A29703:381
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.
I have read of Ingo, an ancient King of the Draves and Veneds, who making a stately feast, appointed all his Pagan Nobles to sit in the Hall below; and at the same time commanded certain poor Christians to be brought up into his presence ⟨p. 177⟩Chamber to fit with him at 1his Table, that they might eat of his kingly cheer; at which many wondering, he told them, That he accounted Christians, though never so poor, a greater ornament at his Table, and more worthy of his company, than the greatest Nobles that were not converted to the Christian faith; for saith he, when these Pagan Nobles shall be thrust down to Hell, these poor Christians shall be my consorts and fellow Princes in Heaven. Certainly, this noble Prince will one day rise in Judgement against all sour, churlish Labans, who carry it so harshly, and so severely towards their gracious servants, as 2that they will not allow them a little time, to wait upon God in a hole. Why should not gracious masters give their gracious servants a little time for closet prayer now, considering that they are sharers with them in all the fundamental good that comes by Christ in this world; and considering, that they ⟨p. 178⟩shall be partakers with them in all the glory of another world. The 3poorest servant in a family hath a soul more precious than heaven and earth; and the greatest work that lies upon his hand in this world is to look to the eternal safety & security of that, for if that be safe all is safe, if that be well all is well, but if that be lost all is lost. Every gracious servant, though he be never so poor and mean, yet hath he the image of God, the image of the King of Kings stamped upon him; and woe to him that shall wrong, or despise, or trample upon that image. Certainly, God himself is wronged by the injury that is done to his image. The contempt and despite that is done to the image or coin of a King, is done to the King himself, and accordingly he will revenge it.
I have read of Ingo, an ancient King of the Draves and Veneds, who making a stately feast, appointed all his Pagan Nobles to sit in the Hall below; and at the same time commanded certain poor Christians to be brought up into his presence