Matthew
vi
.
6.
But
thou
,
when
thou
prayest
,
enter
into
thy
Closet
,
and
when
thou
hast
shut
thy
door
,
pray
to
thy
Father
which
is
in
secret
,
and
thy
Father
which
seeth
in
secret
,
shall
reward
thee
openly
.
OUR
Saviour
in
the
words
of
the
Text
,
instructs
us
to
be
aware
of
that
Hypocrisie
,
which
the
Pharisees
were
guilty
of
at
their
Prayers
.
All
they
design'd
by
such
acts
of
Devotion
,
was
to
gain
the
Applause
of
Men
,
and
therefore
they
Prayed
standing
in
the
Synagogues
,
and
in
the
corners
of
the
Streets
:
But
our
Saviour
adviseth
his
Disciples
to
study
rather
how
to
please
God
,
than
Men
;
and
therefore
for
the
avoiding
all
manner
of
Ostentation
,
to
pray
in
secret
,
and
their
Father
who
saw
them
in
secret
,
would
not
fail
to
reward
them
openly
.
By
which
Advice
he
doth
not
design
to
prefer
Praying
in
Private
before
Praying
in
Publick
,
for
they
are
both
good
in
their
kind
:
And
there
are
two
great
ends
of
Prayer
,
viz.
the
Glory
of
God
,
and
the
Edification
of
others
,
which
are
chiefly
promoted
by
the
latter
,
and
not
by
the
former
.
But
all
that
he
hints
to
us
thereby
,
is
,
that
we
should
not
propose
to
our selves
by-ends
in
any
acts
of
Devotion
which
we
perform
;
but
should
all
the
while
we
perform
them
,
be
sure
to
take
care
of
the
inward
sentiments
of
our
Minds
,
and
endeavour
to
be
so
affected
towards
God
,
as
it
becomes
such
sinful
,
such
indigent
Creatures
as
we
are
;
which
may
be
effectually
done
,
altho
we
Pray
never
so
secretly
,
and
no
body
has
any
knowledg
thereof
,
but
God
and
our selves
.
This
seems
to
be
the
purport
of
our
Saviours
Discourse
;
which
I
shall
not
at
present
in
large
upon
,
but
shall
only
take
occasion
from
the
Text
,
to
give
a
Description
of
that
Worship
,
which
may
,
and
ought
to
be
paid
to
God
in
Private
;
and
then
endeavour
to
represent
to
your
consideration
,
some
of
those
Advantages
which
accrue
to
those
who
are
constant
in
the
performance
thereof
.
I
begin
with
a
Description
of
that
Worship
which
may
,
and
ought
to
be
paid
to
God
in
private
.
And
because
there
are
some
other
instances
thereof
,
besides
that
which
is
made
mention
of
in
the
Text
,
I
shall
make
it
to
consist
in
these
following
particulars
.
1.
In
entring
into
our
Closets
(
as
our
Saviour
here
expresseth
it
)
and
there
Praying
to
our
Father
which
is
in
secret
.
2.
In
frequently
Conversing
with
the
Scripture
and
such
good
Books
as
treat
about
Religious
Matters
.
3.
In
private
Meditation
upon
Spiritual
things
.
4.
And
lastly
,
In
secret
Reflexions
and
short
Ejaculations
in
all
places
,
at
all
times
of
the
day
,
and
in
all
transactions
of
Life
.
1.
One
part
of
private
Worship
is
,
when
at
some
set
times
we
retire
into
our
Closets
,
and
there
offer
unto
God
our
Prayers
and
Thanksgivings
.
This
has
been
the
constant
Practice
of
the
greatest
Examples
of
Piety
as
ever
the
World
saw
.
To
name
two
or
three
,
which
the
Scriptures
make
mention
of
.
The
Prophet
Daniel
,
we
are
told
,
kneeled
upon
his
knees
three
times
a
day
,
and
Prayed
and
gave
Thanks
,
Dan.
6.10
.
And
the
Psalmist
tells
us
,
Psal
.
119.164
.
That
seven
times
a
day
he
did
praise
God
,
because
of
his
righteous
judgments
.
In
the
10th
of
the
Acts
v.
9.
we
find
St.
Peter
at
Prayer
by
himself
on
the
Housetop
.
And
our
blessed
Lord
and
Master
thought
fit
to
separate
himself
now
and
then
from
the
rest
of
the
World
,
that
he
might
Pray
Privately
;
more
especially
in
the
time
of
his
greatest
Distress
,
and
just
before
he
was
to
Suffer
so
Cruel
and
so
Ignominious
a
Death
.
So
that
if
we
would
tread
in
the
steps
of
those
Eminent
Patterns
of
Virtue
and
true
Holiness
which
are
gone
before
us
;
if
we
would
follow
our
Saviour's
Example
as
well
as
his
Advice
,
we
cannot
but
think
our selves
oblig'd
to
make
the
same
acknowledgments
in
private
as
well
as
publick
of
our
dependence
upon
God
for
what
we
either
want
or
have
received
,
as
we
find
they
did
.
