A29703:44
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.
Bernard compares Afflictions to the Teasel, which though it be sharp and scratching, it is to make the Cloth more pure and fine. The Jews were always best, when they were in an afflicted condition. Well-waters arising from deep springs, are hotter in the winter, than they are in the summer. Stars shine brightest in the darkest nights. Vines grow the better for ⟨image 20⟩bleeding; and Gold looks the brighter for scouring. Juniper smells sweetest, when in the fire. Cammomile the more you tread it, the more you spread it. O Sirs, this is a real, and a rare truth, but seldom thought on, viz. that God will sometimes more carry on the growth and improvement of grace by a cross, by an affliction, than by an ordinance, James 1. 3, 4. James 4. 8, 9. Afflictions ripen the Saints graces, 2 Cor. 1. 5. First or last God will make every Rod, yea, every twig in every Rod, to be an Ordinance to every afflicted Saint. By Afflictions God many times revives, quickens, and recovers, the decayed graces of his People. By Afflictions God many times inflames that love that is cold, and he strengthens that ⟨image 21⟩faith that is failing, and he puts life into those hopes that are languishing, and new spirits into those joys and comforts that are withering and dying. Musk (say some) when it hath lost its sweetness, if it be put into the sink amongst filth, it recovers its sweetn••• again: So doth smart afflictions recover and revive our decayed graces.
Bernard compares Afflictictions to the Tezel, which though it be starp and scratching, it is to make the Cloath more pure and fine. The Jews were alwayes best, when they were in an afflicted condition. Well-waters arising from deep springs, are hotter in the winter, than they are in the summer. Stars shine brightest in the darkest nights. Vines grow the better for ⟨image 20⟩bleeding; and Gold looks the brighter for scowring. Juniper smels sweetest, when in the fire. Cammomile the more you tread it, the more you spread it. O Sirs, this is a real, and a rare truth, but seldome thought on, viz. that God will sometimes more carry on the growth and improvement of grace by a cross, by an affliction, than by an ordinance,