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

To assist us in this search and examination of our selves, to give Light into our state and wants, to make us sensible thereof, is part of the Work of the Spirit, as a Spirit of Grace and Supplication; and if we neglect our Duty towards him herein, how can we expect that he should continue his Aid unto us, as to the outward part of the Duty? Wherefore let a man speak in Prayer with the Tongues of men and Angels, to the highest Satisfaction, and it may be, good Edification of others; yet if he be negligent, if he be not wise and watchful in this Duty of considering the state, Actings and Temptations of his own Soul, he hath but a perishing decaying outside and shell of this Gift of the Spirit. And those by whom this self-search and judgement is attended unto, shall ordinarily thrive in the Power and life of this Duty. By this means may we know the beginnings and entrances of Temptation; the deceitful Actings of indwelling Sin, the risings of particular Corruptions, with the Occasions yielding them advantages and Power; the Supplies of Grace which we daily receive and ways of deliverance. And as he who prayeth without a due consideration of ⟨p. 169⟩these things, prayeth at Random, fighting uncertainly as one beating the Air; so he whose Heart is filled with a sense of them, will have always in a readiness the due matter of Prayer, and will be able to fill his mouth with Pleas and Arguments whereby the Gift it self will be cherished and strengthened.

To assist us in this search and examination of our selves, to give Light into our state and wants, to make us sensible thereof, is part of the Work of the Spirit, as a Spirit of Grace and Supplication; and if we neglect our Duty towards him herein, how can we expect that he should continue his Aid unto us, as to the outward part of the Duty? Wherefore let a man speak in Prayer with the Tongues of men and Angels, to the highest Satisfaction, and it may be, good Edification of others; yet if he be negligent, if he be not wise and watchful in this Duty of considering the state, Actings and Temptations of his own Soul, he hath but a perishing decaying outside and shell of this Gift of the Spirit. And those by whom this self-search and judgement is attended unto, shall ordinarily thrive in the Power and life of this Duty. By this means may we know the beginnings and entrances of Temptation; the deceitful Actings of indwelling Sin, the risings of particular Corruptions, with the Occasions yielding them advantages and Power; the Supplies of Grace which we dayly receive and waies of deliverance. And as he who prayeth without a due consideration of