To
determine
indeed
how
much
time
is
to
be
spent
in
such
Acts
of
Devotion
,
must
be
left
to
the
Prudence
and
Sincerity
of
every
particular
Person
,
who
is
bound
to
consider
impartially
his
own
circumstances
,
and
to
govern
himself
according
to
them
.
But
the
general
Rule
to
be
observed
,
is
,
That
things
of
this
Nature
must
not
be
wholly
neglected
,
and
that
they
who
have
most
leisure
,
either
from
the
publick
,
or
from
their
own
necessary
concerns
,
ought
to
employ
most
time
therein
.
For
what
reasonable
pretence
can
be
made
for
the
total
neglect
thereof
?
Who
is
there
who
has
so
much
Business
,
as
that
when
he
riseth
in
the
Morning
,
he
cannot
secure
so
much
time
to
himself
,
as
may
suffice
to
return
Thanks
for
that
comfortable
Repose
which
has
been
afforded
him
,
and
to
beg
God's
Protection
the
following
day
.
Or
that
when
he
is
about
to
lay
himself
down
to
Sleep
,
he
cannot
spare
a
few
Minutes
to
commit
himself
to
the
custody
of
him
who
neither
slumbreth
nor
sleepeth
?
It
is
not
the
number
of
words
which
God
is
pleased
with
upon
such
an
occasion
;
and
they
who
have
not
leisure
to
pour
forth
their
Souls
in
some
longer
Petition
,
will
be
accepted
by
him
if
they
do
it
in
some
lesser
Form
.
And
it
may
be
found
by
Experience
,
that
to
keep
up
a
Reverence
for
him
within
our
Minds
,
it
will
be
much
better
to
use
only
the
Lord's
Prayer
,
provided
it
be
done
with
due
Attention
and
Devotion
,
than
not
to
Pray
at
all
.
They
indeed
seem
to
have
most
to
say
for
their
being
excus'd
from
this
Duty
of
private
Prayer
,
who
Pray
daily
with
their
Families
,
or
are
constant
at
the
Prayers
of
the
Church
;
neither
can
there
be
any
doubt
,
but
that
upon
particular
occasions
it
may
be
lawfully
omitted
by
them
.
But
besides
,
that
praying
when
we
are
a
lone
,
and
by
our selves
,
does
dispose
us
to
Pray
with
more
affection
when
we
Pray
with
others
.
There
are
some
cases
wherein
private
Prayer
is
absolutely
necessary
,
and
we
shall
not
be
able
to
Pray
to
God
in
such
a
manner
as
we
ought
to
Pray
unto
him
,
unless
we
Pray
by
our selves
.
As
for
example
,
When
we
know
our selves
to
have
been
lately
guilty
of
any
particular
Sins
,
in
order
to
beget
within
our
Minds
an
hearty
Sorrow
for
them
,
and
to
establish
and
confirm
our
Resolutions
in
forsaking
them
;
It
is
fit
that
we
lay
them
open
in
the
presence
of
God
,
together
with
all
their
aggravating
circumstances
:
That
we
bewail
our
Folly
and
Ingratitude
with
Floods
of
Tears
,
with
ringing
of
Hands
,
most
bitter
Sighs
and
Groans
,
and
all
the
other
signs
of
true
Contrition
:
That
we
be
more
than
ordinarily
earnest
at
the
Throne
of
Grace
for
Pardon
and
Forgiveness
.
And
how
can
this
at
any
other
time
be
done
,
than
when
we
are
alone
,
where
we
are
not
tied
up
to
those
rules
of
Speech
and
behaviour
as
we
are
all
the
while
we
are
placed
in
the
sight
of
others
?
Thus
when
any
great
misfortune
befalls
us
,
it
becomes
us
to
bemoan
our selves
in
Private
,
and
(
in
such
a
passionate
way
,
as
it
may
not
be
so
Decent
to
make
show
of
in
publick
)
to
intreat
the
Almighty
to
remove
those
Evils
with
which
we
are
oppressed
.
So
in
matters
of
great
consequence
and
difficulty
,
where
we
are
either
to
advise
and
act
our selves
,
or
to
de-pend
upon
the
advice
and
actions
of
others
;
our
Case
is
after
a
more
particular
manner
to
be
made
known
to
God
,
and
we
are
to
inlarge
upon
it
(
which
cannot
be
done
in
publick
)
with
such
peculiar
Expressions
as
do
best
suit
it
,
and
do
at
the
same
time
testifie
our
reliance
to
be
wholly
upon
him
for
his
Favour
and
Direction
.
So
when
we
Pray
for
others
,
for
some
particular
Persons
who
are
very
dear
unto
us
;
for
some
kind
Friend
who
Languisheth
on
the
Bed
of
Sickness
;
for
some
near
Relation
whose
Person
is
exposed
to
very
great
difficulties
and
dangers
,
what
lifting
up
of
Eyes
and
Hands
,
what
humble
Prostrations
ought
we
to
use
,
what
earnest
struglings
with
God
on
such
an
ones
behalf
?
All
which
it
is
most
fit
that
God
should
be
the
only
witness
of
,
and
no
body
else
.
