The Practical Believer, Chapter 8

The Practical Believer · Chapter 8

p. 116CHAP. VIII. Of the Holy Ghost.

The Contents.

The Holy Ghost is God. What he hath done for our Salvation. Of his extraordinary Gifts bestowed on Apostles and Evangelists, which were for the Planting, and Propagating Christ's Religion. 1. The gift of inspiration, in Revelations. This bestowed upon the Apostles. These Revelations they have fully set down in the Holy Scriptures, after which we are not to look for any others. This Gift, of knowing Religion by immediate Revelation, necessary only in Apostles, and Evangelists. And design'd for the Infancy of the Church. Other Rules, whereby to examine new Lights and Revelations in Religion. As, try them by the Scriptures. Call for their Miracles, wherewith God still empower'd men, when he sent them to reveal new Things. No need of Miracles, when men pretend only to revive old, and acknowledged Revelations. If they shew Miracles, for things plainly against Scripture, they must work more, than were wrought to confirm the Scripture. An account of Joel 2. 28, 29. Which seems to foretell the commonness of Revelations among Christians. The first Inspirations were not only in Doctrinal Points, but also p. 117in Devotions. And about Temporal matters. Subservient to this Gift of Revelations, was the Gift of discerning Spirits. This done afterwards by ordinary Rules. And the Gift of utterance and boldness. Their minds not influenced by this constantly, and at all Times. But ordinarily they were, and especially when they had most need of it. 2. Of the Gift of Miracles. Miraracles a Proof of Divine Revelation. How discernible from Lying Wonders, by the Doctrines built on them. By their ends and usefulness, and being wrought on needful Occasions. Of the miraculous Gift of healing Diseases. This sometimes by anointing with Oyl. And Prayers. Of casting out Devils, and other Miracles. Of delivering to Satan, what it was, and why so call'd. Of Joy in Tribulations, and what was extraordinary in that of the Apostles. To the working these Miracles, there was always required Faith in him that wrought them. And sometimes Faith in him that received them. 3. of the Gift of Strange Tongues. The ends of this. And of the Gift of Interpreting such Strange Tongues. What is meant by the Holy Ghost being a Comforter. The Sin against the Holy Ghost, is a Sin against these extraordinary Gifts. Why Blasphemy against him more irremisable, than against the Father or the Son. Extraordinary Gifts no mark, of a justified State. Of Offices appointed by the Holy Ghost. Some of p. 118these Temporary, others to continue through all Times, the present Officers ordaining Successors of the Holy Ghost's ordinary Graces. By these we may know he dwells in us. Our care required towards these. Of Preventing Grace in outward advantages, and inward good motions. Directions how we are to endeavour after saving Graces, in six Particulars. How God gives them, though we are thus to acquire them. The Holy Ghost works also in us Spiritual Joys and Comforts. This he doth not in all the minds he sanctifies, because some are unfit for them through intrinsick impediments. But they are withheld from none, through his Arbitrary withdrawing, which some count Spiritual Desertion.

Quest. WHat is the eighth Article of the Creed?

Answ. I Believe in the Holy Ghost.

Quest. Is the Holy Ghost very God?

Answ. Yes. For Lying to the Holy Ghost, is call'd Lying to God, Act. 5. 3, 4. And because Christians are the Temple of the Holy Ghost, they are said to be the Temple of God, 1 Cor. 3. 16. And all the Properties of Divinity are ascribed to him; as,††1 Cor. 2. 10, 11.1 Cor 2:101 Cor 2:11 knowing all things; ubiquity, or **Ps. 139. 7.Ps 139:7Presence in all Places; ††Heb. 9. 14.Heb 9:14Eternity, or duration through all Times; **Gen. 1. 2. Job 26. 13.Gen 1:2Job 26:13Creating the World, being joyned with God, who will not ††Isa. 42. 8. and 48. 11.Isa 42:8Isa 48:11impart his Glory to another, as an Object of p. 119Faith and Worship, in **Mat. 28. 19.Matt 28:19Baptism, and the ††2 Cor. 13, 14.2 Cor 13:14Apostolical Benediction, and the like.

