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

Answer (1.) I have elsewhere already in General obviated this Objection, by showing the prodigious folly of that Imagination, that the Dispensation of the Spirit is confined unto the first times of the Gospel, whereof this Objection is a Branch, as Enmity unto the matter treated of is the Occasion of the whole. (2.) We no where find Grace and Prayer, the things here promised, to be reckoned among the Extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit under the New Testament. Prayer indeed in an Unknown Tongue was so; but Prayer it self was not so, no more than Grace, which if it were, the whole present Church is Graceless. (3.) The Promise in Joel had express Respect unto the Extraordinary Gifts of Prophecy and Visions, and therefore had its Principal Accomplishment in the Day of Pentecost. This Promise is quite of another nature. (4.) That which is Necessary for, and the Duty of all Believers, and that always, is not an Extraordinary Gift bestowed on a few, for a season. Now if there ⟨p. 29⟩are any who think that Grace and Prayer are not Necessary unto all Believers, or that they may have Abilities, and exercise them without any Aid of the Holy Spirit, I will not at present contend with them; for this is not a place to plead with those by whom the principles of the Christian Faith are denied. Divine Commands are the Rule of our Duty, not mans Imaginations. (5.) If this be not an Especial Promise of the New Testament, because the matter of it, or Grace Promised, was in some Degree and measure enjoyed under the Old, then is there no Promise made with Respect unto that Season; For the Saints under the Old Testament were really made Partakers of all the same Graces with those under the New. Wherefore (6.) Two things are intended in the Promise with Respect unto the times of the Gospel. (1.) An Ampliation and Enlargement of this Grace or Favour as unto the Subjects of it Extensively. It was under the Old Testament confined unto a few, but now it shall be communicated unto many, and diffused all the World over. It shall be so poured out as to be shed abroad and imparted thereby unto many. That which before was but as the watering of a Garden by an especial hand, is now as ⟨p. 30⟩the Clouds pouring themselves forth on the whole Face of the Earth. (2.) An Increase of the Degrees of Spiritual Abilities for the performance of it. Tit. 3. 5, 6.