§. 98.
Now, tho these extraordinary transactions in the Soul, and supernatural touches of God's Spirit, are not acquirable at all by our industry, so, as to be sure to possess them; nor no man can have them when, or detain them how long, he pleaseth, by any art or means; Yet it is observed by those who have received them, that ordinarily God conferrs them not, save after some pains taken by, and dispositions produced in, our selves for the reception of them: (he acting conformably to our exercises, and pre-inclinations thereto). And so it hath pleased God, that many others, their disciples, having as it were learned from them so ex∣perienced this Art, and been encouraged to undertake the predisposing assiduity of mental prayer, have also arrived to the same perfections, and heavenly visits, and entertain∣ments (Jo. 14.23.) so extreamly beneficial in the future course of their lives. Now, this pre-disposition is observed chiefly to be effected by operating in our selves (which yet no doubt is not done without the aid of God's Spirit tho