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

As (1.) The diligent searching of our own Hearts in their Frames, Dispositions, Inclinations and Actings, that we may be in some measure acquainted with their state and condition towards God. Indeed the Heart of man is absolutely unsearchable unto any but God himself, that is, as unto a complete and perfect knowledge of it. Hence David prays, that God would search and try him, and lead and conduct him by his Grace according unto what he found in him, and not leave him wholly to act or be acted according unto his own Apprehensions of himself, Psal. 139. 23, 24. ⟨p. 131⟩But yet where we do in sincerity enquire into them, by the help of that spiritual Light which we have received, we may discern so much of them as to guide us aright in this and all other Duties. If this be neglected, if men live in the dark unto themselves, or satisfy themselves only with an acquaintance with those things which an accusing Conscience will not suffer them to be utterly ignorant of, they will never know either how to pray, or what to pray for in a due manner. And the want of a due discharge of this Duty, which we ought continually to be exercised in, especially on the account of that unspeakable Variety of spiritual changes which we are subject unto, is a cause of that barrenness in Prayer which is found among the most, as we have observed. He that would abound in all manner of Supplication which is enjoined us, who would have his Prayers to be proper, useful, fervent, must be diligent in the search and consideration of his own Heart, with all its dispositions and inclinations, and the secret guilt which it doth variously contract.

As (1.) The diligent searching of our own Hearts in their Frames, Dispositions, Inclinations and Actings, that we may be in some measure acquainted with their state and condition towards God. Indeed the Heart of man is absolutely unsearchable unto any but God himself, that is, as unto a compleat and perfect knowledge of it. Hence David prays, that God would search and try him, and lead and conduct him by his Grace according unto what he found in him, and not leave him wholly to act or be acted according unto his own Apprehensions of himself, Psal. 139. 23, 24. ⟨p. 131⟩