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  SECRET MEALS MAKE FAT BODIES
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: Thomas Brooks emphasizes the transformative power of secret
duties, particularly private prayer, in enriching the soul and fostering
spiritual growth.

Topics: "Private Prayer", "Spiritual Growth"
Scripture References: Psalm 27:8, Psalm 91:1, Matthew 6:6, Matthew 7:7, Luke 5:16, Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Hebrews 4:16, James 5:16

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound impact of secret duties,
particularly private prayer, on the spiritual richness of believers. He
compares secret meals that nourish the body to secret prayers that
enrich the soul, suggesting that true spiritual wealth comes from
intimate communion with God in private. Brooks argues that the most
significant graces and experiences are cultivated in the quietness of
one's closet, away from the distractions of public life. He illustrates
that just as gentle dew nurtures plants more effectively than heavy
rain, secret prayer fosters deeper growth in grace and holiness than
public displays of faith, which can often be tainted by pride and
hypocrisy.

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CONTENT
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Secret duties are the most soul-enriching duties. Look! as

secret meals make fat bodies--so secret duties make

fat souls. And as secret trades brings in great earthly riches,

so secret prayers makes many rich in spiritual blessings and

in heavenly riches. Private prayer is that secret key of heaven

which unlocks all the treasures of glory to the soul. The best

riches and the sweetest mercies, God usually gives to His

people--when they are in their closets upon their knees.

All the graces of the saints are enlivened, and nourished, and

strengthened by the sweet secret influences which their souls

fall under, when they are in their closet-communion with God.

Certainly there are none so rich in gracious experiences, as

those who are most exercised in closet duties.

As the tender dew which falls in the silent night makes the

grass and herbs and flowers to flourish and grow more

abundantly than great showers of rain which fall in the day;

so secret prayer will more abundantly cause the sweet herbs

of grace and holiness to grow and flourish in the soul, than all

those more open, public, and visible duties of religion, which

too, too often, are mingled and mixed with the sun and wind

of pride and hypocrisy.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/secret-meals-make-fat-bodies/
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