"Some affect to think that the spiritual nature of the excercise (prayer) ought to preclude preparation; that because it is the Holy Ghost which teaches us to pray, we should not attempt it ourselves. This argument is a remnant of fanatical enthusiasm. Should we also not preach in the Spirit? Why, then, do we not extend the same sophisms to inhibit the preparation of a sermon? The answer is, that the Holy Spirit does not suspend the excercise of our own faculties. He works through them as His instruments, and in strict conformity to their rational nature. He assists and elevates them. He helps us also in prompting us to help ourselves."
- R. L. Dabney, Evangelical Eloquence. p.346 (Sacred Rhetoric)
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