A29703:43
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.
Fifthly, The Rod serves to improve that good that is in the Child, Prov. 29. 15. The Rod and reproof giveth wisdom, but a Child left to himself ⟨image 19⟩bringeth his Mother to shame. So Afflictions they serve to improve our graces, Heb. 12. 10. For they verily for a few days ehastened us after their own pleasure, but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness, that is, that we might more and more be partakers of his holiness. Vers. 11. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness, unto them that are exercised thereby. Hence 'tis that the Saints glory in tribulation, Rom. 5. 3, 4. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope. Grace always thrives most when Saints are ⟨image 20⟩under the Rod. When Christians are under the Rod, then their graces do not only bud, but blossom, and bring forth fruit as Aaron's Rod did. The 1snuffing of the Candle, makes it burn the brighter. God beats and bruises his links, to make them burn the brighter; he bruises his spices, to make them send forth the greater Aromatical savour.
Fifthly, The Rod serves to improve that good that is in the Child, Prov. 29. 15. The Rod and reproof giveth wisdom, but a Child left to himself ⟨image 19⟩bringeth his Mother to shame. So Afflictions they serve to improve our graces, Heb. 12. 10. For they verily for a few dayes ehastened us after their own pleasure, but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness, that is, that we might more and more be partakers of his holiness. Vers. 11. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness, unto them that are exercised thereby. Hence 'tis that the Saints glory in tribulation,