some of the groanings of him in whom the Spirit intercedes; but yet this intercession is with such importunity of desire, such holy pleading, and wrestling with God, such ardour of spirit, such inward labouring and working of the heart toward God, as cannot be expressed by words.

It may be proper, for preventing mistakes, to add, that it is not meant that we may now receive, or expect, those extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit, which enabled the early Christians to pray in a foreign tongue, or suggested every particular word or expression. Our prayers are not so entirely under the influence of the Spirit, as, like those of David, to be properly the work of inspiration: so much of our weakness mingles with them, that we cannot say of any sentence, this is the perfect work of the Spirit. Every feeling, and desire, must also be tried by the sacred touchstone, the word of God, that we may know whence it comes. But the Holy Spirit does give those graces of love, fear, hope, and joy, that are suited to this duty; does excite holy desires, raise holy expectations, and work holy affections in us; does, we are persuaded, often secretly incline our minds to pray, and help us in praying, giving us clear perceptions, a ready utterance, and a humble confidence; and this aid is totally distinct from and superior to that general aid, which the providence of God affords to men in general, in order to their performance of the various actions of their natural life. "The workings of the Spirit are not indeed," says Watts," to be easily distinguished by onrselves, or by others, from the rational motions of our own hearts, influenced by moral arguments; but by the whole

tendency, and the sanctifying effects, we may know that we had some assistance of the blessed Spirit."

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Some mistake in another way, supposing that men should never attempt to pray, but when they feel the sent impulse of the Holy Spirit. But in reply it may be observed, that we are commanded to pray always. Go forward in the duty, and you may expect difficulties to be removed. Neglect not any proper season of prayer; nor, on the other hand, neglect any duty of your station under the pretence of an impulse to pray. The Holy Spirit draws us to God at fit seasons.

We are not in danger of quenching, or grieving, the Spirit by the humble and diligent use of the means of grace; but there is much danger of losing this heavenly guest by the indulgence of any sin, and especially of any sensual iniquity. Ps. li, 11. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. O defile not that temple, provoke not that Spirit; live in the Spirit, and then you will pray in the Spirit.

Having thus guarded against some mistakes, let it be remarked, what a comfort it is that there is an express promise that our heavenly Father will give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him. You need not then fear, however dull, or dead, or cold, your heart may be, to set about this duty. Seek, and you may fully expect to obtain, that aid of the Spirit, which will help you, and carry you through all your difficulties. Be diligent in reading the Bible, in coming to the Saviour, and in earnest entreaties for the influence of his Spirit. If you would obtain much of this divine influence, live near to your Lord, who gives it. John xiv, 16, 17.

CHAP. IV.

The Intercession of Jesus Christ.

You have now seen how the Holy Spirit assists us in prayer: his aid and the acceptance of our prayers, are obtained through the intercession of Jesus Christ. While the Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is God over all, blessed for ever, it discovers to us also his mediatorial kingdom. It tells us that there is one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Tim. ii, 5. Him hath God exalted as a Prince and a Saviour, to give many blessed gifts to his people.

The first fruit of his ascending up on high, was the gift of the Holy Spirit. St. Peter shews us that the prophet Joel had foretold that full effusion of the Holy Spirit which took place on the ascension of Jesus Christ in these words-and it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh. And after describing other effects of this, he says, and it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Our Lord also tells his disciples that he will pray for this gift: he says, I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you FOR EVER. John xiv, 16. The gift of the Spirit and the intercession of Christ, are thus connected together in the sacred writings.

It is unnecessary here to enter on a description of this intercession in all its bearings, it will be sufficient chiefly to dwell on it with reference to our prayers.

The intercession of Christ, is his earnest address to God in behalf of those for whom he prays. In order the better to understand this, consider, THE OFFICE WHICH HE BEARS AS OUR HIGH PRIEST.-The High Priest of Israel had to burn incense in the holy place, on the altar of incense, morning and evening perpetually throughout the year. Exod. xxx, 7, 8. And he was once a year to appear in the holy of holies, alone, to sprinkle blood upon, and before, the mercy seat: to make an atonement for himself, for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel. Lev. xvi, 14–17. The Apostle shews us that this was typical of Jesus Christ, who is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for

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Heb. ix, 24. And he points out the superior advantage of this priesthood on account of the holy character and the enduring continuance of our High Priest: wherefore, he says, he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Heb. vii, 25. While his people are praying without, (Luke ii, 10.) our High Priest is interceding within, and offering up our prayers.

Consider, then, HIS REDEMPTION.-Man was afar off from God, guilty, and under the penalty of that sentence, the soul that sinneth, it shall die. How was the mercy of God to be displayed, and his justice remain unsullied? By the death of the Holy Jesus, the Son of God, his justice is satisfied, and engaged on the sinner's

side; so that his mercy may flow to sinners in copious and uninterrupted streams. The divine love has its brightest displays, in being manifested towards the unworthy; and the Almighty arm is now stretched forth to save, and not to destroy the sinful. All the perfections of God being engaged on the sinner's side, the intercession of Him who has accomplished this, will evidently prevail. The sinner may now be received as a child returning to a reconciled Father. Here, then, and here only, is the true ground of encouragement for us to draw near with confidence to the Holy God.

Consider the SITUATION OF THE INTERCESSOR. -He is at the right hand of God. Rom. viii, 34. We may learn hence his power, his dignity, his holiness, his interest with God, and his being ever present in heaven for us. All power is given him in heaven and earth. Matt. xxviii, 8, "All things go," says Bishop Hopkins, "by favour and friendship in the courts of heaven; if we stand upon our own merits and deserts, we shall be shamefully disappointed in our expectations: we have no merit to take place in heaven, but only the merit of the Lord Jesus Christ." Ah! how absurdly do they act, who, when such an Intercessor pleads for us, put their cause into the hands of any creature, saint, or angel.

Consider HIS CHARACTER.---He is the beloved son of God, the elect in whom his soul delighteth. Isa. xlii, 1. He is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. Heb. vii, 26. And with all this, he is full of compassion, tenderness, and love. We have not an High Priest which cannot

* See Bishop Hopkins's Works, a most valuable Body of Divinity.