IT may justly seem a wonder, that amongst the vast multitude of Books, wherewith the world does abound, there should be so little written of this subject here insisted upon, being in it self of such great consequence, and general concernment.
There is scarce any kinde of skill, or ability which may be taught and learnt, but it hath been reduced to an Art, and laid down according to some rules and method, for the more facil and full comprehension of it.
How copious are the Treatises concerning humane Oratory? and divers have written particularly of the Gift of Preaching, besides the many Examples of it in Homilies, or Sermons. And so likewise for the models or patterns of devotion, which are very numerous, almost in all Languages But for the Gift of Prayer, or the rules whereby a man may be directed to an ability of expressing or pouring out his soul in this duty; there is (for ought I can finde) but little written of it in any language, though it be of such general use for all kinds, and professions of men, and though the Gift be as much better then the Pattern, as the Receipt is better then the Medicine.
I am very sensible that the performance of this duty in a spiritual manner, is by infusion from above, and does not fall under the rules of Art, but yet there are some special advantages in the performance of it, both for the furnishing of the judgement, and the exciting of the affections, which a man may be supplied with by study and premeditation; and the enquiry after these is the proper subject of this discourse.
Every one will be ready to acknowledge it for an excellent ability, when a man can readily sute his desires unto several emergencies, and upon any occasion pray without book; but many look upon it as being extreme difficult, and not for an ordinary person to attaine. That which is here endeavoured, is to make it plaine and facil.
There are three special hinderances which do indispose men for this service; want of Matter, and Order, & Words; for the supply of which, here is proposed a copious feild of Matter, a regular frame for method, and Scripture phrase for Expression, which no man need be ashamed to imitate or borrow.
The knowledge and consideration of these things, must needs be very usefull for all callings of men, (every one being concerned to performe the duty, and consequently to labour after the Gift) Especially for such whose businesse it is, after a more peculiar manner to give themselves unto Prayer, (Acts 6.4) and the Mimistery of the Word. And amongst these cheifly, for such younger, unexperienced men who have not their sences exercized to discern what is proper and fitting. (Heb. 5.14) And therefore when they are put upon this service, may be apt by their ignorance in this kinde to prostitute the solemnity of this duty.
This discourse was at first intended only for private use and direction, it was for the substance of it drawn up divers yeers since, as it is now represented, before I knew so much as any one Author, who had formerly attempted this subject; Since that, I have met with and perused the profitable labours of some others in this kind. M r. Elnath1 Parre,2 Mr. Clarke,3 Scultetus. I have likewise consulted such other Treatises as did seem most neerly to border upon it; Not neglecting the discourses of those who are stiled Magistri rerum spiritualium, concerning the Rules they prescribe for Mental prayer.
I have formerly published some other preparations of a like nature, upon another subject, by which I am encouraged unto some hope that this likewise may be acceptable.
Contents · Chapter 1. What this Gift is, why ascribed to the Spirit; the ingredients →