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

(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 ⟨p. 23⟩Ability is wholly and absolutely wanting, or where it is rejected or despised, although he may act and exercise those very Graces which are to be exercised in Prayer, and whose Exercise in that way is commonly called the Grace of Prayer, yet this Work of his belongs unto the General head of Sanctification wherein he preserves, excites and acts all our Graces, and not unto this especial Work of Prayer, nor is he a Spirit of Supplication therein. He is therefore only a Spirit of Supplication properly, as he communicates a Gift or Ability unto Persons to exercise all his Graces in the way and Duty of Prayer. This is that which he is here promised for, and promised to be poured out, for that is to be given in an abundant and plentiful manner. Wherever he is bestowed in the accomplishment of this Promise, he both disposeth the hearts of men to pray, and enableth them so to do. This Ability indeed, he communicates in great variety as to the Degrees of it and usefulness unto others in its exercise, but he doth it unto every one so far as is necessary unto his own Spiritual Concernments, or the discharge of his Duty towards God and all others. But, whereas this Assertion contains the Substance of ⟨p. 24⟩what we plead for, the farther confirmation of it must be the Principal Subject of the ensuing Discourse.

(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