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

(2.) It is required hereunto that such Persons be found in a way of Duty; and so meet to receive the influential Assistance of ⟨p. 139⟩the Holy Spirit. Whoever will use, or have the Benefit of any Spiritual Gift, must himself in a way of Duty, stir up by constant and frequent Exercise, the Ability wherein it doth consist. Stir up the Gift of God that is in thee, 2 Tim. 1. 6. And where this Duty is neglected, which neglect must be accounted for, it is no wonder if any Persons who yet may have, as they speak, the Grace of Prayer, should not yet have the Gift or a faculty to express their Minds and Desires in Prayer by Words of their own. Some think there is no such Ability in any, and therefore never look after it in themselves, but despise whatever they hear spoken unto that purpose. What Assistance such Persons may have in their Prayers from the Spirit of Grace, I know not; but it is not likely they should have much of his Aid or help in that wherein they despise him. And some are so accustomed unto, and so deceived by pretended helps in Prayer, as making use of, or reading Prayers by others composed for them, that they never attempt to pray for themselves, but always think they cannot do, that which indeed they will not. As if a Child being bred up among none but such impotent Persons as go on Crutches, as he ⟨p. 140⟩groweth up, should refuse to try his own strength, and resolve himself to make use of Crutches also. Good Instruction or some sudden Surprisal with fear, removing his prejudice, he will cast away this needless help, and make use of his Strength. Some Gracious Persons brought up where Forms of Prayer are in general use, may have a Spiritual Ability of their own to Pray, but neither know it, nor ever try it, through a Compliance with the Principles of their Education; Yea so as to think it impossible for them to pray any otherwise. But when Instruction frees them from this Prejudice, or some sudden surprisal with fear or Affliction cast them into an Entrance of the Exercise of their own Ability in this kind, their former Aids and Helps quickly grow into disuse with them.

(2.) It is required hereunto that such Persons be found in a way of Duty; and so meet to receive the influential Assistance of