A29703:593
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.
These Twelve Tribes (or the godly Jews of the Twelve Tribes of Israel) stretched out their hearts, their affections, their graces, to the utmost in prayer. In all your private retirements, do as the Twelve Tribes did. Rom. 12. 11. Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. The Greek word [Greek or Hebrew] signifies seething hot. God loves to see his people zealous and warm in his service: Without fervency of spirit no service finds acceptance in heaven. God is a pure act, and he loves that his people should be lively and active in his service, vers. 12. Continuing instant in prayer; [Greek or Hebrew] continuing with all your might in prayer. 'Tis a Metaphor from hunting dogs, that will never give over the game till they ⟨p. 332⟩have got it. Rom. 15. 30. That ye strive together with me, in your prayers to God for me; [Greek or Hebrew] strive mightily, strive as Champions strive, even to an Agony, as the word imports: 'Tis a military word, and notes such fervent wrestling or striving, as is for life and death. Col. 4. 12. Always labouring fervently for you in prayer: The Greek word [Greek or Hebrew] that is here used, signifies to strive or wrestle, as those do that strive for mastery; it notes the vehemency and fervour of Epaphras his prayers for the Colossians. Look as the wrestlers do bend, and writhe, and stretch, and strain, every joint of their bodies, that they may be victorious; so Epaphras did bend, & writhe, and stretch & strain every joint of his soul (if I may so speak) that he might be victorious with God upon the Colossians account. So when Jacob was with God alone, ah how earnest 1and fervent was he in his wrestlings with God! he wrestles and weeps, and weeps and wrestles; ⟨p. 333⟩he tugs hard with God, he holds his hold, and he will not let God go, till as a Prince he had prevailed with him. Fervent prayer is the Souls contention, the Souls struggling with God; it is a sweating work, it is the sweat and blood of the soul, its a laying out to the uttermost all the strength and powers of the Soul. He that would gain victory over God in private prayer, must strain every string of his heart; he must in beseeching God, besiege him, and so get the better of him; he must be like importunate beggars, that will not be put off with frowns, or silence, or sad answers.