Media: the middle things, in reference to the first and last things: or, The means, duties, ordinances, both secret, private and publike, for continuance and increase of a godly life, once begun, till we come to Heaven. Wherein are discovered many blessed medium's or duties, in their right method, manner and proceedings; that so a Christian (the spirit of Christ assisting) may walk on in the holy path, which leads from his new birth to everlasting life. / Drawn, for the most part, out of the most eminently pious, and learned writings of our native practical divines: with additionals of his own, by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amoundernes.

§ 1. Whether a Believer may profit more, or be more intent in publike, or in secret Prayer.

IT was answered, That this Case might better be resolved by experience then Scripture; and accordingly some preferred publike Prayer for these Reasons:—

1. Because in publike they are stirred up by others; but in pri∣vate or secret Prayer, they had none others to joyn with them.

2. Because in publike they that exercised had more excellent gifts, which exceedingly tend to their edification; but in secret they found themselves weak, and dull, and dead-hearted ordi∣narily.

Others answered otherwise, and preferred secret Prayer on these grounds:—

1. Because in secret they could confess more inlargedly and feelingly their own sins, then others could do it for them in pub∣like, to whom they were not particularly known.

2. Because in secret they had fewer occasions of distraction, then in publike, and consequently they kept closer to God in the Duty.

3. Because they found by experience, that in secret their hearts were more up; and when they themselves were to perform in publike, the Society whom they joyned with, did ordinarily more straiten them.

4. Because in secret they could take more pains with their heart; as in midst of Prayer to prostrate, or by breaking off to meditate, &c. which conveniently they could not do in publike.

In conclusion this Case was resolved, That some Believers may profit more, or be more intent in publike, others in private: And the reason rendred was, Because the Spirit that helps us to pray, is a free agent, and works diversly in the hearts of his peo∣ple, to shew the diversity of his gifts, and his diverse maner of working.