Then & Now · 14 of 28

11. Christ Delights in His People’s Secret Prayers

Eleventhly, Conſider, Chriſt is very much affected and delighted in the ſecret prayers of his people, Cant. 2. 14. O my dove that art in the p. 74 clefts of the Rock, in the ſecret places of the ſtaires, let me ſee thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for ſweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely. Chriſt obſerves his Spouſe when ſhe is in the clefts of the rock; when ſhe is gotten into a Corner a praying, he looks upon her with ſingular delight, and with ſpecial intimations of his love. Nothing is more ſweet, delightful and welcome to Chriſt, than the ſecret ſervices of his people: Their ſecret breathings are like lovely ſongs to him; their²⁷ ſecret prayers in the clefts of the rock, or under the ſtaires, are as ſweet incenſe to Jeſus. The Spouſe retires to the ſecret places of the ſtairs, not only for ſecurity, but alſo for ſecrecy, that ſo ſhe might the more freely, without ſuſpition of hypocriſie, pour out her ſoul into the boſome of her beloved. The great delight that Parents take in the ſecret liſpings and whiſperings of their children, is no delight to that which Chriſt takes in the ſecret prayers of his people. And therefore, p. 75 as you would be friends and and furtherers of Chriſts delight, be much in ſecret prayer.

27. Mal. 3. 4. [dropped from the edition]

Eleventhly, consider, Christ is very much affected and delighted in the secret prayers of His people‸‸. “‸O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely” (Song 2:14). Christ observes His spouse when she is in the clefts of the rock. When she is gotten into a corner a-‸praying, He looks upon her with singular delight‸ and with special intimations of His love. Nothing is more sweet, delightful, and welcome to Christ‸ than the secret services of His people. Their secret breathings are like lovely songs to Him (Mal 3:4); their secret prayers in the clefts of the rock, or under the stairs, are as sweet incense to Jesus. The spouse retires to the secret places of the stairs‸ not only for security, but also for secrecy, that so she might the more freely, without suspicion of hypocrisy, pour out her soul into the bosom of her beloved. The great delight that parents take in the secret lispings and whisperings of their children‸ is no delight to that which Christ takes in the secret prayers of His people. And therefore, as you would be friends and ‸ furtherers of Christ’s delight, be much in secret prayer.