A discourse of the work of the Holy Spirit in prayer with a brief…

(2.) We have Internal wants that are discerned in the light of a natural Conscience: such is the Guilt of Sin, whereof that accuseth; Sins against natural Light and ⟨p. 55⟩plain outward letter of the Law. These things we know somewhat of without any especial Aid of the Holy Spirit, Rom. 2. 14, 15. and desires of Deliverance are inseparable from them. But we may observe here two things, [1.] That the knowledge which we have hereof of our selves, is so dark and confused, as that we are no ways able thereby to manage our wants in Prayer aright unto God. A Natural Conscience awakened and excited by Afflictions or other providential Visitations, will discover it self in unfeigned and severe Reflections of Guilt upon the Soul. But until the Spirit doth convince of Sin, all things are in such disorder and confusion in the mind, that no man knows how to make his Address unto God about it in a due manner. And there is more required to treat aright with God about the Guilt of Sin, than a mere Sense of it. So far as men can proceed under that sole conduct and guidance, the Heathens went in dealing with their supposed Gods, without a due respect unto the Propitiation made by the Blood of Christ. Yea Prayer about the guilt of Sin discerned in the Light of a natural Conscience, is but an abomination.

(2.) We have Internal wants that are discerned in the light of a natural Conscience: such is the Guilt of Sin, whereof that accuseth; Sins against natural Light and ⟨p. 55⟩plain outward letter of the Law. These things we know somewhat of without any especial Aid of the Holy Spirit, Rom. 2. 14, 15. and desires of Deliverance are inseparable from them. But we may observe here two things, [1.] That the knowledge which we have hereof of our selves, is so dark and confused, as that we are no ways able thereby to manage our wants in Prayer aright unto God. A Natural Conscience awakened and excited by Afflictions or other providential Visitations, will discover it self in unfeign'd and severe Reflections of Guilt upon the Soul. But untill the Spirit doth convince of Sin, all things are in such disorder and confusion in the mind, that no man knows how to make his Address unto God about it in a due manner. And there is more required to treat aright with God about the Guilt of Sin, than a mere Sense of it. So far as men can proceed under that sole conduct and guidance, the Heathens went in dealing with their supposed Gods, without a due respect unto the Propitiation made by the Blood of Christ. Yea Prayer about the guilt of Sin discerned in the Light of a natural Conscience, is but an abomination.