Then & Now · 4 of 28

1. The Most Eminent Saints in Private Prayer

Firſt, The moſt eminent Saints, p. 9 both in the Old and New Teſtament, have applied themſelves to Private-Prayer. Moſes was alone in the Mount with God forty dayes and fourty nights, Exod. 34. 28. So Abraham fills his mouth with Arguments, and reaſons the caſe out alone with God in Prayer, to prevent Sodoms deſolation and deſtruction, and never leaves off pleading and praying till he had brought God down from fifty to ten, Gen. 18. 22-32. and in Gen. 21. 33. you have Abraham again at his private prayers, And Abraham planted a Grove in Beer-ſheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlaſting God. Why did Abraham plant a Grove, but that he might have a moſt private place to pray and poure out his ſoul before the Lord in? So Iſaac, Gen. 24. 63. And Iſaac went out to meditate in the field at eventide. The Hebrew word Laſuach, that is here rendred Meditate, ſignifies to pray as well as to meditate, and ſo it is often uſed. ‘Tis a comprehenſive word, that p. 10 takes in both Prayer and Meditation. So you ſhall find Jacob at his private-prayer, Gen. 32. 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. And Jacob was left alone: and there wreſtled a man with him until the breaking of the day. When Jacob was all alone, and in a dark night, and when his joynts were out of joynt, he ſo wreſtles and weeps, and weeps and wreſtles in private Prayer, that as a Prince at laſt he prevailes with God. Hoſ. 12. 3, 4. So David, Pſal. 55. 16, 17. As for me, I will call upon God: and the Lord ſhall ſave me. Evening, and morning, and at noon will I pray, and cry aloud, and he ſhall hear my voyce.

First, the most eminent saints, both in the Old and New Testament, have applied themselves to private prayer. Moses was alone in the mount with God forty days and forty nights (‸Exod‸ 34:‸28). So Abraham fills his mouth with arguments and reasons the case out alone with God in prayer to prevent Sodom’s desolation and destruction, and never leaves off pleading and praying until he had brought God down from fifty to ten (‸Gen‸ 18:‸22–32). And in Genesis 21:‸33, you have Abraham again at his private prayers: “‸And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.” Why did Abraham plant a grove, but that he might have a most private place to pray and pour out his soul before the Lord in? So Isaac‸‸: “‸And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide” (Gen 24:63). The Hebrew word lasuach that is here rendered “meditate” signifies to pray as well as to meditate, and so it is often used. It is a comprehensive word‸ that takes in both prayer and meditation. So you shall find Jacob at his private‸prayer‸‸‸: “‸And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day” (Gen 32:24–28). When Jacob was all alone‸ in the dark night, and when his joints were out of joint, he so wrestles and weeps, and weeps and wrestles in private prayer that as a prince at last he prevails with God (‸Hos‸ 12:‸3–‸4). So David‸‸: “‸As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice” (Ps 55:16–17).

So Daniel was three times a day in private prayer, Dan. 6. 10. Now when Daniel knew that the Writing was ſign’d, he went into his houſe; and his Windows being open in his Chamber toward Jeruſalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Daniel had accuſtomed himſelf to private prayer; he went to his cloſet, before he went to his publick p. 11 employment and State affairs: and at his return to dinner, he turned firſt into his Chamber to ſerve his God, and refreſh his ſoul, before he ſet down to feaſt his body: and at the end of the day, when he had diſpatcht his buſineſs with men, he made it his buſineſs to wait upon God in his Chamber. So Jonah keeps up private prayer, when he was in the Fiſhes belly, yea, when he was in the belly of Hell, Jonah 2. 1, 2, &c. So we have Elias at prayer under the Juniper Tree, 1 Kings 19. 4. So Hannah, 1 Sam. 1. 13. Now Hannah ſhe ſpeaks in her heart, only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. The very ſoul of prayer lyes in the pouring out of the ſoul before God, as Hannah did, verſ. 15. Neither was Rebecah a ſtranger to this duty, who upon the Babes ſtrugling in her womb, went to enquire of the Lord, Gen. 25. 22. that is, ſhe went to ſome ſecret place to pray, ſaith Calvin, Muſculus, Mercer, and others. So Saul is no ſooner converted, but preſently p. 12 he falls upon private prayer, Acts 9. 11. And the Lord ſaid unto him, ariſe, and go into the ſtreet which is called Strait, and enquire in the houſe of Judas for one called Saul of Tarſus: for behold he prayeth. Though he was a ſtrict Phariſee, yet he never prayed to purpoſe before, nor never prayed in private before. The Phariſees uſed to pray in the corners of the Streets, and not in the corners of their houſes. And after his converſion he was frequently in private prayer, as you may ſee by comparing of theſe Scriptures together, Rom. 1. 9. Epheſ. 1. 15, 16. 1 Phil. 3, 4. 2 Tim. 1. 3. So Epaphras was a warm man in cloſet prayer, Phil. 4. 12, 13. So Cornelius had devoted himſelf to private prayer, Acts 10. 2, 4. And ſo Peter gets up to the houſe top to pray, verſ. 9. On the morrow as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the City, Peter went up upon the houſe-top to pray, about the ſixth hour. Peter got up upon the Leads, not only to avoid deſtraction, but that he might be p. 13 the more ſecret in his private devotion.