Quest. But if both the Father and the Son, and the Holy Ghost be God, are there not three Gods?

Answ. No; because these three are One, that is▪ one in Nature, or **foreign.one Thing; 1 Joh. 5. 7. There is a Trinity of Persons▪ but these three are mysteriously united in Nature, and dependance: which makes but one God-head, not three Gods.

Quest. But why is he call'd Holy, more than the Father, or the Son? Since Holiness was reckon'd one of the Divine Attributes, are not all the three Persons, who are equally God, equal also in Holiness?

Answ. Yes. But though they are equally Holy, in Nature, or Essence: yet is he particularly styled so, in respect of his Operations. For as God the Father particularly undertook for the Creation of men; and God the Son, for the Redemption of them; so did God the Holy Ghost, for their Sanctification, being always ready to work holiness in those, who set themselves to fear God, and to serve our Lord Jesus Christ. We are saved, by the renewal of the Holy Ghost, Tit. 3. 5, 6. And purified through the Spirit, 1 Pet. 1. 22.

Quest. Why do we profess Faith, and trust in him?

Answ. Because we are to receive all our Graces, and preparations for Eternal Glory p. 120from him. For after Christ had Redeemed us with his Blood, and ascended into Heaven; the Rest, which was to be done further for our Salvation here on Earth, was left to the care of the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent down as his substitute, to supply his absence, and minister whatsoever he left wanting to his Body, which is the Church, to perfect it in Faith and Holiness.

Quest. By this I perceive, a great part of Christian Knowledge, lyes in understanding what the Holy Spirit has done, and is still to do for us. Pray what has he bestowed, for the effecting of this great work?

Answ. Gifts of two sorts. 1. Extraordinary, bestowed upon the Apostles and Evangelists▪ for the Planting and Establishing Christ's Church and Religion. 2. Ordinary, that are given in common to all oothers, for every particular man's Salvation.

Quest. What are his extraordinary Gifts bestowed upon the Holy Apostles, for the Planting and Establishing of Christ's Church and Religion?

Answ. They consist not only of Gifts, but likewise of Offices, which he is the Author of.

Quest. What are the Extraordinary Gifts he gave them to this end?

Answ. I shall reduce them to three. The Gift of Inspiration, which revealed Christianity to themselves; of Miracles, which p. 121enabled them to prove it undeniable unto others; and of Tongues, whereby they could publish it over all the World, and be understood by men of every Language.

Quest. When were these extraordinary Gifts bestowed?

Answ. First, at the Feast of Pentecost upon the Twelve, when the Spirit descended on each of them, in the shape of Cloven Tongues, Act. 2. 3. And afterwards, generally upon others, at the imposition of their hands, as abundantly appears, from St. Luke's account of the Acts of the Holy Apostles.

Quest. And all these you say, were to enable them to Plant and Propagate their Religion?

Answ. Yes; for by these Gifts, which are call'd the Promise of the Father, Act. 1. 4. (that is, that Spirit, which Christ had promised to send them from the Father, Joh. 15. 26.) the Holy Ghost was to act the Part of an Advocate, (as the ††foreign.word Paraclete signifies, and is accordingly render'd, 1 Joh. 2. 1.) which was to plead his Cause to the unbelieving World. For when this Comforter, or Advocate is come, saith our Lord, he will reprove, or convince, the world of these three Things. Of Sin, because they believe not on me, i. e. of the sinfulness of infidelity. Of Righteousness, because I go to the Father; i. e. of my being a Righteous Person, and of Gods owning me for such, though the Jews condemned me as a Malefactor. And of Judgment, because p. 122the Prince of this World is judged. i. e. of the downfall of Idolatry and Demon-worship, because the Devil is to be cast out of the Heathen Temples by this Almighty Advocate, and all his Oracles silenced, Joh. 16. 8, 9, 10, 11.

