I feel that all I know and all I teach, will do nothing for my own soul, if I spend my time, as most people do, in business or company, even the best company. My soul starves to death in the best company; and God is often lost in prayers and ordinances. “Enter into thy chamber,” said He, “and shut thy door about thee!” Some words in Scripture are very emphatical. “Shut thy door” means much: it means — shut out, not only nonsense, but business — not only the company abroad, but the company at home: It means — let thy poor soul have a little rest and refreshment; and God have opportunity to speak to thee in a small still voice, or He will speak in thunder.

Richard Cecil (1748 – 1810)