So Daniel was three times a day in private prayer‸‸‸: “‸Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime” (Dan 6:10). Daniel had accustomed himself to private prayer. He went to his closet‸ before he went to his public employment and state affairs; and at his return to dinner, he turned first into his chamber to serve his God‸ and refresh his soul‸ before he sat down to feast his body. And at the end of the day, when he had dispatched his business with men, he made it his business to wait upon God in his chamber. So Jonah keeps up private prayer‸ when he was in “‸the fish’s belly,” yea, when he was in “‸the belly of hell” (‸Jonah 2:‸1–‸2‸‸). So we have Elijah at prayer under the juniper tree (‸1 Kgs 19:‸4). So Hannah‸‸‸‸: “‸Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard” (1 Sam 1:13). The very soul of prayer lies in the pouring out of the soul before God‸ as Hannah did (‸v. 15). Neither was Rebekah a stranger to this duty, who, upon the babe’s struggling in her womb, “‸went to enquire of the LORD” (‸Gen‸ 25:‸22); that is, she went to some secret place to pray, saith Calvin, Musculus, Mercerus, and others. So Saul is no sooner converted, but presently he falls upon private prayer‸‸‸: “‸And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth” (Acts 9:11). Though he was a strict Pharisee, yet he never prayed to purpose before, nor ever prayed in private before. The Pharisees used to pray in the corners of the streets, and not in the corners of their houses. And after his conversion he was frequently in private prayer, as you may see by comparing ‸ these scriptures together: Rom‸ 1:‸9; Eph‸ 1:‸15–‸16; Phil 1‸:‸3–‸4; 2 Tim‸ 1:‸3. So Epaphras was a warm man in closet prayer‸ (Col‸ 4:‸12–‸13); so Cornelius had devoted himself to private prayer (‸Acts 10:‸2, 4); and so Peter gets up to the housetop to pray‸‸‸: “‸On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray‸ about the sixth hour” (Acts 10:9). Peter got up upon the leads, not only to avoid distraction, but that he might be the more secret in his private devotion.

Euſebius tells us of James called Juſtus, that his knees were grown hard and brawny with kneeling ſo much in private prayer. And Nazianzen reports of his Siſter Gorgonia, that her knees ſeemed to cleave to the earth, by her often praying in private. And Gregory ſaith of his Aunt Trucilla, that her Elbows was as hard as horn by often leaning upon her Desk at private prayer. I have read of a devout perſon, who when the ſet time for his private devotion was come, whatever company he was in, he would break from them with this neat and handſome come off, I have a friend that ſtayes for me: Farewel. And there was once a great Lady of this Land, who would frequently withdraw from the company of Lords and Ladies of great quality (who came to viſit her) rather than ſhe would loſe her ſet times of waiting upon God in her Cloſet; ſhe would, as they call’d it, rudely take her leave of p. 14 them, that ſo ſhe might in private attend the Lord of Lords. She would ſpare what time ſhe could, to expreſs her favours, civilities, and courteſies, among her Relations and Friends; but ſhe would never ſuffer them to rob God of his time, nor her ſoul of that comfort and communion which ſhe uſed to enjoy, when ſhe was with God in her Cloſet. And indeed one hours communion with God in ones cloſet, is to be preferr’d before the greateſt and beſt company in the World.

