A29703:630
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.
Thirdly, I answer, When a man acts grace in Closet-duties, then certainly he hath Communion with God in Closet-duties; 1when a man in Closet-duties acts faith on God, or faith on the promises, or faith on the blood of Christ, or when a man in private duties acts repentance for sin, or love to Jesus Christ, or sets up God as the object of his fear, or as the object of his joy, &c. then he hath Communion with God, then he hath fellowship with the Father, 2and with the Son. An unregenerate man may act gifts and parts ⟨p. 364⟩in a duty, but he cannot act grace in a duty; for no man can act grace in a duty, but he that hath grace in his soul: And hence it comes to pass that unsanctified 3persons under the highest activity of their arts, parts, and gifts in religious duties, enjoy no Communion with God at all, witness the Scribes and Pharisees, Demas, Judas, Simon Magus, &c. As ever you would have an evidence of your Communion with God in Closet-duties, carefully look to the activity of your graces, carefully 4stir up the grace of God which is in you. But,
Thirdly, I answer, When a man acts grace in Closet-duties, then certainly he hath Communion with God in Closet-duties; 1when a man in Closet-duties acts faith on God, or faith on the promises, or faith on the blood of Christ, or when a man in private duties acts repentance for sin, or love to Jesus Christ, or sets up God as the object of his fear, or as the object of his joy, &c. then he hath Communion with God, then he hath fellowship with the Father, 2and with the Son. An unregenerate man may act gifts and parts ⟨p. 364⟩in a duty, but he cannot act grace in a duty; for no man can act grace in a duty, but he that hath grace in his soul: And hence it comes to passe that unsanctified