Quest. The first of these Gifts bestowed upon the Apostles, you say was the Gift of Inspiration, which revealed Christ's Religion fully to themselves. Did the Apostles receive their Religion from God, and were they inspired by the Holy Ghost in what they Taught?

Answ. Yes; all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, 2 Tim. 3. 16. Thus God inspired Moses, and the Holy Prophets of old: for no Prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation, nor came by the will of man, i. e. therein the Prophets did not speak their own sense, and reason: but Holy men of God spake, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, 2 Pet. 1. 20, 21. And after the same manner, Christ promises the Apostles, that the Holy Ghost should teach them. The Holy Ghost, when he shall come, shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you, Joh. 14. 26. And when the Spirit of Truth is come, he will guide you into all Truth, Joh. 16. 13.

Quest. But had not Christ been their Teacher for several years together? and then what need was there for the Holy Ghost to come after him, for a further Instructer?

p. 123Answ. Christ taught them by outward, and humane means, as one man doth another. And in this way, though he took care abundantly to propose Things to them, yet after all, they being Persons of slow and rustick understandings, were very liable to forget, or misconceive them: as 'tis plain they did the Nature of his Kingdom, the Reasons of his Death, and his Resurrection. But when the Holy Ghost came upon them, he inwardly enlightned their minds, and fill'd them with all variety of Heavenly Truth, bringing to their remembrance whatsoever Christ had said, and supplying whatsoever he designedly ††John 16. 12, 13.John 16:12John 16:13omitted, till they were better able to bear it. And though he did not teach them all things at once, they being ignorant for some time after his descent, of **Acts 10. & Ch. 11.Acts 10the calling of the Gentiles: yet in a moment he made a strange progress with them, and so far illuminated their minds, that immediately upon his coming down, they understand, and apply Scriptures, and expound Prophecies, and set up for Teachers of other men, Act. 2.

Quest. And what knowledge they had of their Religion, you say was of his inspiring?

Answ. Yes; after once he took the conduct of them. Their way of knowing all things, as St. John told the Church in their Age, was by an unction from the Holy one, 1 Joh. 2. 20, 27. And the Gospel which was p. 124preached by me, saith St. Paul, is not after Men, i. e. of Mans devising. For I neither received it of Man, neither was I taught it, but by the Revelation of Jesus Christ, Gal. 1. 11, 12. And of all Holy Scripture, it is declared, that it is given by inspiration of God, 2 Tim. 3. 16.

Quest. 'Tis plain, indeed, they say they are inspired, and taught of God. But have we any more than these Testimonies of Scripture, that is their own word and saying for it?

Answ. Yes, the Miracles they wrought in confirmation of it. They preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with Signs following, Mar. 16. 20.

Quest. I perceive the Holy Ghost did reveal God's will to them, and in the Holy Scriptures they have revealed it unto us. But in those Scriptures, have they done it fully?

Answ. Yes; for in that Epistle, which St. Paul sent last to Timothy, before which, the greatest Part of his other Epistles, and of the Gospel-Canon was writ, he Declares of all the Scriptures then extant, that they are able to make us wise unto Salvation, being Profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction, for instruction in Righteousness. That the Man of God may be Perfect, throughly furnished out of them unto all Good works, 2 Tim. 3. 15, 16, 17. Nay some single Books of Scripture, as the Particular Gospels are p. 125full enough to this end. And accordingly St. Luke testifies of his Gospel, that it contains those Things which all Christians most surely believed, and wherein Theophilus, an Excellent Person, and no way Defective in saving Knowledge, had been Principled and instructed Luk, 1. 1, 3, 4. and all that Jesus began to do and teach, till he was taken up, Act. 1. 1, 2. All necessary Christianity was Faithfully preached by Jesus Christ, and they Faithfully set out his Life, and Preaching. And what St. Luke added afterwards, in the Acts of the Holy Apostles, was only an Historical Account of the Method they took, what they suffered, and how they succeeded in Preaching this Doctrine. And as for the Epistles of the several Apostles, which were accidentally, and occasionally writ, for the Emergent Benefit of the Churches, they either repeat and press the same Things, or Comment upon them in fuller Explications, or Determine some Controversies started in the Church about them, or confute some unchristian Opinions and Heretical corruptions of Gospel-Truths, as is obvious to any careful, and intelligent comparer of them.