Eusebius tells us of James called Justus, that his knees were grown hard and brawny with kneeling so much in private prayer. And Nazianzen reports of his sister Gorgonia‸ that her knees seemed to cleave to the earth‸ by her often praying in private. And Gregory saith of his aunt Trucilla‸ that her elbows were as hard as horn by often leaning upon her desk at private prayer. I have read of a devout person, who, when the set time for his private devotion was come, whatever company he was in, he would break from them with this neat and handsome come-‸off, “‸I have a friend waiting for me; farewell.” And there was once a great lady of this land, who would frequently withdraw from the company of lords and ladies of great quality ‸who came to visit her, rather than she would lose her set times of waiting upon God in her closet; she would, as they called it, rudely take her leave of them, so that ‸ she might in private attend the Lord of lords. She would spare what time she could‸ to express her favors, civilities, and courtesies‸ among her relations and friends; but she would never suffer them to rob God of His time, nor her soul of that comfort and communion which she used to enjoy‸ when she was with God in her closet. And indeed, one hour’s communion with God in one’s closet‸ is to be preferred before the greatest and best company in the world.

And there was a child of a Chriſtian Gentle-woman, that was ſo given to prayer from its infancy, that before it could well ſpeak, it would uſe to get alone and go to prayer; and as it grew, it was more frequent in prayer, and retiring of it ſelf from company; and he would ask his Mother very ſtrange queſtions, far above the capacity of one of his years: but at laſt, when this child was but five years old, and whipping of his top, on a ſudden he flung away his p. 15 Scourge-ſtick and Top, and ran to his Mother, and with great joy ſaid unto her, Mother, I muſt go to God; will you go with me? She anſwered, My dear Child, how doſt thou know thou ſhalt go to God? he anſwered, God hath told me ſo, for I love God and God loves me. She anſwered, Dear Child, I muſt go when God pleaſeth. But why wilt thou not ſtay with me? The Child anſwered, I will not ſtay, I muſt go to God. And the Child did not live above a moneth after, but never cared for play more; but falling ſick he would alwayes be ſaying, that he muſt go to God, he muſt go to God. And thus ſometimes, out of the⁶ mouthes of Babes and Sucklings God hath perfected praiſe. Certainly ſuch perſons will be ripe for Heaven betimes, who begin betimes to ſeek God in a Cloſet, in a Corner.

6. Mat. 21. 16. [dropped from the edition]

There was a child of a Christian gentlewoman that was so given to prayer from his infancy‸ that before he could well speak, he would use to get alone and go to prayer. As he grew, he was more frequent in prayer‸ and retiring of himself from company. He would ask his mother very strange questions, far above the capacity of one of his years. But at last, when this child was but five years old‸ and whipping of his top, on a sudden he flung away his scourge-stick and top and ran to his mother, and with great joy said unto her, “‸Mother, I must go to God; will you go with me?” She answered, “‸My dear child, how dost thou know thou shalt go to God?” He answered, “‸God hath told me so, for I love God, and God loves me.” She answered, “‸Dear child, I must go when God pleaseth. But why wilt thou not stay with me?” The child answered, “‸I will not stay; I must go to God.” And the child did not live above a month after, but never cared more for play‸; but falling sick, he would always be saying‸ that he must go to God, he must go to God. Thus sometimes “‸out of the mouths of babes and sucklings God hath perfected praise” (Matt 21:16). Certainly, such persons will be ripe for heaven betimes‸ who begin betimes to seek God in a closet, in a corner.

And Euſebius reports of Conſtantine the Emperour, that every day he uſed to ſhut up himſelf in ſome ſecret place in his Palace, and there on bended knees, did p. 16 make his devout Prayers and Soliloquies to God. My God and I are good company, ſaid famous Dr. Sibbs. A man whoſe ſoul is converſant with God in a Cloſer, in a Hole, behind the Door, or in a Deſart, a Den, a Dungeon, ſhall find more real pleaſure, more choice delight, and more full content, than in the Pallace of a Prince.

‸ Eusebius reports of Constantine the emperor that every day he used to shut himself up ‸ in some secret place in his palace and there, on bended knees, did make his devout prayers and soliloquies to God. “‸My God and I are good company,” said famous Dr. Sibbes. A man whose soul is conversant with God in a closet, in a hole, behind the door, or in a desert, a den, a dungeon, shall find more real pleasure, more choice delight, and more full content, than in the palace of a prince.

