I do confess, that some by frequent reading of the Scripture, by the only help of a faithful Memory, may be able to express in their Prayers the Promises of God, without any spiritual Acquaintance with the Grace of them, whereby they administer unto others, and not unto themselves. But this Remembrance of Words or Expressions belongs not unto the especial Work of the Holy Ghost in supplying the Hearts and minds of Believers with the matter of Prayer. But this is that which he doth herein; He openeth their Eyes, he giveth an understanding, he enlighteneth their minds, so that they shall perceive the things that are of God prepared for them, and that are contained in the Promises of the Gospel; and represents them therein in their beauty, Glory, suitableness and desirableness unto their Souls. He maketh them to see Christ in them, and all the Fruits of his Mediation in them, all the effect of the Grace and Love of God in them, the Excellency of Mercy and Pardon, of Grace and Holiness, of a new Heart, with Principles, dispositions, Inclinations and Actings, all as they are proposed in the Truth and Faithfulness of God. Now when the mind and Heart is continually filled with an Understanding ⟨p. 78⟩and due Apprehensions of these things; it is always furnished with the matter of Prayer and praise unto God, which Persons make use of according as they have actual assistance and utterance given unto them. And whereas this Holy Spirit together with the knowledge of them, doth also implant a Love unto them upon the minds of Believers, they are not only hereby directed what to pray for, but are excited and stirred up to seek after the enjoyment of them, with ardent Affections and earnest Endeavours, which is to pray. And although among those on whose Hearts these things are not implanted, some may (as was before observed) make an appearance of it, by expressing in Prayer the words of the Promises of God retained in their memories, yet for the most part they are not able themselves to pray in any tolerable useful manner, and do either wonder at, or despise those that are so enabled.
I do confess, that some by frequent reading of the Scripture, by the only help of a faithful Memory, may be able to express in their Prayers the Promises of God, without any spiritual Acquaintance with the Grace of them, whereby they administer unto others, and not unto themselves. But this Remembrance of Words or Expressions belongs not unto the especial Work of the Holy Ghost in supplying the Hearts and minds of Believers with the matter of Prayer. But this is that which he doth herein; He openeth their Eyes, he giveth an understanding, he enlighteneth their minds, so that they shall perceive the things that are of God prepared for them, and that are contained in the Promises of the Gospel; and represents them therein in their beauty, Glory, suitableness and desirableness unto their Souls. He maketh them to see Christ in them, and all the Fruits of his Mediation in them, all the effect of the Grace and Love of God in them, the Excellency of Mercy and Pardon, of Grace and Holiness, of a new Heart, with Principles, dispositions, Inclinations and Actings, all as they are proposed in the Truth and Faithfulness of God. Now when the mind and Heart is continually filled with an Understanding ⟨p. 78⟩and due Apprehensions of these things; it is always furnished with the matter of Prayer and praise unto God, which Persons make use of according as they have actual assistance and utterance given unto them. And whereas this Holy Spirit together with the knowledge of them, doth also implant a Love unto them upon the minds of Believers, they are not only hereby directed what to pray for, but are excited and stirred up to seek after the injoyment of them, with ardent Affections and earnest Endeavours, which is to pray. And although among those on whose Hearts these things are not implanted, some may (as was before observed) make an appearance of it, by expressing in Prayer the words of the Promises of God retined in their memories, yet for the most part they are not able themselves to pray in any tolerable useful manner, and do either wonder at, or despise those that are so enabled.