In
the
last
place
,
when
God
shews
extraordinary
kindness
to
any
one
,
when
he
delivers
him
out
of
danger
,
when
he
blesses
his
endeavours
with
unexpected
success
,
makes
him
thrive
and
prosper
in
the
World
after
a
more
peculiar
manner
,
and
the
footsteps
of
a
Divine
Providence
concerning
it self
on
his
behalf
,
are
manifestly
seen
in
several
remarkable
instances
;
It
does
behove
him
who
is
thus
blest
,
to
fall
down
upon
his
Knees
,
and
acknowledg
the
kindness
of
God
towards
him
.
But
this
can't
be
done
with
that
Attention
,
that
Fervencie
,
that
particular
Enumeration
of
all
those
events
wherein
he
has
had
success
,
as
when
being
alone
,
he
is
allowed
the
liberty
of
expressing
his
thankfulness
to
God
with
what
words
and
gestures
he
shall
judg
most
fit
and
proper
.
In
publick
Forms
of
Prayer
(
wherein
we
joyn
with
others
)
there
are
indeed
always
such
general
Expressions
as
do
contain
under
them
all
particular
Cases
whatsoever
.
And
therefore
the
Devout
Christian
,
does
without
question
,
as
he
goes
along
with
the
Offices
of
the
Church
,
confess
all
his
particular
Sins
,
does
make
known
his
particular
Wants
,
does
give
Thanks
for
all
the
particular
Mercies
which
have
been
bestowed
on
him
.
But
the
Mind
in
such
a
case
,
has
not
time
to
dwell
upon
these
things
so
long
and
so
particularly
as
it
ought
to
do
.
And
therefore
upon
particular
occasions
a
Man
must
retire
into
his
Closet
,
and
there
use
particular
Offices
of
his
own
making
;
that
so
he
may
with
the
greater
Passion
,
either
bewail
any
Sin
which
he
has
newly
committed
,
or
beg
what
at
present
he
stands
most
in
need
of
,
or
give
Thanks
for
what
he
has
lately
received
.
2dly
,
The
private
Worship
of
God
consists
in
frequently
Conversing
with
the
Scriptures
,
and
such
good
Books
as
treat
about
Religious
Matters
.
The
Scriptures
do
contain
a
perfect
account
of
all
those
things
,
the
knowledg
whereof
is
necessary
to
make
us
wise
unto
Salvation
.
They
do
give
us
an
exact
Scheme
of
all
God's
Laws
.
They
do
acquaint
us
with
what
he
has
promised
to
do
for
us
,
and
what
he
expects
at
our
hands
for
all
his
kindness
towards
us
.
So
that
the
more
we
consult
the
Sacred
Oracles
,
the
more
we
shall
become
acquainted
with
our
Duty
,
and
understand
how
we
ought
to
behave
our selves
towards
God
in
all
instances
whatsoever
.
And
as
Good
and
Pious
Books
are
so
many
Paraphrases
and
Commentaries
upon
the
Holy
Scriptures
;
by
how
much
the
more
time
we
spend
in
being
Conversant
with
them
,
the
more
fully
will
our
Duty
be
explain'd
to
us
.
The
more
strongly
will
the
Arguments
and
Motives
to
prevail
with
us
to
Practise
it
,
be
imprinted
on
our
minds
.
And
here
again
,
as
to
the
fixing
how
much
time
is
to
be
spent
in
a
concern
of
such
great
consequence
,
it
must
be
left
to
the
Conscience
of
every
particular
person
,
who
best
understands
how
much
he
can
spare
from
what
he
may
justly
call
his
necessary
Affairs
.
But
it
must
be
great
imprudence
in
any
one
to
suffer
himself
to
be
so
much
imployed
as
not
to
be
at
leasure
to
Read
some
small
Portion
of
the
Word
of
God
every
day
,
and
now
and
then
a
page
or
two
in
some
good
Book
that
treats
about
Religion
and
Vertue
.
What
numbers
of
hours
do
many
of
us
squander
away
in
poring
on
the
News-books
and
those
trivial
Pamphlets
,
which
swarm
amongst
us
.
Should
we
not
do
much
better
,
if
instead
of
those
which
are
the
most
Innocent
and
most
Diverting
,
(
how
much
rather
,
if
instead
of
those
which
are
good
for
nothing
but
to
debauch
our
Minds
,
by
stamping
on
them
a
relish
of
Vice
,
even
of
those
Vices
,
which
we
have
not
,
perhaps
,
as
yet
dared
to
Practise
.
)
If
,
I
say
,
instead
of
these
,
we
took
some
times
the
Writings
of
the
Inspired
Pen-men
into
our
hands
,
and
carefully
perused
the
Sacred
Records
of
those
Divine
Truths
,
which
Heaven
by
them
,
has
thought
fit
to
Reveal
unto
us
?
