num_pages: 0
description: Christian ReaderThe epistle dedicatory being so large I shall do little more than give you the grounds and reasons of sending forth this little piece into the world especially in such a day as this is. Now my reasons are these:1. First Because God by his present dispensations calls more loudly for closet prayer now than he has done in those last twenty years that are now passed over our heads. See more of this in the 16th argument for closet prayer.2. Secondly Because I have several reasons to fear that many Christians do not clearly nor fully understand the necessity excellency and usefulness of this subject and that many oh that I could not say any live in too great a neglect of this indispensable duty; and that more than a few for lack of light err in the very practice of it.3. Thirdly For the refreshing support and encouragement of all those churches of Christ that walk in the fear of the Lord and in the comforts of the Holy Spirit etc. especially that particular church to whom I stand related.4. Fourthly To preserve and keep up the power of religion and godliness both in men's houses hearts and lives. The power of religion and godliness lives thrives or dies as closet prayer lives thrives or dies. Godliness never rises to a higher pitch than when men keep closest to their closets etc.5. Fifthly Because closet prayer is a most sovereign remedy a most precious antidote of God's own prescribing against the plague that now rages in the midst of us 1 Kings 8:37-39 etc.6. Sixthly Because every man is that really which he is secretly. Never tell me how handsomely how neatly how bravely this or that man acts his part before others; but tell me if you can how he acts his part before God in his closet; for the man is that certainly which he is secretly. There are many who sweat upon the stage that are cold in their closets.7. Seventhly Though many worthies have done worthily upon all other parts of prayeryet there are none either of a former or later date that have fallen under my eye who have written any treatise on this subject. I have not a little wondered that so many eminent writers should pass over this great and princely duty of closet-prayer either with a few brief touches or else in a very great silence. If several Bodies of Divinity are consulted you will find that all they say clearly and distinctly as to closet-prayer may be brought into a very narrow compass if not into a nutshell. I have also inquired of several old disciples whether among all the thousand sermons that they have heard in their days that ever they have heard one sermon on closet-prayer? and they have answered No. I have also inquired of them whether ever they had read any treatise on that subject? and they have answered No. And truly this has been no small encouragement to me to make an offer of my mite; and if this small attempt of mine shall be so blessed as to provoke others who have better heads and hearts and hands than any I have to do Christ and his people more service in the handling of this choice point in a more copious way than what I have been able to reach unto I shall therein rejoice.8. Eighthly and lastly That favor that good acceptance and fair quarter that my other poor labors have found not only in this nationbut in other countries also has put me upon putting pen to paper once more; and I hope that the good will of him who dwelt in the bush will rest upon this as it has to the glory of free grace rested upon my former endeavors. I could add other reasonsbut let these suffice.Good reader when you are in your closet pray hard for a poor weak worthless worm that I may be found faithful and fruitful to the death that so at last I may receive a crown of life. So wishing you all happiness both in this lower and in that upper world I rest Yours in our dear Lord JesusThomas Brooks.
language: English
title: The Privy Key of Heaven
publisher: Brooks Books