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

I say therefore, (1.) That the things insisted on, are in some degree and measure necessary unto all acceptable Prayer. The Scripture assigns them thereunto, and Believers find them so by their own Experience. For we discourse not about Prayer as it is the working of Nature in its straits ⟨p. 116⟩and difficulties towards the God of Nature, expressing thereby its dependence on him with an acknowledgement of his Power, in which sense all Flesh in one way or other, under one notion or other come to God; Nor yet upon those Cries which legal Convictions will wrest from them that fall under their Power: But we treat only of Prayer as it is required of Believers under the Gospel, as they have an Access through Christ in one Spirit unto the Father. And, (2.) That those in whom this Work is wrought by the Holy Spirit in any degree, do not in ordinary Cases want an Ability to express themselves in this Duty, so far as is needful for them. It is acknowledged that an Ability herein will be greatly increased and improved by Exercise; and that not only because the exercise of all moral Faculties is the genuine way of their strengthening and improvement, but principally, because it is instituted, appointed and commanded of God unto that end. God hath designed the Exercise of Grace for the means of its growth; and giveth his blessing in answer to his institution. But the nature of the thing it self requires a performance of the Duty suitably unto the Condition of him that is called unto it. And ⟨p. 117⟩if men grow not up unto further Degrees in that Ability by Exercise in the Duty it self, by stirring up the Gifts and Grace of God in them, it is their Sin and Folly. And hence it follows, (3.) That although set forms of Prayer may be Lawful unto some, as is pretended, yet are they necessary unto none; that is, unto no true Believers, as unto acceptable Evangelical Prayer. But whoever is made Partaker of the Work of the Spirit of God herein, which he doth infallibly effect in every one who through him is enabled to cry Abba Father, as every Child of God is, he will be able to pray according to the mind and Will of God, if he neglect not the Aid and Assistance offered unto him for that purpose.

I say therefore, (1.) That the things insisted on, are in some degree and measure necessary unto all acceptable Prayer. The Scripture assigns them thereunto, and Believers find them so by their own Experience. For we discourse not about Prayer as it is the working of Nature in its straits