As
for
such
as
have
abundance
of
Business
,
such
as
are
forced
in
the
sweat
of
their
Brows
to
Eat
their
Bread
,
even
these
would
find
that
their
Business
went
on
with
much
greater
satisfaction
to
themselves
,
and
that
they
had
reason
to
hope
that
their
Labours
would
be
sooner
blessed
with
Success
,
if
the
study
of
God's
Word
was
intermixed
with
them
:
And
they
were
as
intent
sometimes
upon
understanding
the
Precepts
of
Moses
and
the
Prophets
,
of
Christ
and
the
Apostles
,
in
reference
to
their
Eternal
Welfare
,
as
they
are
upon
learning
the
several
Rules
of
their
Arts
and
Callings
in
reference
to
their
Temporal
Advantage
.
But
as
for
those
whom
God
has
blest
with
a
plentiful
Subsistance
in
this
World
,
who
have
no
occasion
to
Toil
and
Moil
for
the
making
a
due
provision
for
themselves
and
Families
:
What
can
they
offer
in
excuse
,
if
they
don't
appropriate
part
of
that
time
,
which
will
be
otherwise
too
often
spent
in
folly
and
wickedness
,
in
this
useful
and
(
as
they
may
find
by
experience
,
if
they
please
)
this
delightful
way
of
filling
their
minds
with
all
manner
of
Divine
Knowledg
?
But
how
must
it
needs
be
matter
of
Wonder
and
Lamentation
too
,
should
such
as
these
prefer
as
a
more
acceptable
Entertainment
,
the
passionate
Discourses
of
fond
Lovers
,
the
Relation
of
some
Bloody
War
,
or
Deceitful
Treaty
,
the
Rithms
of
some
needy
Athiest
,
the
cunning
Observations
of
Crafty
Politicians
,
before
the
most
endearing
Expressions
of
a
good
and
gracious
God
to
wo
sinners
to
Repentance
?
Before
the
History
of
his
own
Son's
glorious
undertaking
in
the
Flesh
,
and
of
that
Covenant
which
was
ratified
in
his
Blood
for
us
?
Before
the
Devout
Psalms
of
David
,
the
Wise
Maxims
of
Solomon
,
St.
Paul's
admirable
Counsels
and
Directions
how
to
behave
our selves
in
all
our
several
Relations
inoffensively
towards
God
and
towards
Man
?
3dly
,
The
private
Worship
of
God
consists
in
private
Meditation
upon
Spiritual
things
.
It
is
not
enough
to
understand
our
Duty
,
unless
we
endeavour
all
we
can
to
imprint
it
on
our
Memories
,
and
to
make
it
familiar
unto
us
,
that
so
we
may
be
the
more
easily
preval'd
with
to
practise
it
.
Now
how
can
this
so
well
be
effected
,
as
when
being
alone
,
we
do
often
recollect
into
our
minds
what
we
have
learnt
from
the
Scriptures
,
and
do
dwell
some
time
in
the
Contemplation
of
it
?
And
therefore
the
Holy
Psalmist
giving
a
Description
,
Psal
.
1.2
.
of
one
who
delighted
in
the
Law
of
God
,
saith
of
him
,
That
he
meditated
therein
day
and
night
,
i.e.
When
he
was
alone
in
the
day
time
,
when
at
night
all
the
rest
of
Mankind
were
asleep
,
and
he
only
awake
;
Then
was
he
musing
upon
the
Excellency
of
Religion
,
and
the
many
Advantages
which
attend
an
Holy
and
Godly
Life
;
Then
was
he
admiring
the
Wonderful
Works
of
God's
Creation
and
Providence
;
Then
was
he
carefully
Examining
the
Nature
of
his
Duty
,
and
how
far
his
Actions
had
been
conformable
thereunto
;
Then
was
he
considering
within
himself
the
many
Arguments
and
Motives
to
the
Performance
of
it
,
and
what
a
Folly
it
would
be
to
neglect
so
reasonable
a
Service
;
Then
it
was
that
he
was
pleasing
himself
with
the
thoughts
of
having
made
Vertue
his
choice
,
and
that
when
others
spent
all
their
time
in
the
gratification
of
their
sinful
Lusts
and
Affections
,
he
had
made
it
the
chief
end
of
all
his
endeavours
to
please
God
.
So
many
are
the
Temptations
with
which
we
are
surrounded
,
and
so
powerful
an
influence
those
things
which
affect
our
Senses
,
are
wont
to
have
upon
us
,
that
it
is
plainly
necessary
for
us
to
retire
some
times
at
a
distance
from
them
,
and
to
be
wholly
intent
on
the
Contemplation
of
Spiritual
things
;
that
so
these
nobler
Objects
may
lessen
the
others
influence
,
and
by
making
a
lasting
impression
of
themselves
upon
our
minds
,
may
prevent
their
enticing
us
to
act
contrary
to
any
of
the
Divine
Precepts
.
God
does
not
tie
us
up
to
such
hard
terms
,
as
to
oblige
us
to
spend
all
our
Time
in
the
Contemplation
of
them
.
He
knows
that
in
this
imperfect
State
,
neither
our
necessary
Affairs
will
allow
of
it
,
nor
these
lumpish
Bodies
of
Clay
which
we
carry
about
with
us
,
endure
it
.
