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

If we would talk less, and pray more about them, things would be better than they are in the World; at least we should be better enabled to bear them and undergo our portion in them with the more satisfaction. To be negligent herein, at such a Season, is a sad token of such a security as foreruns destruction.

(4.) Have any received this Gift of the Holy Ghost, let them know that it is their Duty to cherish it, to stir it up and improve it; it is freely bestowed, but it is carefully to be preserved. It is a Gospel Talent given to be traded withal, and thereby to be increased. There are various degrees and measures of this Gift, in those that do receive it. But what ever Measure any one hath, from the greatest to the least, he is obliged to cherish, preserve and improve. We do not assert such a Gift of Prayer, as should render our Diligence ⟨p. 166⟩therein unnecessary; or the Exercise of our natural Abilities useless. Yea the end of this Gift is to enable us to the diligent exercise of the Faculties of our Souls in Prayer in a due manner. And therefore as it is our Duty to use it, so it is to improve it. And it is one Reason against the restraint of Forms, because there is in them too little exercise of the Faculties of our Minds in the worship of God. Therefore this being our Duty, it may be enquired by what way or means we may stir up this Grace and Gift of God, so at least, as that if through any weakness or infirmity of mind, we thrive not much in the outward part if it; yet that we decay not, nor lose what we have received. The Gifts of the Holy Ghost are the fire that kindleth all our Sacrifices to God. Now although that fire of old on the Altar first came down from Heaven, or forth from the Lord, Levit. 9. 24. yet after it was once there placed, it was always to be kept alive with care and diligence; for otherwise it would have been extinguished as any other fire, Levit. 6. 12, 13