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

(2.) The like may be spoken with respect unto Duties to be performed by virtue of our general vocation. Such are the Duties of Parents and Masters of Families. I know not how far any are gone in ways of profaneness, but hope none are carried unto such a length, as to deny it to be the Duty of such Persons to pray with their Families as well as for them. The Families that call not on the name of the Lord are under his Curse. And if this be their ⟨p. 151⟩Duty, the performance of it must be by the Aid of the Spirit of God, by virtue of the general rule we proceed upon.

(2.) The like may be spoken with respect unto Duties to be performed by vertue of our general vocation. Such are the Duties of Parents and Masters of Families. I know not how far any are gone in ways of prophaneness, but hope none are carried unto such a length, as to deny it to be the Duty of such Persons to pray with their Families as well as for them. The Families that call not on the name of the Lord are under his Curse. And if this be their ⟨p. 151⟩Duty, the performance of it must be by the Aid of the Spirit of God, by vertue of the general rule we proceed upon.

Fourthly, The Benefit, Profit, Advantage and Edification of particular Persons, of Families, but especially of the Church in its Assemblies in and by the use and exercise of this Gift, are such and so great, as that it is impious not to ascribe it to the operation of the Holy Spirit. Men are not of themselves without his especial Aid, Authors or Causers of the principal spiritual benefit and Advantage which the Church receiveth in the World. If they are so, or may be so, what need is there of him or his Work for the Preservation and Edification of the Church? But that it hath this blessed effect and fruit, we plead the experience of all who desire to walk before God in sincerity, and leave the determination of the question unto the Judgment of God himself: Nor will we at present refuse in our Plea, a consideration of the different condition as to an holy Conversation, between them who constantly in their life and at their death give this Testimony, and theirs by whom it is opposed and denied. We are none of us to be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, nor of any effect of his