A29703:402
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.
Tenthly and lastly, I answer, That the promised reward in the Text, lies as fair and as open to the Servant as to the Master, to the Bond as to the Free, to the Peasant as to the Prince. Whosoever prays to his heavenly father in secret, be he high or low, rich or poor, honourable or base, servant or master, he shall receive an open reward. The reward in the text is not to be confined or limited to this or that sort or rank of men, but 'tis to be ⟨p. 197⟩extended to all ranks and sorts of men, that make conscience of private prayer, of closet duties. So Ephes. 6. 5, 6, 7, 8. Servants be obedient to them that are your masters, according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ. Not with eye-service, as men pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart: 1with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. Col. 3. 22, 23, 24. Servants obey, in all things, your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men: Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Such servants as serve their masters faithfully, cordially, and in singleness of spirit, shall receive the reward of Grace, & the reward of the Inheritance. The ⟨p. 198⟩meanest servant that is faithful in the service of his master, shall 2for a recompense receive the eternal inheritance. The recompense of reward in the Scripture last cited is not of merit but of mere grace, because the inheritance belongs only to children upon the account of their birth or adoption. Faithful servants, shall of servants be made sons, and so enjoy the heavenly inheritance. Christ is so noble a Master, that he will not suffer any service that hath been performed to men out of Conscience to his command to pass unrewarded. O how much more will he recompense pious servants for those spiritual services that they perform for his sake, for his glory!