The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded

2. Where thoughts of Spiritual things in Prayer are Occasional only in the way before described, such Prayers will not be a means of Spiritual Growth unto the soul. They will not make the soul Humble, Holy, Watchful and Diligent in universal Obedience. Grace will not thrive under the greatest constancy in such Duties. It is an astonishing thing to see how under frequency of Prayer, and a seeming fervency therein, many of us are at a stand as to visible thriving in the Fruits of Grace; and it is to be feared, without any increase of strength in the Root of it. Gods Hand is not shortened that he cannot save, nor his Ear deafened that he cannot hear. He is the same as in the days of old, when our Fathers cried unto him and were delivered, when they trusted in him and were not confounded. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever; Prayer is the same that it was, and shall lose nothing of its Prevalency whilst, this World endureth. Whence is it then that there is so much Prayer amongst us, and so little success. I speak not with respect unto the outward Dispensations of Divine Providence in Afflictions or Persecutions, wherein God always acts in a way of Sovereignty, and oft-times gives the most useful answer unto our Prayers by denying our Requests. I intend, that only whereof the Psalmist giveth us his Experience. Psal. 138.3. In the day when I cried, thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. Where Prayers are effectual, they will bring in spiritual strength. But the Prayers of many seem to be very spiritual, and to express all conceivable supplies of Grace; and they are persisted in with Constancy. And God forbid we should Judge them to be Hypocritical and wholly Insincere. Yet is there a defect somewhere, which should be enquired after. For they are not so answered, as that they who Pray them, are strengthened with strength in their Souls. There is not ⟨p. 33⟩that spiritual thriving, that growth in Grace which might be expected to accompany such Supplications.

2. Where thoughts of Spiritual things in Prayer are Occasional only in the way before described, such Prayers will not be a means of Spiritual Growth unto the soul. They will not make the soul Humble, Holy, Watchful and Diligent in universal Obedience. Grace will not thrive under the greatest constancy in such Duties. It is an astonishing thing to see how under frequency of Prayer, and a seeming fervency therein, many of us are at a stand as to visible thriving in the Fruits of Grace; and it is to be feared, without any encrease of strength in the Root of it. Gods Hand is not shortned that he cannot save, nor his Ear deafned that he cannot hear. He is the same as in the dayes of old, when our Fathers cryed unto him and were delivered, when they trusted in him and were not confounded. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever; Prayer is the same that it was, and shall lose nothing of its Prevalency whilest, this World endureth. Whence is it then that there is so much Prayer amongst us, and so little success. I speak not with respect unto the outward Dispensations of Divine Providence in Afflictions or Persecutions, wherein God always acts in a way of Soveraignty, and oft-times gives the most useful answer unto our Prayers by denying our Requests. I intend, that only whereof the Psalmist giveth us his Experience.