Quest. Having therefore these Scriptures Faithfully conveyed to us, by God's Blessing, we must not look for, or listen to any New Revelation?

Answ. No, not of the Way to please God, and go to Heaven. Christ, our Great p. 126Prophet, who was to ††Dan. 9. 24.Dan 9:24Seal up Vision and Prophesie, having inspired his Apostles, and fully Revealed all these things to us once already by them, it is a vain thing to fancy he should do it over again.

Quest. The Gift of Inspiration then, or of having Religion immediately Revealed to them, was necessary only to Apostles and Evangelists, who were the first Publishers of it from God?

Answ. 'Tis very true. And accordingly, in Suiting the Gifts, and Ministries, reckned up 1 Cor. 12. to the word of Wisdom, or Gospel Revelation, which is the First, and Chiefest in the List of Gifts, v. 8. St. Paul adapts the Order of Apostles, as its Correspondent, and the first and chiefest in the Number of Ministries, ver. 28. Inspiration of Religion was only to fit and Qualifie them for that Office. Hence it is, probably, that it is by St. John called ††1 John 2. 20.1 John 2:20their Unction, that is, I suppose, their investiture in their Office: For, 'tis well known, the common way of investing Men in Offices, especially in the Priesthood, and Prophetick Office, was by anointing. And St. Paul infers his Authority in the Apostolical Office, from his inspiration, because his Gospel was not after Man, but he was sent out by God, and had it immediately Revealed to him by him, Gal. 1. 11, 12, 15, 16, 17. And the Promise, that the ††John 14. 26.John 14:26Holy Ghost should teach them all things, and **John 16. 13.John 16:13guide them into all Truth, was not made to any Christian of p. 127succeeding Times, but particularly to the Holy Apostles, with whom it is our Blessed Lord there Discourses. And the Unction among them, whereby they knew all things, that St. **John 2. 20. 17.John 2:20John 2:17John speaks of, was whilst he himself was alive, and other Evangelists; not to add, moreover, that his Epistle seems writ among the latest of the Books of the New Testament. So that then, probably, they had among them the inspirations of almost all the other Apostles.

Quest. So that inspiration of Religion was design'd only for the Infancy of the Church, whilst it was a Planting, and Religion a Publishing, but was to cease when that was done?

Answ. Yes; it was so. Knowledge, i. e. inspired Knowledge, Prophesie, and Tongues, were fitted, as St. Paul notes, only for the Child-hood of the Church, for that is the Similitude he uses, in expressing the transitoriness of these Gifts, 1 Cor. 13. 9. whilst I was a Child, I spake as a Child, I understood as a Child, &c. But these Helps of the Infant State, were to vanish, as it took Root, and grew up to Manhood. When I became a Man, I put away Childish Things, v. 11. We know, says he again, in part, and we prophesie in part: i. e. at present this inspiration is imperfect, this Epistle being one of the earliest Writ, and the Scripture-Canon at that Time not being finished, and generally come abroad. But when that which is perfect is come, i. e. as I p. 128conceive, not only the Perfection of the other World, but a more Perfect State of the present Church, when the Canon shall be consummated, and commonly given out, then that which is in part, shall be superseded and Done away, v. 9, 10. As for Charity, that bright Gem among saving Graces, it indeed never fails. But whether there be Prophesies, they shall fail; whether there be Tongues they shall cease; whether there be Knowledge, i. e. inspired Knowledge, it shall vanish away, v. 8.

