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

And as unto the internal form of it, in ⟨p. 208⟩that description which is given us of its nature in the Scripture, it consists in the especial exercise of Faith, Love, Delight, Fear, all the Graces of the Spirit as occasion doth require. And in that Exercise of these Graces wherein the Life and Being of Prayer doth consist, a continual regard is to be had unto the Mediation of Christ, and the free Promises of God, through which means he exhibits himself unto us as a God hearing Prayer. These things are both plainly and frequently mentioned in the Scripture, as they are all of them exemplified in the Prayers of those holy Persons which are recorded therein. But for this contemplative Prayer as it is described by our Author and others, there is neither precept for it, nor Direction about it, nor Motive unto it, nor Example of it in the whole Scripture. And it cannot but seem marvellous to some at least, that whereas this Duty and all its concernments are more insisted on therein, than any other Christian Duty or privilege what ever, that the Height and Excellency of it, and that in comparison whereof all other kinds of Prayer, all the actings of the mind and Soul in them are decried, should not obtain the least intimation therein.

And as unto the internal form of it, in ⟨p. 208⟩that description which is given us of its nature in the Scripture, it consists in the especial exercise of Faith, Love, Delight, Fear, all the Graces of the Spirit as occasion doth require. And in that Exercise of these Graces wherein the Life and Being of Prayer doth consist, a continual regard is to be had unto the Mediation of Christ, and the free Promises of God, through which means he exhibits himself unto us as a God hearing Prayer. These things are both plainly and frequently mentioned in the Scripture, as they are all of them exemplified in the Prayers of those holy Persons which are recorded therein. But for this contemplative Prayer as it is described by our Author and others, there is neither precept for it, nor Direction about it, nor Motive unto it, nor Example of it in the whole Scripture. And it cannot but seem marvellous to some at least, that whereas this Duty and all its concernments are more insisted on therein, than any other Christian Duty or priviledge what ever, that the Height and Excellency of it, and that in comparison whereof all other kinds of Prayer, all the actings of the mind and Soul in them are decried, should not obtain the least intimation therein.