PRIVATE DEVOTION | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 18, 1856

PRIVATE DEVOTION.

THE Lord Jesus, in that greatest sermon that ever fell on mortal ears, enjoins, "Thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet," and by his oft-repeated example enforces the obligation. Often were his footsteps traced to some secluded spot, the declivity of the mountain, the garden, the wilderness, for the purpose of private prayer. So Isaac was wont to retire to meditate in the field at eventide. David communed with his own heart, and his spirit made diligent search in the night: "seven times a day do I praise thee." Daniel knelt three times a day in his private chamber. Peter retired to the house-top, to be alone with God, about the sixth hour. Mark the biography of the best men that have ever lived, and you will find them often on their knees before their Maker in their closets.

The object of these stated seasons of retirement is, communion with God, reading his word, and devout self-examination. Secluded from the world and its cares, with no eye upon us but that which seeth in secret, the inspired volume spread before us, the secret sins of the heart, and the presumptuous faults of the life brought to view, we unburden our souls with supplications and tears, seeking forgiveness and grace with filial freeness and fullness, through the merits of our glorified Redeemer; saying, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Secret prayer should be attended to at regular seasons. In maintaining a close walk with God, few will be satisfied with less than two seasons of retirement each day. Regularity in this duty is as necessary to the health of the soul, as regularity in meals to that of the body. Let the habit become so fixed by custom, that the consecrated hour cannot pass unimproved without awakening the deep-toned remonstrance of thy conscience.

But the duty enjoined is strictly private, and therefore liable to be neglected. Provided you pay a decent regard to those religious observances which meet the eye of the world, you may not lose your reputation for piety, even though you should neglect your closet. Here is a temptation. Moreover, the active, bustling habits of this age are hostile to the meditative, unostentatious, retired exercises of the closet. Take care that you do not become so absorbed in any of the exciting enterprises of the day, however important they may be in themselves, as to neglect your own heart, and your communion with God. Be assured that such enterprises as have in view the advance of Christ's kingdom on earth, will succeed in accomplishing their ends, under the blessing of God, only as they are controlled and guided by such as seek for wisdom and grace daily in secret places.

Professed followers of Christ, to you let me say, the interest you feel in your secret devotions stands before you as the thermometer of your spiritual state. Other motives than the love of Christ may carry you abroad, and give you the tongue of an angel, and zeal to pour out your treasures like water for the relief of the poor or the spread of the gospel; but be assured that the seclusion of the closet is the last place where the applause of men or a lifeless formality will lead you. If you are found here statedly and punctually, what brighter evidence can you have that your heart thirsts for God, and that you are hastening to a more perfect communion with him in heaven? O ye who have opened your mouth unto the Lord, draw around the sanctuary of your secret devotions a barrier so strong that no vain amusements, no secular cares, no social engagements, shall intrude themselves. As you go out to mingle in the busy scenes of the world, how can you keep a conscience void of offence towards God and man; how can you govern your temper, control your appetite, keep under your body, and have your conversation always "seasoned with salt," unless you go forth under the subduing fear of that all-seeing eye, before which you have just knelt in secret?

Men of business, you are ever ready to say, "We have no time to pray in secret." Is this a valid excuse? Do you not live each day and hour through the forbearance of God? Is it reasonable that you should give all your waking moments to business, and none to Him who gives you life, and breath, and all things—none to the eternal welfare of your soul? No time to pray! For what was time given you? Too much business! Think of the king of Israel with his vast empire, his numerous armies, his frequent domestic and foreign wars, calling upon God "evening, morning and at noon." Think of Daniel with the affairs of an hundred and twenty provinces burdening his mind, yet finding time to enter his closet three times a day, to pray and give thanks to God. Think of Wilberforce, whose long life was spent amidst the conflicting and dissipating scenes of parliament, yet never allowing the hurry of business or the pressure of company to encroach upon his hallowed scenes of retirement. No time to pray, when the Saviour bids you "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness?" O, if your heart were right you would find time, though you were obliged to abridge your meals, or invade the allotted hours of sleep.

Ye who are now young, you need not be told that you live in a world of temptation—that some allurement awaits you at every turn, to lead you astray into the deceitful ways of sin and death: these pages tender you an effectual safeguard. Prayer to God, offered sincerely and daily, will cover you with a shield that will prove impervious to every fiery dart. It is not simply saying your prayers that is intended, but sincerely and devoutly praying to God on your knees every day you live. Though young you may die. From many a youthful

grave the voice of wisdom falls upon your ear. "Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth?"—American Tract.