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

There is now a Rich Communication of the Spirit of Grace and Prayer granted unto Believers, in comparison of what was enjoyed under the Old Testament. This the very Nature of the Dispensation of the Gospel, wherein we Receive from Jesus Christ Grace for Grace, doth evince and confirm. I suppose it needless to prove, that as unto all Spiritual supplies of Grace there is brought in an abundant Administration of it by Jesus Christ; the whole Scripture testifying unto it.

There were indeed under the Old Testament, Prayers and Praises of God dictated by a Spirit of Prophecy, and Received by immediate Divine Revelation, containing Mysteries for the Instruction of the Church in all Ages. These Prayers were not suggested unto them by the Aid of the Spirit as a Spirit of Supplication, but dictated in and to them by the Spirit, as a Spirit of Prophecy. Nor did they themselves comprehend the mind of the Holy Spirit in them fully, but inquired diligently thereinto, as into other Prophecies given out by the Spirit of Christ ⟨p. 31⟩which was in them, 1 Pet. 1. 11, 12. An Instance whereof we may have in Psal. 22. A Prayer it is with thanksgiving from first to last. Now although David unto whom it was given by Inspiration, might find in his own Condition things that had some low and mean Resemblance of what was intended in the Words suggested unto him by the Holy Spirit, as he was a Type of Christ, yet the Depth of the Mysteries contained therein, the principal Scope and Design of the Holy Ghost, was in a great measure concealed from himself, and much more from others. Only it was given out unto the Church by immediate Inspiration, that Believers might search and diligently inquire into what was signified and foretold therein, that so thereby they might be gradually led into the Knowledge of the Mysteries of God according as he was pleased graciously to communicate of his Saving Light unto them. But withal it was Revealed unto David and the other Prophets, that in these things, they did not minister unto themselves but unto us, as having Mysteries in them, which they could not, which they were not, to comprehend. But as this Gift is ceased under the New Testament after the finishing of the Canon of the