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

2. It is generally supposed that the Use of such Forms are of singular Advantage unto them that are low and mean in their Ability to pray of themselves. I propose it thus, because I cannot grant that any who sincerely believeth that there is a God, is sensible of his own wants, and his absolute dependence upon him, is utterly unable to ⟨p. 223⟩make Requests unto him for relief, without any help, but what is suggested unto him by the working of the natural Faculties of his own Soul. What men will wilfully neglect is one thing, and what they cannot do, if they seriously apply themselves unto their Duty, is another. Neither do I believe that any man who is so far instructed in the Knowledge of Christ by the Gospel, as that he can make use of a composed Prayer with Understanding, but also that in some measure he is able to call upon God in the name of Christ, with respect unto what he feels in himself and is concerned in; and farther no mans Prayers are to be extended. I speak therefore of those who have the least measure and lowest degree of this Ability, seeing none are absolutely uninterested therein. Unto this sort of Persons I know not of what use these Forms are, unless it be to keep them low and mean all the Days of their Lives. For whereas both in the state of nature and the state of Grace, in one whereof every man is supposed to be, there are certain Heavenly sparks suited unto each condition; the main Duty of all men, is to stir them up and increase them. Even in the Remainders of lapsed nature, there are Coelestes ⟨p. 224⟩igniculi, in-notices of Good and Evil, Accusations and Apologies of Conscience. These none will deny, but that they ought to be stirred up, and increased; which can be no otherwise done but in their sedulous exercise. Nor is there any such effectual way of their Exercise, as in the Souls application of it self unto God with respect unto them, which is done in Prayer only. But as for those whom in this matter we principally regard, that is, professed Believers in Jesus Christ, there is none of them but have such Principles of spiritual Life, and therein of all obedience unto God, and communion with him, as being improved and exercised, under those continual supplies of the Spirit which they receive from Christ their Head, will enable them to discharge every Duty, that in every Condition or Relation is required of them, in an acceptable manner.