And
therefore
,
all
that
he
requires
at
our
hands
is
,
that
we
would
not
permit
our
temporal
Concerns
to
take
up
all
our
thoughts
and
time
,
nor
suffer
our
Recreations
(
which
are
only
allowed
us
for
our
present
refreshment
,
and
to
renew
our
decayed
Spirits
)
to
divert
us
wholly
from
Meditating
upon
those
Truths
,
upon
the
knowledg
whereof
our
Eternal
Happiness
so
much
depends
.
4thly
and
Lastly
,
The
private
worship
of
God
consists
in
secret
Reflections
and
short
Ejaculations
in
all
places
,
at
all
times
of
the
day
,
and
in
all
transactions
of
Life
.
The
truly
Devout
Christian
is
not
content
to
have
his
set
times
for
the
keeping
up
within
his
mind
a
sense
of
God
and
Religion
:
But
whereever
he
is
,
and
what-ever
he
is
doing
,
he
takes
care
that
something
of
Devotion
towards
God
be
intermixed
with
all
his
Actions
.
Is
he
suddainly
invited
,
or
urgent
business
presses
him
to
go
where
he
is
likely
to
meet
with
temptations
?
He
as
suddainly
makes
some
private
Resolutions
within
himself
to
withstand
them
with
all
his
might
,
and
in
a
word
or
two
,
begs
of
God
to
inable
him
to
keep
such
his
resolution
.
Does
he
at
any
time
fail
in
his
Duty
?
He
immediately
cries
out
,
God
be
merciful
to
me
a
Sinner
.
Is
he
unexpectly
called
to
enter
upon
some
considerable
Action
?
He
in
the
same
Minute
,
with
some
short
Sentence
or
other
,
intreats
the
Almighty
to
give
him
Success
therein
.
Does
any
suddain
Misfortune
befal
him
?
It
is
less
than
I
deserve
,
he
cries
,
but
for
thy
goodness
sake
take
pity
on
me
,
O
thou
Preserver
of
Men
!
Do
things
fall
out
according
to
his
Wishes
?
O
what
grateful
Expressions
flow
from
him
!
And
thus
in
all
Occurrences
whatsoever
,
he
keeps
up
a
Reverence
for
his
Maker
,
and
expresses
a
due
esteem
and
value
for
him
.
And
this
he
does
with
ease
,
without
giving
the
least
trouble
to
the
Company
,
with
which
he
converses
,
or
at
all
disturbing
his
own
Affairs
.
His
innocent
Mirth
is
not
at
all
damped
by
any
such
pious
Reflexions
:
Nor
does
his
business
the
less
go
forward
for
those
short
Ejaculations
,
which
upon
such
occasions
breath
from
him
.
And
therefore
if
there
could
be
any
excuse
made
for
the
neglect
of
those
other
parts
of
private
Worship
,
there
can
be
none
made
for
the
neglect
of
this
.
For
it
is
such
a
respect
to
God
,
as
neither
the
greatest
Personages
,
nor
the
most
Worldly-minded
Men
can
want
leisure
,
nor
those
of
the
most
ordinary
Capacity
,
power
to
perform
.
For
what
Man
of
what
quality
or
condition
soever
,
may
not
on
the
suddain
,
in
some
sort
of
words
or
other
(
or
what
though
it
be
without
words
)
either
beg
God's
Assistance
in
what
he
is
about
to
undertake
,
or
thank
him
for
any
good
that
has
befaln
him
,
or
intreat
him
to
forgive
what
he
has
done
amiss
,
to
remove
those
misfortunes
which
have
hapned
to
him
;
and
to
pour
into
his
Lap
what
he
shall
judg
most
fit
and
convenient
for
him
:
So
that
although
upon
some
extraordinary
emergency
,
or
for
want
of
Abilities
,
either
private
Prayer
,
or
reading
the
Scriptures
,
or
Meditation
upon
Divine
things
,
should
happen
to
be
omitted
by
us
;
yet
there
can
be
no
reason
why
this
last
way
of
Serving
God
in
secret
should
.
When
we
are
Dressing
our selves
in
our
Chambers
,
when
we
are
Walking
in
the
Streets
,
when
we
are
making
of
Bargains
and
Contracts
,
when
we
are
Eating
and
Drinking
,
in
what
Affair
soever
we
are
ingaged
,
what
trouble
can
it
be
to
us
to
awaken
now
and
then
within
our
Minds
a
Devout
Thought
,
an
Holy
Wish
,
a
Pious
Resolution
,
or
to
Offer
up
to
God
some
short
comprehensive
Petition
as
may
be
most
suitable
to
our
present
Circumstances
?
Having
thus
Discoursed
of
the
Nature
of
that
private
Worship
which
may
be
used
by
particular
Christians
when
they
are
alone
,
I
desire
in
the
second
place
,
that
these
following
Advantages
,
which
will
certainly
accrue
to
those
who
are
constant
in
the
Performance
thereof
,
may
be
considered
by
us
.
1.
That
hereby
we
shall
be
prompted
to
perform
all
Religious
Duties
with
much
greater
Strictness
and
Accuracy
.
2.
That
we
shall
hereby
gain
for
our
great
Satisfaction
and
Comfort
,
one
of
the
most
convincing
Arguments
of
our
own
Sincerity
.
3.
