A29703:372
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.
First, How singularly they are privileged by God above all other servants in the world. They are 1called, adopted, reconciled, pardoned, justified before the throne of God, which other servants are not, &c. And why then should not such servants be singular in their services, who are so singular in their privileges?
First, How singularly they are priviledged by God above all other servants in the world. They are 1called, adopted, reconciled, pardoned, justified before the throne of God, which other servants are not, &c. And why then should not such servants be singular in their services, who are so singular in their priviledges?
Secondly, Gracious servants are made partakers of a more excellent nature than other servants are. 2 Peter. 1. 4. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these you might be made ⟨p. 172⟩partakers of the divine nature. The Apostle 1in this expression doth not aim at any essential change and conversion of our substance into the nature of God, and Christ; but only at the elevation, and dignifying of our nature by Christ. Though that real, that near, that dear, that choice, that mysterious, that peculiar, that singular union that Christians have with Christ, doth raise them up to a higher similitude and likeness of God and Christ, than ever they had attained to in their primitive perfection; yet it doth not introduce any real transmutation, either of our bodies or souls, into the divine nature. 'Tis certain, that our union and conjunction with Christ, doth neither mingle persons, nor unite substances, but it doth conjoin our affections, and brings our wills into a League of Amity with Christ. To be made partaker of of the divine nature, notes two things, say some,