I 7 a chin To rrz.iYLr.. theprayer, and precedes his Other influences, or our own labour iu speaising to God. Thus I have delivered my sentim,otsat large, concerning the -extent of the influences of the Spirit of God in prayer, and have shown how be qualifies us habitually for prayer, actually disposes and prepares us fir it, and gives us present assistance in it. And after aIiI would say, that the most considerable and common assistance in prayer, which is peculiarly attributed to the blessed Spirit as a Spirit of prayer, and may be expected from him in our day, consists chieflyirr this ; the putting our souls into a praying frame, the stirring up holy motions and breathings after God, giving secret hints of our real wants, and of argu- ments and promises to plead with God, awakening the graces of love, fear, hope, and joy, That are suited to this duty ; and it is Chiefly upon this account that he is called a Spirit of grace and supplication. When these are raised to a high degree, the heart will have a natural influence upon the invention, the memory, the language, and the voice. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth will speak. And for the most part; the utterance will be proportionable to the degree of inward affection, and to the natu- ral and acquired abilities of the person that prays ; excepting some rare and glorious instances, where men arè carried beyond themselves, by the uncommon presence of the divine Spirit. I might venture upon this subject, to make an address to those persons who will entertain nothing in religion but what appears agreeable to principles of reason and philosophy, and yet have taken liberty-to scoffat divine assistanccs"in the duty of prayer. Let me entreat you, Sirs, to tell me what is there in this doctrine that is unreasonable to assert, or unbecoming a philosopher to believe ? If the great God has required every man to pray, and will hCar and reward the bumble and sincere worshipper ; why may we not suppose he is so compassionate as to help us in this work which he requires ? Is not he full of goodness, and ready to accept those sinners that return to him ? and why shall not the same goodness incline him to assist those that desire and attempt a return ? Why may he not by secret impressions draw out farther the desires of that soul that already breathes after him, when he sees the spirit willing and feeble, and thus sweetly encourage the worship he delights in, and prepare his servants ;err his own reward ? This address may be repeated to chrisians that profess the doctrine of the holy trinity 'with much more force and argument. Do.. you believe the almighty Gott sent his own Son to teach us how to pray, and when we are taught the right way,. why may not his own Spirit assist in the performance ? Hath JesusChrist purchased. heaven fortis, and may nit the Spirit be permitted to tycliue ns fo ask for that heaven, and awaken ourdesirts to seek it?
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