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

1. Whether they understand aright the difference that is between natural Devotion occasionally excited, and the due actings ⟨p. 229⟩of Evangelical Faith and Love with other Graces of the Spirit in a way directed unto by Divine Appointment? All men who acknowledge a Deity or Divine Power which they adore, when they address themselves seriously to perform any Religious Worship thereunto in their own way, be it what it will, will have their Affections moved and excited suitably unto the Apprehensions they have of what they worship; Yea though in particular it have no Existence but in their own Imaginations. For these things ensue on the general notion of a Divine Power, and not on the Application of them to such Idols, as indeed are nothing in the World. There will be in such Persons, Dread, and Reverence, and Fear; as there was in some of the Heathen unto an unspeakable Horror, when they entered into the Temples, and merely imaginary presence of their Gods, the whole Work being begun and finished in their Fancies. And sometimes great joys, satisfactions and delights do ensue on what they do. For as what they so do, is suited to the best Light they have, and men are apt to have a complacency in their own inventions as Micah had Judg. 17. 13. and upon inveterate prejudices which are the Guides of most men ⟨p. 230⟩in Religion; their Consciences find Relief in the discharge of their Duty. These things I say are found in Persons of the Highest and most dreadful Superstitions in the World, yea heightened unto inexpressible Agitations of Mind in Horror on the one side, and Raptures or Ecstasies on the other. And they are all tempered and qualified according to the mode and way of Worship, wherein men are engaged; but in themselves they are all of the same nature, that is natural, or effects and impressions upon Nature. So it is with the Mahometans who excel in this Devotion; and so it is with Idolatrous Christians who place the Excellency and Glory of their profession therein. Wherefore such Devotion, such affections will be excited by Religious offices in all that are sincere in their use, whether they be of Divine Appointment or no. But the actings of Faith and Love on God through Christ according to the Gospel or the Tenor of the New Covenant, with the effects produced thereby in the Heart and Affections, are things quite of another kind and nature: