Verse 6. But thou when thou praiest, enter into thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉, &c.]
* 1.1 * 1.2The proper place for secret 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (as the family is for pri∣vate praier, and the Church for publike, Luk. 4. 16.) that being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from company, we may more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 descend into our own hearts, and be the freer from ostentation and hypocrisie, and from discursation and wandering of minde (Anima 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fit 〈◊〉〈◊〉:) As also for the demonstration of our faith, whereby we believe the omnipresence of God, Who seeth in secret, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 openly. Daniel indeed opened his windows, and pray∣ed* 1.3 in an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 room; not to be more secret (as Pintus mistaketh it) but to be more seen: and yet not of vain ostentation, but of* 1.4 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and constant profession. The King had forbidden it (so* 1.5 did Henry the third, King of France, forbid housholders to pray with their families.) Daniel did it notwithstanding, as afore∣time. God must be obeyed rather then men, as not Scripture on∣ly, but nature teacheth. He kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed; That had been his custome, and should be. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also at morning, at evening, and at noon called upon God, and had his set times for such devotions. But the devil, as it is probable, 2 Sam. 12. 2. had caused him to come from his trench, and then 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 wound him. He knows well enough that a Christians strength lies in his praier (as Samsons did in his hair)* 1.6 that it buckleth all our spirituall armour close to us, and makes it usefull: that a Christian can never want help, whiles he can pray; as they were wont to say, the Pope can never want money, so long as he can hold a pen in his hand, to command and send for it: That secret prayer is a soul-fatting exercise, as secret meals, we say, feed the body. The old Serpent feels himself charmed and