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

3. That whilst these Forms of Prayer are clothed with the general notions of Prayer, that is, are esteemed as such in the minds of them that use them, are accompanied in their use with the Motives and Ends of Prayer, express no matter ⟨p. 232⟩unlawful to be insisted on in Prayer, directing the Souls of men to none but lawful Objects of Divine Worship and Prayer, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and whilst men make use of them with the true design of Prayer looking after due assistance unto Prayer, I do not judge there is any such evil in them as that God will not communicate his Spirit to any in the use of them, so as that they should have no holy Communion with him in and under them. Much less will I say that God never therein regards their Persons, or rejects their praying as unlawful. For the Persons and Duties of men may be accepted with God when they walk and act in sincerity according to their Light, though in many things, and those of no small importance, sundry irregularities are found both in what they do, and in the manner of doing it. Where Persons walk before God in their Integrity, and practise nothing contrary to their Light and conviction in his Worship, God is merciful unto them, although they order not every thing according to the Rule and measure of the Word. So was it with them who came to the Passover in the Days of Hezekiah; they had not cleansed themselves, but did eat the Passover otherwise than it ⟨p. 233⟩was written, 2 Chorn. 30. 18. For whom the good King made the Solemn Prayer suited to their occasion, The good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his Heart to seek the Lord God of his Fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary; and the Lord hearkened unto Hezekiah and healed the People, ver. 18, 19, 20. Here was a Duty for the substance of it appointed of God; but in the manner of its performance there was a failure, they did it not according to what was written, which is the sole rule of all Religious Duties. This God was displeased withal, yet graciously passed by the offence, and accepted them whose Hearts were upright in what they did. In the mean time I do yet judge, that the use of them is in it self obstructive of all the principal Ends of Prayer and sacred Worship.

3. That whilest these Forms of Prayer are cloathed with the general notions of Prayer, that is, are esteemed as such in the minds of them that use them, are accompained in their use with the Motives and Ends of Prayer, express no matter