That
we
shall
hereby
be
best
inabled
to
perform
all
Acts
of
Publick
Worship
after
the
most
Solemn
manner
.
4.
That
this
will
be
a
most
excellent
Preparation
for
Death
,
which
is
so
uncertain
.
5thly
,
and
Lastly
,
That
it
will
very
much
increase
our
Joy
hereafter
,
to
be
openly
rewarded
for
what
we
have
done
thus
in
Secret
.
I
begin
with
the
first
,
That
by
our
thus
Worshiping
God
in
Secret
,
we
shall
be
prompted
to
perform
all
Religious
Duties
with
much
greater
strictness
and
accuracy
.
If
any
thing
can
make
us
in
all
respects
truly
Religious
,
it
must
be
an
insight
into
the
Nature
of
Spiritual
things
,
and
a
frequent
application
of
our
Minds
to
the
Contemplation
of
them
.
When
therefore
any
one
by
his
own
set
times
of
Prayer
,
by
his
daily
Reading
the
Scriptures
,
by
constant
Meditation
upon
God
and
Vertue
,
has
disposed
his
Soul
to
be
heartily
Affected
with
what
concerns
its
Immortal
Welfare
;
when
he
has
brought
himself
to
that
pass
,
as
in
every
Action
of
his
Life
to
intermix
something
of
Devotion
towards
God
.
How
must
this
needs
,
if
any
thing
can
,
make
him
eager
so
to
behave
himself
in
all
respects
whatsoever
,
as
may
Intitle
him
to
an
higher
interest
in
God's
Favour
,
and
to
the
expectations
of
greater
Bliss
hereafter
?
These
things
do
lay
a
kind
of
force
upon
him
to
be
Religious
,
and
to
strive
as
much
as
he
can
to
improve
in
every
Grace
and
Vertue
.
When
by
his
being
thus
constantly
Employed
in
the
Contemplation
of
Spiritual
things
,
he
has
them
always
in
his
View
,
he
must
do
Violence
to
himself
to
run
contrary
to
them
.
And
it
will
be
no
small
Punishment
to
him
at
the
first
,
if
by
a
wilful
Transgression
of
his
Duty
he
Lives
in
a
direct
Opposition
to
his
own
Sentiments
.
It
is
the
want
of
a
due
sense
of
Holy
things
which
makes
Men
so
Irreligious
as
they
are
.
They
have
no
true
Apprehensions
,
no
relish
of
Divine
matters
,
and
this
makes
them
run
from
them
as
far
as
they
can
.
Were
but
an
early
sense
of
them
impressed
upon
their
Minds
by
those
ways
which
I
have
been
speaking
of
,
they
would
not
have
the
hardiness
to
be
guilty
of
those
wicked
Practices
which
we
now
see
daily
Committed
by
them
.
Their
Consciences
being
by
this
means
kept
in
Life
and
Sense
,
would
render
them
uneasie
whenever
they
go
about
to
Transgress
any
known
Duty
.
They
would
be
always
representing
to
them
the
equity
of
God's
Laws
,
the
greatness
of
the
Rewards
which
accompany
them
;
The
severity
of
the
Punishment
which
follows
the
neglect
of
them
;
Their
own
Folly
and
Ingratitude
,
should
they
despise
such
excellent
Means
of
Salvation
as
are
set
before
them
.
And
what
can
deter
Men
from
acting
a
miss
?
nay
,
What
can
spur
them
on
to
further
Advancements
in
all
manner
of
Vertuous
and
Holy
Living
,
if
the
Consideration
of
these
things
thus
forcibly
urged
upon
their
Minds
cannot
?
2dly
,
Another
Advantage
which
would
accrue
to
us
by
our
thus
Worshiping
God
in
Secret
,
is
,
that
hereby
we
shall
obtain
for
our
inward
Comfort
and
Satisfaction
,
one
of
the
most
convincing
Arguments
of
our
own
Sincerity
.
Nothing
affords
a
greater
Satisfaction
to
any
ones
Mind
,
than
to
be
able
to
Justify
his
own
Proceedings
to
himself
,
and
to
be
fully
Convinced
that
his
Behaviour
has
been
such
as
it
ought
to
have
been
.
Now
there
is
no
better
way
to
gain
such
a
Comfortable
Assurance
of
having
done
Well
,
as
by
thus
secretly
Devoting
our selves
to
God's
Service
.
Let
Men
seem
never
so
Zealous
in
their
Publick
Devotion
,
it
may
all
be
Counterfeit
,
and
in
order
only
to
promote
some
dishonest
design
.
Thus
the
Devotion
of
the
Pharisees
,
how
specious
soever
it
appeared
,
was
only
to
be
seen
of
Men
,
and
that
they
might
thereby
gain
a
better
opportunity
of
devouring
Widows
Houses
.
So
that
as
to
what
is
done
in
the
sight
of
others
,
although
it
may
be
done
at
some
times
with
a
very
honest
intent
,
yet
at
other
times
we
may
be
deceived
therein
,
and
phansie
we
are
doing
God's
Service
,
when
it
is
only
serving
our selves
of
some
Temporal
Advantage
,
which
we
hope
thereby
to
promote
.