Quest. In Christianity then, I see we must take up with the Holy Scriptures, and not look for new Revelations, except we would look also for a new Religion, and new Apostles?

Answ. Very right.

Quest. This is enough against any man, who pretends to new Lights and Revelations in Religion. But since there are many such in the World, can you give me any further Direction how to try them?

Answ. Yes; examine them First by the Scriptures, bringing those New Revelations to the Old, and then be sure, they are either inventions of Men, or Delusions of Satan, if they contradict it. Tho we, or an Angel from Heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you, than that which we have already preached unto you, and which is set forth in Scripture, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any, pretending never so much Revelation, preach any p. 129other Gospel unto you, than that you have received, let him be accursed, Gal. 1. 8, 9.

Quest. What other way would you direct me to, for the Tryal of such Pretenders?

Answ. Secondly, call for their signs, or Miracles, as God's Token, to manifest that he speaks by them. For when God sends Men on new Messages, and Revelations, to testifie they come from him, and gain them credit, he empowers them to work Miracles, or give Signs, because else they would go upon vain Errands. Thus, when God sent Moses to the Israelites, and he objected, that they would disbelieve him, and say, God had not appeared unto him, Exod. 4. 1. God owns the reasonableness of the Objection, and impowers him to turn his Rod into a Serpent, and work other Signs from him, to gain Credit with them. Which he did, as he himself told Moses, that they may believe, that the Lord God of their Fathers hath appeared unto thee. And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee after the first sign, that they will believe thee after the latter sign. Or, if they disbelieve after that too, thou shalt work another Sign, ver. 5. to ver. 10.

Quest. Have you any further Evidence of this?

Answ. Yes; in Christ himself. For without Miracles, he did not require all Men to believe him, when he came in God's name; and then sure, without them, they p. 130are not bound to believe any other pretender to new Revelation. If I had n… done among them the Works which no other Man did, they had not had sin in disbelieving, John 15. 24.

Quest. And this was still the way of Prophets, when God sent them?

Answ. Yes; when he sent them to reveal any New Thing. Indeed, when Prophets came only to press old Revelations, that stood confirmed by former Miracles, they needed not always to come with a New Sign. And this was the case of many Ordinary Prophets among the Jews, whom God specially sent and stirred up, to inforce some neglected Precepts, and chiefly the Moral and Spiritual Parts of the Law of Moses. But when any pretended to any extraordinary Commission, for reversing of some Old, or setting up some New Rule, or Doctrine, as it was resonable to expect they should, they were always empowred to give a Sign, or work a Miracle, in Confirmation. And this is the Test God himself gives, whereby to know when he had sent any one. If thou say in thine Heart, how shall we know the Word, which the Lord hath not spoken? When a Prophet speaketh in the Name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the Prophet hath spoken presumptuously, thou shalt not be afraid of him, Deut. 18. 21, 22.

Quest. So that no Prophet, pretending p. 131to New Revelation, was to be believed barely on his own word, till some sign from God gave witness to it?

Answ. No; the great Prophet of the Church, Jesus Christ himself, did not expect it. If I bear Witness of my self, my Witness is not true, i. e. ought not to pass for true. But there is another that beareth Witness of me, for the Works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same Works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me, John 5. 31, 32, 36. And this is necessary, to prevent our being deceived. For many false Prophets are gone out into the World, 1 John 4. 1. And these come all in God's Name, though what they declare, is not his Revelation, but their own invention, or some Satanical Delusion. And if we were to believe a Man inspired, barely upon his own Word, since they all say they are, we should believe all of them. So that to prevent being deceived, we must not take a Mans own Word for his being sent thus of God, till he shews some Sign from him to attest it.

Quest. You say they are miraculously assisted, when they are sent to reveal any New thing. Is there not a like necessity of Signs and Miracles then, when they only come to Remove Corruptions, and revive such former acknowledged Revelations, as had Miracles to confirm them?

