A53685:212
A discourse of the work of the Holy Spirit in prayer with a brief…
A discourse of the work of the Holy Spirit in prayer with a brief enquiry into the nature and use of mental prayer and forms / by John Owen ...
London: printed for Nathanael Ponder, 1682
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
(2.) Constant diligent Reading of the Scriptures is another Duty that this Ability greatly depends upon. From the Precepts ⟨p. 132⟩of God therein may we learn our own wants, and from his Promises the Relief which he hath provided for them. And these things (as hath been showed) supply us with the matter of Prayer. Moreover we thence learn what words and expressions are meet and proper to be used in our Accesses unto God. No words nor expressions in themselves or their signification are meet or acceptable herein, but from their Analogy unto those in the Scripture which are of Gods own Teaching and Directions. And where men are much conversant in the Word, they will be ready for and furnished with meet Expressions of their Desires to God always. This is one means whereby they may become so to be. And other Helps of the like nature, might be insisted on.
(2.) Constant diligent Reading of the Scriptures is another Duty that this Ability greatly depends upon. From the Precepts ⟨p. 132⟩of God therein may we learn our own wants, and from his Promises the Relief which he hath provided for them. And these things (as hath been shewed) supply us with the matter of Prayer. Moreover we thence learn what words and expressions are meet and proper to be used in our Accesses unto God. No words nor expressions in themselves or their signification are meet or acceptable herein, but from their Analogie unto those in the Scripture which are of Gods own Teaching and Directions. And where men are much conversant in the Word, they will be ready for and furnished with meet Expressions of their Desires to God always. This is one means whereby they may become so to be. And other Helps of the like nature, might be insisted on.
(5.) There is an use herein of the Natural Abilities of Invention, Memory and Elocution. Why should not men use in the Service and Worship of God what God hath given them, that they may be able to serve and worship him? Yea, it setteth off the Use and Excellency of this Spiritual Gift, that in the Exercise of it, we use and act our Natural Endowments and Abilities, as spiritualised by Grace, which in the