But
now
when
what
we
do
is
in
secret
,
and
no
body
sees
us
but
God
himself
;
when
we
might
have
followed
the
example
of
the
rest
of
the
World
,
who
never
trouble
themselves
about
these
mattrers
;
and
yet
we
have
chosen
rather
to
do
our
Duty
privately
,
and
to
approve
our selves
to
God
in
a
way
which
is
only
Cognoscible
by
him
and
by
no
body
else
;
This
must
needs
convince
us
of
our
Sincerity
,
and
afford
us
the
Satisfaction
of
being
inwardly
assur'd
that
we
have
a
greater
regard
for
God
and
Vertue
,
than
we
have
for
any
thing
else
besides
.
3dly
.
That
we
may
be
the
more
perswaded
thus
to
Worship
God
in
secret
,
let
us
consider
that
hereby
we
shall
be
best
inabled
to
perform
all
acts
of
publick
Worship
after
the
most
solemn
manner
.
The
reason
why
many
keep
away
from
the
solemn
Assemblies
,
and
others
behave
themselves
so
Irreverently
whilst
they
are
present
at
them
,
is
,
because
they
want
those
dispositions
of
Mind
as
would
qualifie
them
to
attend
upon
Holy
things
with
delight
and
satisfaction
.
Their
Souls
do
every
Minute
hanker
after
unlawful
Objects
.
They
are
wholly
intent
upon
the
Vanities
and
Pleasures
of
this
World
,
and
this
makes
them
have
so
little
a
kindness
for
what
ever
relates
to
God
and
Religion
:
So
that
they
come
to
the
publick
Worship
,
as
if
it
were
to
their
own
Execution
,
and
are
glad
of
any
excuses
to
keep
from
it
.
Now
had
they
but
accustom'd
themselves
to
the
Worship
of
God
in
private
,
they
would
be
so
far
from
being
averse
to
the
Worship
of
him
in
publick
,
as
to
be
glad
of
any
such
kind
invitation
,
Let
us
go
into
the
House
of
the
Lord
.
Their
Minds
being
beforehand
Ravished
in
the
delightful
Contemplation
of
the
Divine
Attributes
of
God's
most
Holy
Laws
,
of
what
he
has
done
,
and
is
ready
to
do
for
those
who
sincerely
Love
him
.
What
Devout
Exercises
can
come
amiss
to
them
?
Their
Harps
are
always
strung
,
and
their
Souls
always
in
Tune
to
Sing
Anthems
of
Praise
and
Thanksgiving
to
their
Heavenly
Maker
.
They
enter
his
Courts
with
Joy
,
and
whilst
others
are
full
of
Coldness
and
Indifferency
towards
the
Worship
of
him
,
there
is
no
Holy
Ordinance
on
which
they
don't
attend
with
great
Pleasure
and
Satisfaction
.
4thly
.
Another
Advantage
which
attends
the
private
Worship
of
God
,
is
,
that
it
will
be
an
excellent
preparation
against
Death
.
Since
Life
is
so
uncertain
,
and
there
are
so
many
things
which
can
snatch
us
out
of
the
World
before
we
are
aware
;
It
mightily
concerns
us
so
to
order
our
Affairs
as
that
we
may
be
fit
to
go
hence
on
the
suddain
with
Comfort
and
Satisfaction
.
Our
future
Happiness
depends
upon
those
dispositions
,
which
we
carry
out
of
the
World
with
us
.
As
we
are
affected
towards
God
and
Vertue
when
we
go
off
this
Stage
,
such
will
be
our
Reward
hereafter
.
To
have
our
Oyl
therefore
to
Buy
,
and
our
Lamps
to
Trim
when
the
Bridegroom
Summons
us
to
Attend
him
,
is
the
way
to
be
for
ever
Excluded
from
the
Marriage
Feast
.
And
therefore
although
the
Foolish
part
of
Mankind
go
on
unconcerned
in
their
Wicked
Courses
,
and
Live
whilst
they
are
here
,
as
if
they
never
were
to
Live
any
where
else
.
Yet
the
more
Prudent
,
who
know
that
their
best
Stake
is
in
another
World
,
will
endeavour
to
secure
it
by
being
always
prepared
to
leave
their
present
Station
with
such
a
temper
of
Mind
as
will
most
certainly
Intitle
them
to
the
Joys
that
are
above
.
Now
what
can
better
tend
to
effect
this
,
than
to
keep
up
within
our
Minds
a
constant
Respect
for
God
,
and
for
his
most
Righteous
Laws
,
by
this
private
Worship
of
him
?
When
we
do
every
day
in
secret
lament
our
past
Follies
,
and
are
earnest
for
his
Pardon
and
Forgiveness
;
When
we
do
every
day
express
our
dependance
on
him
,
by
beseeching
him
to
give
us
what
is
most
fit
and
convenient
for
us
,
and
by
giving
hearty
Thanks
for
those
Mercies
which
we
have
already
received
at
his
Hands
;
When
we
do
every
Day
by
our selves
admire
the
extraordinary
perfections
of
the
Divine
Nature
;
Are
intent
in
our
Meditations
upon
his
Commandments
;
Are
Ravished
in
the
Contemplation
of
his
unspeakable
Kindness
towards
us
;
When
Devout
Thoughts
do
every
moment
spring
up
within
us
,
and
Pious
Expressions
flow
from
us
;
When
we
are
always
thus
disposed
,
how
can
Death
at
any
time
surprise
us
?
