John Trapp on Matthew 14:23

Verse 23. He went up into a mountain apart to pray] Secret prayer fats the soul, as secret morsels feed the body: Therefore is it said to be the banquet of grace, where the soul may solace her [illegible: 1 word] with God, as Esther did with Ahashuerosh at the banquet of wine, and have whatsoever heart can wish, or need require. Only (because Anima [illegible: 1 word] fit minor) get into such a corner, as where we may be most free to call upon God without distraction, remembring [illegible: 1 word] own ficklenesse, and [illegible: 1 word] restlesnesse. When the evening was come, he was there alone] Retire we must sometimes, and into fit places to meet God, as Balaam did,Numb. 23. but to better purpose: solacing and entertaining soliloquies with him, as Isaac did in the fields, [illegible: 2 words] upon the way, Ezekiel by the [illegible: 1 word] Vlai, Peter upon the leads, Christ here upon the mountain. Whiles the Disciples were perilling, and well nigh perishing, Christ was praying for them: so he is still for us, at the right hand of the Majesty on high.