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

This is that which meets with such Contradiction and opposition from many, and which hath other things set up in Competition with it, yea to the Exclusion of it, even from Families and Closets also. What they are, we shall afterwards examine. And judged it is by some, not only to be separable from the Work of the Spirit of Prayer, but no way to belong thereunto. A fruit they say it is of Wit, Fancy, Memory, Elocution, Volubility and readiness of Speech, namely, in them in whom on other Accounts they will acknowledge none of these things to be, at least in no considerable degree. Some while since indeed they defended themselves against any esteem of this Ability, by crying out ⟨p. 124⟩that all those who thus prayed by the Spirit as they call it, did but babble and talk nonsense. But those who have any sobriety and modesty are convinced, that the generality of those who do pray according to the Ability received, do use words of Truth and soberness in the exercise thereof. And it is but a sorry relief that any can find in cavilling at some expressions, which perhaps good and wholesome in themselves, yet suit not their Palates; or if they are such as may seem to miss of due order and decency, yet is not their failure to be compared with the Extravagances, (considering the nature of the Duty) of some in supposed quaint and elegant expressions used in this Duty. But herein they betake themselves unto this Countenance, That this Ability is the effect of the natural Endowments before mentioned only, which they think to be set off by a Boldness and Confidence, but a little beneath an intolerable Impudence. Thus it seems is it with all who desire to pray as God enables them, that is, according to his mind and will, if any thing in the Light of Nature, the common Voice of mankind, Examples of Scripture, express Testimonies and Commands, are able to declare what is so. ⟨p. 125⟩I shall therefore make way unto the declaration and Confirmation of the Truth asserted, by the ensuing Observations.

This is that which meets with such Contradiction and opposition from many, and which hath other things set up in Competition with it, yea to the Exclusion of it, even from Families and Closets also. What they are, we shall afterwards examine. And judged it is by some, not only to be separable from the Work of the Spirit of Prayer, but no way to belong thereunto. A fruit they say it is of Wit, Fancy, Memory, Elocution, Volubility and readiness of Speech, namely, in them in whom on other Accounts they will acknowledge none of these things to be, at least in no considerable degree. Some while since indeed they defended themselves against any esteem of this Ability, by crying out