We
may
bid
it
Well-come
every
hour
of
the
day
.
It
is
the
greatest
Blessing
as
can
happen
to
those
who
are
thus
prepared
for
it
;
for
it
Transplants
them
into
a
place
where
their
Minds
will
be
full
of
the
same
Pious
Thoughts
and
Affections
,
and
where
they
will
produce
the
same
Vertues
they
do
here
,
but
with
far
more
Ease
and
Transport
,
being
freed
from
all
those
Troubles
and
Incumbrances
which
Clog
and
Imbitter
,
at
present
,
our
most
Religious
performances
.
5thly
.
and
Lastly
,
It
will
very
much
increase
our
Joy
hereafter
,
to
be
openly
Rewarded
for
what
we
have
done
thus
in
secret
.
This
is
the
Argument
which
our
Saviour
here
makes
use
of
to
perswade
his
Disciples
not
to
take
the
Pharisees
for
their
Example
(
who
made
a
great
show
of
Piety
,
only
that
they
might
be
seen
of
Men
:
)
But
to
approve
themselves
to
God
,
altho
it
were
never
so
Privately
.
Viz
.
That
how
few
soever
the
Advantages
might
happen
to
be
,
which
would
accrue
to
them
by
such
their
Behaviour
at
present
;
yet
they
would
be
made
a
sufficient
amends
,
and
that
publickly
too
,
hereafter
.
Thy
Father
which
seeth
in
secret
,
shall
reward
thee
openly
.
Although
Devout
Christians
make
no
noise
in
the
World
,
but
chearfully
Pay
the
great
Creator
of
all
things
that
Tribute
which
they
know
justly
to
belong
to
him
:
Yet
he
who
is
a
constant
Inspector
of
their
Hearts
,
who
knows
their
Integrity
,
and
beholds
their
Devout
Carriage
,
when
it
is
hid
from
all
the
World
besides
;
will
not
suffer
it
to
be
always
covered
with
Darkness
,
but
will
one
day
make
it
manifest
,
to
the
Eternal
Honour
and
Advantage
of
such
his
Good
and
Faithful
Servants
.
The
time
will
come
when
in
the
Presence
of
all
his
Holy
Angels
,
and
Immortal
Spirits
,
he
will
call
them
forth
,
and
himself
bear
publick
Testimony
to
the
Sincerity
of
their
Affections
towards
him
.
Then
will
their
frequent
Prayers
,
their
diligent
Study
of
the
Scriptures
,
their
devout
Meditations
,
their
Pious
Reflections
,
their
Heavenly
Ejaculations
be
all
Enumerated
,
and
every
thing
which
they
have
done
in
Secret
,
be
set
in
a
due
Light
.
Upon
the
Discovery
whereof
,
how
will
those
Glorious
Beings
above
Admire
such
their
Devotion
!
How
will
they
run
into
their
Embraces
,
and
Congratulate
the
great
Honour
God
has
done
them
,
in
thus
making
manifest
those
Excellencies
in
them
,
which
none
before
but
himself
had
any
knowledg
of
!
And
what
can
afford
them
greater
Satisfaction
of
Mind
,
than
to
have
the
Supreme
Governour
of
all
things
,
and
their
most
Merciful
Father
thus
to
attest
their
Piety
,
and
those
who
are
his
chiefest
Favourites
,
and
make
the
nearest
approaches
unto
him
,
upon
their
knowledg
thereof
,
to
Love
and
Applaud
them
for
it
?
To
Conclude
then
this
whole
Discourse
;
we
see
what
great
Advantages
the
Worship
of
God
in
Secret
brings
along
with
it
.
Let
us
deal
impartially
with
our
own
Souls
,
and
not
suffer
any
pretences
whatsoever
,
by
causing
any
neglect
thereof
,
to
deprive
us
of
them
:
But
let
us
from
our
Pleasures
,
from
our
Business
reserve
some
time
thus
to
Pray
unto
God
,
to
give
him
Thanks
,
to
Converse
with
his
Sacred
Oracles
,
to
Meditate
upon
Holy
Things
,
and
to
pour
out
our
Souls
in
Private
Whispers
unto
him
upon
all
Emergencies
whatsoever
;
That
so
having
by
this
means
fixed
a
true
Principle
of
Holiness
within
us
;
Having
furnished
our
Minds
with
such
excellent
Dispositions
as
do
best
qualifie
us
to
be
made
Partakers
of
the
Heavenly
State
;
In
a
word
,
having
made
our selves
throughly
acquainted
with
God
and
his
most
Righteous
Laws
,
we
may
from
hence
be
Instructed
so
to
Behave
our selves
towards
him
in
this
World
,
that
we
may
Live
for
Ever
in
his
Presence
in
the
World
to
come
.
FINIS
.