A29703:667
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.
and the great reason why our Saviour did so frequently check this humour of curiosity, was because the great indulgers of it, were too frequent neglecters of the more great, necessary, and important points of Religion. Curiosity is one of Satan's most dangerous engines, by which he keeps many souls out of their Closets, yea, out of Heaven: when many a poor soul begins in good earnest to look towards heaven, and to apply himself to Closet-duties, then Satan begins to bestir himself, and to labour with all his might, so to busy the poor soul with vain enquiries, and curious speculations, and unprofitable curiosities, that the soul hath no time for Closet-prayer. Ah how well might it have ⟨p. 412⟩been with many a man, had he but spent one quarter of that time in closet-prayer, that he hath spent in curious enquiries after things, that have not been fundamental to his happiness!
and the great reason why our Saviour did so frequently check this humor of curiosity, was because the great indulgers of it, were too frequent neglecters of the more great, necessary, and important points of Religion. Curiosity is one of Satans most dangerous engines, by which he keeps many souls out of their Closets, yea, out of Heaven: when many a poor soul begins in good earnest to look towards heaven, and to apply himself to Closet-duties, then Satan begins to bestir himself, and to labour with all his might, so to busie the poor soul with vain enquiries, and curious speculations, and unprofitable curiosities, that the soul hath no time for Closet-prayer. Ah how well might it have ⟨p. 412⟩been with many a man, had he but spent one quarter of that time in closet-prayer, that he hath spent in curious enquiries after things, that have not been fundamental to his happiness!
The Heathenish Priests affected curiosity, they had their Mythologies, and strange canting expressions of their imaginary unaccessible Deities, to amaze and amuse their blind superstitious followers, and thereby to hold up their Popish and apish Idolatries in greater veneration. O that there were none of this heathenish spirit among many in these days, who have their faces toward heaven. Ah how many are there that busy themselves more in searching after the reasons of the irrecoverableness of mans fall, than they do to recover themselves out of their fallen estate. Ah how many are there that busy themselves more about the apostasy of the Angels, than they do about securing their interest in Christ! And what a deal of precious