By all theſe famous Inſtances you ſee that the People of God in all Ages have addicted themſelves to private prayer. O friends, theſe pious examples ſhould be very awakning, very convincing, and very encouraging to you. Certainly ‘tis as much your duty as ‘tis your glory to follow theſe pious patterns that are now ſet before you: Witneſs theſe following Scriptures, Prov. 2. 20. That thou mayeſt walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. 1 Cor. 11. 1. Be ye followers of me, even as I alſo am of Chriſt. Phil. 3. 17. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk ſo, as ye have us for an enſample. p. 17 Phil. 4. 9. Thoſe things which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and ſeen in me, do: and the God of peace ſhall be with you. 1 Theſſ. 1. 6. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction. Heb. 6. 12. That ye be not ſloathful, but followers of them, who through faith and patience inher it the Promiſes. So, 2 Tim. 3. 10, 11, 12, 14. Titus 2. 7. ‘Twas an excellent Law that the Epheſians made, viz. That men ſhould propound to themſelves the beſt patterns, and ever bear in mind ſome eminent man. Bad men are wonderful in love with bad examples. Jer. 44. 16, 17. The Indian hearing⁷ that his Anceſtors were gone to Hell, ſaid, That then he would go thither too. Some men have a mind to go to hell for company-ſake. Oh that we were as much in love with the Examples of good men, as others are in love with the examples of bad men; and then we ſhould be oftner in our cloſets than now we are. Oh that our eyes were p. 18 more fixed on the pious examples of all that have in them (aliquid Chriſti) any thing of Chriſt, as Bucer ſpake. Shall we love to look upon the Pictures of our Friends? and ſhall we not love to look upon the pious examples of thoſe that are the lively and lovely Picture of Chriſt? The pious examples of others ſhould be the looking-glaſſes by which we ſhould dreſs our ſelves. He is the beſt and wiſeſt Chriſtian, that writes after the faireſt Scripture Copy, that imitates thoſe Chriſtians, that are moſt eminent in grace, and that have been moſt exerciſed in Cloſet-prayer, and in the moſt ſecret duties of Religion.

7. Praecepto docent, Exempla movent. [dropped from the edition]

By all these famous instances, you see that the people of God in all ages have addicted themselves to private prayer. O friends! These pious examples should be very awakening, very convincing, and very encouraging to you. Certainly‸, it is as much your duty as it is your glory to follow these pious patterns that are now set before you. Witness these following scriptures: ‸ ‸“‸That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous‸‸…‸Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ‸‸…‸Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so‸ as ye have us for an ensample‸‸‸‸…‸Those things which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you‸‸…‸And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction‸‸…‸That ye be not slothful, but followers of them‸ who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Prov 2:20; 1 Cor 11:1; Phil 3:17; 4:9; 1 Thess 1:6; Heb 6:12). See also 2 Tim‸ 3:‸10–‸12, 14; Titus 2:‸7. It was an excellent law that the Ephesians made, ‸ that men should propound to themselves the best patterns‸ and ever bear in mind some eminent man. Bad men are wonderfully in love with bad examples (‸Jer‸ 44:‸16–‸17). The Indian, hearing that his ancestors were gone to hell, said that then he would go thither too. Some men have a mind to go to hell for company’s sake. Oh, that we were as much in love with the examples of good men‸ as others are in love with the examples of bad men; and then we should be oftener in our closets than now we are! Oh, that our eyes were more fixed on the pious examples of all that have in them ‸aliquid Christi‸ ‸ (anything of Christ), as Bucer spake! Shall we love to look upon the pictures of our friends; and shall we not love to look upon the pious examples of those that are the lively and lovely picture of Christ? The pious examples of others should be the looking-glasses by which we should dress ourselves. He is the best and wisest Christian‸ that writes after the fairest Scripture copy, that imitates those Christians‸ that are most eminent in grace, and that have been most exercised in closet prayer, and in the most secret duties of religion.

Hierome having read the Life and Death of Hilarion (one that lived moſt Chriſtianly, and died moſt comfortably) folded up the Book ſaying, Well, Hilarion ſhall be the Champion that I will follow, his good life ſhall be my example, and his godly death my preſident. ‘Tis brave to live and die by the examples of the moſt eminent Saints. But,

Jerome having read the life and death of Hilarion‸, one that lived most Christianly‸ and died most comfortably, folded up the book, saying, “‸Well, Hilarion shall be the champion that I will follow. His good life shall be my example, and his godly death my precedent.‸” It is brave to live and die by the examples of the most eminent saints. ‸