Answ. No; to Persons that own he spake it, God's Word has as much Authority as p. 132his Work Whilst they have his clear Word to shew for themselves, they are sufficiently qualified to use his Name, to reprove and convince, on the score and credit of ordinary Ministers, without producing any new and extraordinary Credentials. Besides, for these things, they may appeal to all the old Miracles wrought to testifie these Revelations. And accordingly, a great part of the old Prophets, under the Jewesh State, coming to reduce men to the obedience of Moses, to reprove sins, and to reform abuses, wrought no Miracles, it being enough for them to produce the Holy Scriptures, who only sought to bring those back to them, who had swerved from them. And this also was the Case of our first Reformers. They studied no new ways, but only endeavour'd to restore Religion, which was much depraved in these Parts of the world, to that Form, which was at first most miraculously confirmed by Christ and his Apostles. And therefore their Proofs were not to be fetched from signs and wonders, as Men that introduced new, and unattested Tenets, but from the Holy Scriptures.

Quest. But are we not told of False Rev. 13. 13, 14. & 16. 14.Rev 13:13Rev 13:14Rev 16:14Prophets shewing Signs, Mat. 24. 24? And what shall we say to them, if they alledge Miracles for false Things?

Answ. If they teach things contrary to the Scriptures, they must not only work Miracles for their contrary Opinions, but more, and greater than were wrought by p. 133Christ and his Apostles to confirm the Scriptures. For here, all the Miracles wrought for the Scripture, are against them; since their pretended Miracles, are brought for a contrary Thing. And when our Faith is sollicited by a competition of Miracles, as the Faith of the Jews was, between the Miracles of Moses and those of the Magicians, Exod. 7. 11, 22. and when any Seducer gave signs, to draw them to Idolatry, Deut. 13. 1, 2. we must believe that side which has the greatest, and the most of them. And this will secure us against all the Errors and feign'd Miracles of new Lights and Pretenders. For 'tis certain, they will never shew the tenth part of those Miracles, to confute any Doctrine contain'd in Scripture, that Christ and his Apostles have done, to confirm it.

Quest. I confess, 'tis very clear from what you say, that the Scripture is the only Revelation we must stick to; and that in matters of Religion, we must not hearken to any other Pretenders to new Light and inspiration. But doth not the Prophet Joel say, Revelations should be common things among Christians? I will pour out my Spirit in those days upon all Flesh, and your Sons and Daughters shall Prophesie; your young men shall see Visions, and your old men shall dream Dreams, Joel 2. 28, 29.

Answ. Yes; but by those days, he means not all the days of Christianity, but only the days of the Apostles, when such Revelations p. 134were common Things. For in those same days, as it follows in Joel, I will shew Wonders in Heaven, and in Earth, saith God, Blood, and Fire, and Pillars of Smoak. And the Sun shall be turned into darkness, and the Moon into Blood, before the Great and Terrible day of the Lord come, i. e. before the destruction of Jerusalem, whereof our Saviour interprets this passage, Mat. 24. 29. which destruction fell out in the Apostolical Age, before the death of St. John, Joel 2. 30, 31. And St. Peter says, these inspirations foretold by Joel, were fulfilled, when the Holy Ghost at Pentecost descended upon them. This is that which was spoken of by the Prophet Joel, it shall come to pass in the last days, I will pour out my Spirit upon all Flesh, and your Sons and your Daughters shall Prophesie, &c. Act. 2. 16, 17, 18. So that Joel's Prophecy of inspirations doth not remain now to be fulfilled, but, as Joel himself foretold, and as St. Peter declared, was long since accomplished.

Quest. But God gave these Revelations in the Apostles Age, and is not he the same God still in ours?

