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

And there is a secret Alienation still working in us from all duties of immediate Communion with him. It is he alone who worketh us unto that frame wherein we Pray Continually, as it is required of us; Our Hearts being kept ready and prepared for this Duty on all Occasions and Opportunities, being in the mean time acted and steered under the Conduct and Influence of those Graces which are to be exercised therein. This some call the Grace of Prayer that is given us by the Holy Ghost, as I suppose improperly, though I will not contend about it. For Prayer absolutely, and formally, is not a peculiar Grace distinct from all other Graces that are exercised in it: But it is the Way and Manner whereby we are to exercise all other Graces of Faith, Love, Delight, fear, Reverence, self Abasement and the like, unto certain especial Ends. And I know no Grace of Prayer distinct or different from the exercise of these Graces: It is therefore an Holy commanded Way of the exercise of other Graces, but not a peculiar Grace it self. Only where any Person is singularly disposed and devoted unto this Duty, we may if we please, though improperly, say that he is Eminent in the Grace of Prayer. And I do suppose ⟨p. 22⟩that this part of his Work will not be denied by any, no not that it is intended in the Promise. If any are minded to stand at such a distance from other things which are ascribed unto him, or have such an abhorrency of allowing him part or interest in our Supplications, as that we may in any sense be said to Pray in the Holy Ghost, that they will not admit of so much as the Work of his Grace, and that wrought in Believers by virtue of this Promise, they will manage an Opposition unto his other Actings, at too dear a rate to be gainers by it.

(2.) He is so by giving an Ability for Prayer, or communicating a Gift unto the minds of men, enabling them profitably unto themselves and others, to exercise all his Graces in that especial way of Prayer. It will be granted afterwards, that there may be a Gift of Prayer used where there is no Grace in exercise, nor perhaps any to be exercised; that is, as some improperly express it, the Gift of Prayer, where the Grace of Prayer is not. But in declaring how the Spirit is a Spirit of Supplication, we must take in the Consideration of both. He both disposeth us to pray, that is to the Exercise of Grace in that especial way, and enableth us thereunto. And where this