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

4. This being the Original of Forms of Prayer, the Benefit and Advantage which is in their Use, which alone is pleadable in ⟨p. 221⟩their behalf, comes next under Consideration. And this may be done with respect unto two sorts of Persons: (1.) Such as have the Gift or Ability of Free Prayer bestowed on them, or however have attained it. (2.) Such as are mean and low in this Ability, and therefore incompetent to perform this Duty without that Aid and Assistance of them. And unto both sorts they are pleaded to be of Use and Advantage.

1. It is pleaded that there is so much Good and so much Advantage in the use of them, that it is expedient that those who can pray otherwise unto their own and others Edification, yet ought sometimes to use them. What this Benefit is, hath not been distinctly declared, nor do I know, nor can divine wherein it should consist. Sacred things are not to be used merely to show our Liberty. And there seems to be herein a neglect of stirring up the Gift, if not also of the Grace of God, in those who have received them. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every one to profit withal. And to forgo its exercise on any just occasion, seems not warrantable. We are bound at all times in the Worship of God to serve him with the best that we have. ⟨p. 222⟩And if we have a made in the Flock and do sacrifice that which in comparison thereof, is a corrupt thing, we are deceivers. Free Prayer unto them who have an Ability for it, is more suited to the nature of the Duty in the Light of Nature it self, to Scripture-Commands and Examples, than the use of any prescribed Forms. To omit therefore the Exercise of a spiritual Ability therein, and voluntarily to divert unto the other Relief; which yet, in that case at least, is no Relief; doth not readily present its advantage unto a sober Consideration. And the Reader may observe that at present I examine not what men or Churches may agree upon by common consent, as judging and avowing it best for their own Edification, which is a matter of another consideration; but only of the Duty of Believers as such in their Respective Stations and Conditions.