of greater concernment to you, than the lives of ⟨p. 153⟩all the wives and children in the world; and therefore these must be attended, these must be saved, whatever business is neglected. But,
And indeed what can be more just and righteous, than that they should never so much as tast of spiritual & eternal blessings, who prefer their earthly business before heavens dainties; who with the Reubenites prefer a countrey commodious 1