A29703:723
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.
Sixthly, Be highly, throughly, and fixedly resolved in the strength of Christ, to keep close to closet-duties, in the face of all difficulties and discouragements that you may 1meet withal. A man of no resolution, or of weak resolution, will be won with a Nut, and lost with an Apple. Satan, and the world, and carnal relations, and your own hearts, will cast in many things to discourage you, and take you off from Closet-prayer; but be ye nobly and firmly resolved, to keep close to your Closet, let ⟨p. 463⟩the World, the Flesh, and the Devil, do and say what they can. Daniel was a man of an invincible resolution; rather than he would om it praying in his Chamber he would be cast into the Den of Lyons. Of all the Duties of Religion, Satan is the most deadly enemy to this of secret Prayer; partly because Secret prayer spoils him in his most secret designs, plots, and contrivances against the Soul; and partly because secret prayer is so musical and delightful to God; and partly because secret prayer is of such rare use and advantage to the Soul; and partly because it lays not the soul of open to pride, vain glory, and worldly applause, as prayer in the Synagogue doth; and therefore he had rather that a man should pray a thousand times in the Synagogues, or in the corner of the streets, or behind a Pillar, than that he should pray once in his Closet, and therefore you had need to steel your hearts with holy courage and resolution, ⟨p. 464⟩that what ever suggestions, temptations; oppositions, or objections you may encounter with, that yet you will keep close to Closet-prayer.
Sixthly, Be highly, throughly, and fixedly resolved in the strength of Christ, to keep close to closet-duties, in the face of all difficulties and discouragements that you may 1meet withal. A man of no resolution, or of weak resolution, will be won with a Nut, and lost with an Apple. Satan, and the world, and carnal relations, and your own hearts, will cast in many things to discourage you, and take you off from Closet-prayer; but be ye nobly and firmly resolved, to keep close to your Closet, let ⟨p. 463⟩