A29703:394
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.
The Persians, the Turks, and many Indians are so compassionate that they erect Hospitals, not only for lame and diseased Men, but also for Birds Beasts, & Dogs, that are either, aged, starved, or hurt. O then, what tender compassions should ⟨p. 187⟩gracious servants exercise towards their Masters souls, which are Jewels more worth then heaven and earth! But,
Secondly, Because this may be a means to convince the Judgments and Consciences of their Masters, that there is some worth, some excellency, some sweetness, &c. to be found in private prayer, and in other closet duties; for when Masters shall observe their servants to redeem time for closet duties, from their very sleep, recreations, dinner, suppers, they will be ready to conclude, that certainly there is more worth, more goodness, more sweetness, more excellency, more glory, more gain, in closet duties, than ever they have understood, felt, or experienced, &c. and that there very poor servants are better and more righteous than themselves. Sotomen reports, that the devout life of a poor Captive Christian woman, made a King & all his Family embrace the Faith of Jesus Christ. Good works convince ⟨p. 188⟩more than Miracles themselves.
Secondly, Because this may be a means to convince the Judgments and Consciences of their Masters, that there is some worth, some excellency, some sweetness, &c. to be found in private prayer, and in other closet duties; for when Masters shall observe their servants to redeem time for closet duties, from their very sleep, recreations, dinner, suppers, they will be ready to conclude, that certainly there is more worth, more goodness, more sweetness, more excellency, more glory, more gain, in closet duties, than ever they have understood, felt, or experienced, &c. and that there very poor servants are better and more righteous than themselves. Sotomen reports, that the devout life of a poore Captive Christian woman, made a King & all his Family imbrace the Faith of Jesus Christ. Good works convince