N00297:186
Some important truths concerning conversion, and the improving seasons of grace; as also about…
Some important truths concerning conversion, and the improving seasons of grace; as also about prayer in families, and in secret: delivered in several sermons; / by Increase Mather.
Boston: printed by Samuel Green for John Griffin, 1684
The sincere Servants of God will make Conscience of Secret Prayer.
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.
For Direction here;
1. Be very particular in secret Prayer. Men should in secret before the Lord, often bewail every sin they have been guilty of, whilst in a state of Unregeneracy. As to the kind of sin, that is, though it may ⟨p. 148⟩be the acts of sin have been so often iterated, as 'tis not possible to mention them all particularly. And if after Conversion they fall into evils, for which Conscience condemns them, they should particularly acknowledge those sins in their secret addresses unto the Throne of Grace, begging for the Pardon of them. Particular Plagues of Heart should be mourned for in secret: so there are particular mercies to be prayed for; and particular Friends (near Relations especially) which ought to be remembered in secret Prayers day and night without ceasing. Personal and particular concerns are to be enlarged upon in closet Prayer especially.
1. Be very particular in secret Prayer. Men should in secret before the Lord, often bewail every sin they have been guilty of, whilest in a state of Unregeneracy. As to the kind of sin, that is, though it may ⟨p. 148⟩be the acts of sin have been so often iterated, as 'tis not possible to mention them all particularly. And if after Conversion they fall into evils, for which Conscience condemns them, they should particularly acknowledge those sins in their secret addresses unto the Throne of Grace, begging for the Pardon of them. Particular Plagues of Heart should be mourned for in secret: so there are particular mercies to be prayed for; and particular Friends (near Relations especially) which ought to be remembred in secret Prayers day and night without ceasing. Personal and particular concerns are to be inlarged upon in closet Prayer especially.