Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

we are of ifted by the T irzt. 14§ try in our hearts, Abba, Father. Finally, it is the fpi- rit of' grace which helpeth our infirmities , and furs ni(heth us with thofe graces which be requifite in prayer and teacheth us to pray according to God. And this is that which Paul teacheth us, that roe have ac- celle to the Father through the Sonne and by the holy Ghoft, Ephef. z. i 8. that is, in the name and mediati- on of Chrift, by the help and affiílance of the holy Ghoft. For being both unworthy in our felves, and of our felves unable to call upon God as we ought, if we come in the name of Chrift craving the afl.ï- fiance of the holy Spirit, in Chrift we fball be ac- cepted, and by the holy Ghoft enabled to pray ac -. cording to God. But here we are to take heed that we abufe not this doarine concerning the help and afïiftance of the holy Ghoft in prayer,by negle6ting our own en- deavour and prefuming ofthe extraordinary infpi ration of the holy Ghoft: for that is to tempt God: But in doing the uttermoft of our own indeavour, we are to crave the aífîftance of Gods Spirit,who will not be wanting to thofe who are not wanting to themfelves. Now if it be demanded how thefe weft. things may ftand together, that no man can pray without the fpirit of God and without faith, and yet both the fpirit and faith is to be obteined by prayer; I anfwer,, God by his preventing grace vinf. worketh in us a true defire of grace and of faiths which defire of grace is the beginning ofthe grace defired. And therefore the grace of the fpirit and faith in order of nature go before prayer, which is L 3 the