It Ìóg A GUIDE TO PRATGIT. christian skill to be attained in a rational way, by the use of pro, per means and the blessing of the holy Spirit. If what I have said cannot have influence on these persons, I leave them to the farther instruction and reproof of a great and venerable man, whose name I have mentioned before, a learned prelate of the established church, who speaks thus : " For any one to satisfy himself with a form of prayer, is still to remain in infancy: It is the duty of every christian togrow and increase in all the duties ofchristianity, gifts as well as graces. Now how can a man be said to live suitable to these rules, who doth not put forth himselfin someattempts and endeavours offing kind ? And if it be a fault not to strive and labour after this gift, much more it is to jeer and despise it by the name ofextem- pore prayer, and praying by the Spirit ; which expressions, as they are frequently used by some men by way of reproach, are for the most part a sign of a profane heart, and such as are alto gether strangers from the power, and comfort of this duty." My business here is to apply myself to those who have some sense oftheir obligation toprayer and ofthe impossibilityof answer- ing all their necessities by any set forms whatsoever, but through a coldness and indifferency in things of religion take nopains to acquire the gift, or content themselves with so slight and imper- fect a degree of it, that themselves or others are not much the better. It is this sort of christians that I would stir up and awa- ken to.diligence, in seeking so valuable an attainment. But here I would have it again observed, that the qualification I recom- mend cloth not consist in a treasure of sublime notions, florid phrases and gay eloquence ; but merely in a competent supply of religious thoughts, which are the fit materials of prayer, and a readiness to expose them in plain and proper words with a free and natural decency. I. The first argument or persuasive I shall draw from the design and dignity of this gift. There is such a thing as corres- pondence with heaven, andprayer is a great part of it while we dwell on earth. Who would not be ambitious to correspond with heaven ? Who would not be willing to learn to pray ? This is the languagewherein God hath appointed the sons of Adam, who are but worms and dust, to address the King of Glory their Maker ; and shall there be any among the sons of Adam that will not learn thislanguage ? Shall worms and dust refuse this honour and privilege ? This is the speech which the sons of God use in talking with their heavenly Father ; andshall not all their child- ren know how to speak it ? This is the manner and behaviour of a saint, and these the expressions of his lips, while his soul is breathing in a divine air, and stands before God. Why should not every man be acquainted with this manner of address; that he may join in practice with all the saints, and have access at all times to the greatest and the best of Beings ?
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=