6. Let us then apply ourselves to God in earnest prayer, that he would be pleased to vouchsafe us this spirit, even _the spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind_. This is not of us, but the free gift of God; which gift he is most ready to impart to those who heartily pray for it. Let us then ask, that we may receive: and more especially at such times, when we are called to act any thing that requires some exerting of the power of faith, let us have a care to do nothing according to our own fancy, but, in the first place, lay it open before God in prayer, and then set upon it, armed with the whole armour of God. 7. Now, as Jesus Christ is he that can most certainly deliver us from all fear of man; so none can teach us better than he himself, by what means we must fight against it. And this he hath carefully done, especially in the latter part of his state of humiliation, leaving his disciples, in his farewel discourse to them, St. _John_ 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 chapters) a most effectual medicine against it. Now the chief point insisted on herein is, his promise of sending the Holy Ghost to his disciples; whom also he calls the Comforter, because he drives away all fear of man out of the heart, filling and overflowing the same (which bare reason cannot do) with a stream of life and power. Therefore, let him that would be a follower of Christ in truth, read and consider this with due application: and then with full assurance accept of and rely upon this his promise: and with filial freedom and confidence pray to Christ to make it good unto him. And verily if we do bear reproach for his name’s sake, _the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon us_. And since Christ himself is so near to them who suffer for his sake, that thereby they become habitations of God, upon which the glory of God resteth, yea, which are filled with the Spirit of glory and of God; should we not, when tempted to fear man, be strongly moved thereby, to resist the temptation with all our might, and stedfastly to believe that the power of God will be perfected in our weakness? And what a comfort it is, that the Spirit himself _helpeth our infirmities_? Yea, and _maketh intercession for us with groans that cannot be uttered_? That is, most powerfully, and in a manner altogether inconceivable by human reason: he being our continual advocate in heaven, and in the council of the Holy Trinity, bequeathed to us by Christ, as long as we continue orphans in this world. Nay, Christ himself, who is at the right hand of God, ever maketh intercession for us. O that we were thoroughly sensible of the joy and readiness lodged in the heart of God, to support all those who, seeking all their help from him alone, rely wholly on his paternal goodness! How easily then should we get rid of the fear of man, and even blush for shame, that we had ever been diverted by it from any good undertaking!