The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan…

Besides all the Benefits of prayer in general, secret prayer hath these:

1. It will be some testimony of the sincerity of thine heart. A man may join in Public and Family-prayer merely in hypocrisy, to gain the applause and commendation of men: But he that maketh Conscience of praying in secret, and that in obedience to the Command of God, with a desire to approve himself unto him, hath some good evidence of the truth and sincerity of his heart.

1. It will be some testimony of the sincerity of thine heart. A man may joyn in Publick and Family-prayer meerly in hypocrisie, to gain the applause and commendation of men: But he that maketh Conscience of praying in secret, and that in obedience to the Command of God, with a desire to approve himself unto him, hath some good evidence of the truth and sincerity of his heart.

2. It is in our secret prayers that God doth ordinarily give the greatest discoveries of his love▪ Jacob met with ⟨p. 55⟩the blessing when he wrestled with God in secret. As Cornelius was praying by himself alone, a Man in bright clothing, or an Angel, appeared to him, and said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, Act. 10. 30, 31. When Peter was praying alone upon the House, he saw a Vision, and heard a Voice from Heaven speaking unto him, Act. 10. 9, 10, &c. The secrets of the Lord are usually revealed unto his people, when they are seeking him in secret. Christ giveth his sweetest kisses, and dearest embraces to his Spouse when she is alone.