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

(3.) The Ability which we ascribe unto all who have the Gracious Assistance of the Spirit in Prayer, is not absolute, but suited unto their Occasions, Conditions, Duties, Callings and the like. We do not say, that every one who hath received the Spirit of Grace and Supplication, must necessarily have a Gift, enabling him to pray as becomes a Minister in the Congregation, or any Person on the like solemn occasion; ⟨p. 141⟩no, nor yet it may be to pray in a Family, or in the Company of many, if he be not in his Condition of life called thereunto. But every one hath this Ability according to his Necessity, Condition of Life and Calling. He that is only a private Person hath so, and he who is the Ruler of the Family hath so, and he that is a Minister of the Congregation hath so also. And as God enlargeth mens Occasions and Calls, so he will enlarge their Abilities, provided they do what is their Duty to that End and Purpose; For the slothful, the negligent, the fearful, those that are under the Power of Prejudices, will have no share in this Mercy. This therefore is the sum of what we affirm in this particular. Every Adult Person who hath received, and is able to exercise Grace in Prayer, any saving Grace, without which Prayer it self is an Abomination, if he neglect not the improvement of the Spiritual Aids communicated unto him, doth so far partake of this Gift of the Holy Spirit as to enable him to pray according as his own occasions and Duty do require. He who wants mercy for the Pardon of Sin, or Supplies of Grace for the Sanctification of his Person, and the like; If he be sensible of ⟨p. 142⟩his Wants, and have gracious desires after this supply wrought in his Heart, will be enabled to ask them of God in an acceptable manner, if he be not woefully and sinfully wanting unto himself and his own Duty.

(3.) The Ability which we ascribe unto all who have the Gracious Assistance of the Spirit in Prayer, is not absolute, but suited unto their Occasions, Conditions, Duties, Callings and the like. We do not say, that every one who hath received the Spirit of Grace and Supplication, must necessarily have a Gift, enabling him to pray as becomes a Minister in the Congregation, or any Person on the like solemn occasion; ⟨p. 141⟩