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

And where men have words or Expressions prepared for them, and suggested unto them, that really signify the things wherein they are concerned, yet if the Light and knowledge of those Principles of Truth, whence they are derived, and whereinto they are resolved, be not in some measure fixed and abiding in their Minds, they cannot be much benefited or edified by their Repetition.

And where men have words or Expressions prepared for them, and suggested unto them, that really signify the things wherein they are concerned, yet if the Light and knowledge of those Principles of Truth, whence they are derived, and whereinto they are resolved, be not in some measure fixed and abiding in their Minds, they cannot be much benefited or edisied by their Repetition.

6. Experience is pleaded in the same case; and this with me, where Persons are evidently conscientious, is of more moment than an hundred notional Arguments that cannot be brought to that Trial. Some therefore say that they have had spiritual Advantage, the Exercise of Grace, and Holy Intercourse with God in the use of such Forms, and have their Affections warmed and their Hearts much bettered thereby. And this they take to be a clear Evidence and token that they are not disapproved of God; Yea, that they are a great advantage, at least unto many, in Prayer. Answ. Whether they are approved or disapproved of God, whether they are Lawful or Unlawful, we do not consider; but only whether they are for spiritual Benefit and Advantage for the good of our own Souls and the Edification of others, as set up in competition with the Exercise of the Gift before described. And herein I am very unwilling to oppose the Experience of any one who seems to be under the conduct of the least beam of Gospel Light. Only I shall desire to propose some few things to their consideration. As,

6. Experience is pleaded in the same case; and this with me, where Persons are evidently conscientious, is of more moment than an hundred notional Arguments that cannot be brought to that Trial. Some therefore say that they have had spiritual Advantage, the Exercise of Grace, and Holy Entercourse with God in the use of such Forms, and have their Affections warmed and their Hearts much bettered thereby. And this they take to be a clear Evidence and token that they are not disapproved of God; Yea, that they are a great advantage, at least unto many, in Prayer. Answ. Whether they are approved or disapproved of God, whether they are Lawful or Unlawful, we do not consider; but only whether they are for spiritual Benefit and Advantage for the good of our own Souls and the Edification of others, as set up in competition with the Exercise of the Gift before described. And herein I am very unwilling to oppose the Experience of any one who seems to be under the conduct of the least beam of Gospel Light. Only I shall desire to propose some few things to their consideration. As,