A53685:256
A discourse of the work of the Holy Spirit in prayer with a brief…
A discourse of the work of the Holy Spirit in prayer with a brief enquiry into the nature and use of mental prayer and forms / by John Owen ...
London: printed for Nathanael Ponder, 1682
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
(6.) Constant fervency and Intention of mind and Spirit in this Duty, works directly towards the same End. Men may multiply Prayers as to the outward Work in them, and yet not have the least spiritual Advantage by them. If they are dull, dead and slothful in them, if under the Power of customariness and formality, what issue can they expect? Fervency and Intention of mind quickeneth and enlargeth the faculties, and leaveth vigorous Impressions upon them of the things treated about, in our Supplications. The whole Soul is cast into the mould of the matter of our Prayers, and is thereby prepared and made ready for continual fresh spiritual Engagements about them. And this fervency we intend, consists not in the Vehemency or Loudness of words, but in the Intention of the mind. For the earnestness or vehemency of the voice is allowable only in two cases: (1.) When the Edification ⟨p. 178⟩of the Congregation doth require it, which being numerous, cannot hear what is spoken unless a man lift up his voice. (2.) When the vehemency of Affections will bear no restraint, Psal. 20. 2. Heb. 5. 7. Now as all these are means whereby the Gift of Prayer may be cherished, preserved and improved; so are they all of them the ways whereby Grace acts it self in Prayer, and have therefore an equal respect unto the whole Work of the Spirit of Supplication in us.
(6.) Constant fervency and Intention of mind and Spirit in this Duty, works directly towards the same End. Men may multiply Prayers as to the outward Work in them, and yet not have the least spiritual Advantge by them. If they are dull, dead and slothful in them, if under the Power of customariness and formality, what issue can they expect? Fervency and Intention of mind quickneth and enlargeth the faculties, and leaveth vigorous Impressions upon them of the things treated about, in our Supplications. The whole Soul is cast into the mould of the matter of our Prayers, and is thereby prepared and made ready for continual fresh spiritual Engagements about them. And this fervency we intend, consists not in the Vehemency or Loudness of words, but in the Intention of the mind. For the earnestness or vehemency of the voice is allowable only in two cases: (1.) When the Edification ⟨p. 178⟩