Answ. Yes; he is always the same God, but he doth not always do the same things. He came down before the Jews, in Thunder and Fire upon Mount Sinai ††Exod. 19. 16, 18.Exod 19:16Exod 19:18once, but he did not do so in after-times. He shed abroad the Gift of Tongues, and Miracles, upon the generality of Christians in the Apostles days, but he has not done so in p. 135any others since. He is the same God, and has the same care and kindness for his Church, in all Times: but he doth not always work the same effects, but only according to our occasions and necessities. And immediate Revelation was necessary to the Apostles in their circumstances, and as unnecessary to us in ours.

Quest. Were these inspirations meerly about Doctrinal Things, and declaring the will of God, only in points of Faith, or manners?

Answ. No; but sometimes, in those days of Revelation, they were inspired also in their Devotions, with Prayers and Hymns, which was a blessing they were more sensible of in that Age, because as yet they had no formed and established Liturgies. Thus St. Paul tells the Corinthians, every one in their Assemblies had an inspired Psalm, as well as an inspired Doctrine, Praying and Praising, as well as Preaching by Revelation, 1. Cor. 14. 26. And when they spoke by the Gift of Tongues, it was oft in inspired Hymns and Devotions: for he that speaketh in an unknown Tongue, saith he, speaketh unto God, v. 2. he Prays to God, or Praises him in that strange Gift of the Spirit, v. 14, 15, 16. And in the Enthusiasms of Tongues, which fell on Cornelius and his Gentile Friends, they magnified God, Act. 10. 40.

Quest. Besides these Revelations about Religion, and the way to Happiness, had they not also Prophesie, or Revelation about other Things?

p. 136Answ. Yes; they had Revelations of future events, concerning either themselves, their Friends, or the whole Church. Thus Agabus foretold the Famine, Acts 11. 28. and St. Paul's imprisonment at Jerusalem, Act. 21. 10, 11. And Paul foretold to his Company in the Ship, that they should all be saved, and none of them perish in the Ship-wrack, Act. 27. 22, 23, 24, &c. And St. John foretold, not only what was to befall particular Persons, but the whole Church in succeeding Ages, in his Book of the Revelations.

Quest. I remember you said, we are not now to expect any more Revelations in Religion, to shew us the way to please God, and go to Heaven. But do you suppose, that some may still be Prophets, and have Revelations about other things?

Answ. Perhaps they may, about Particular accidents to particular Persons, or Families; or about great Revolutions, to States, or Empires. As to these Matters, it is not for me to stint the kindness and care of God, or to determine what intimations he may sometimes vouchsafe from the other World. And if any wise, sober, and good men, by the forcibleness of the impression on their minds, after the Prophetick way, which convinces and satisfies themselves, and by the correspondence of events, which may satisfie others, find they have any such thing, I shall not withstand them; and so long as they do not offer p. 137these, to innovate in Religion, the Revelations of the Scripture are no bar against them.

Quest. You have fully explained this first miraculous Gift of the Holy Ghost, the Gift of inspirations. Were there any other miraculous Gifts subservient to it, which you would explain to me under this Head?

Answ. Yes; First the Gift of discerning Spirits, i. e. among all the Pretenders to inspiration, who spoke true inspirations, and who meer pretences of it, or Satanical delusions. We have received the Spirit of God, saith St. Paul, which reveals to us the Things of God. And he that is Spiritual, judgeth all Things, that are pretended by others; yet he himself is judged of no man, i. e. they who want his Spirit, cannot judge of him. For who, i. e. of those who want this Spirit, hath known the mind of the Lord, to discern when another meerly pretends to it? 1 Cor. 10. 12, 15, 16. And this Gift of Discerning Spirits, was very necessary in that Age, to warn the Church against False Prophets. For when there was such a commonness of true Revelations, it gave the greatest opportunity to Diabolical Enthusiasts, or wicked Impostors, to obtrude their inventions, or delusions upon the Church, hoping they should pass for inspirations among the crowd of others. Now are there many False Phrophets gone out into the World, saith St. John, which makes it necessary not to believe every Spirit, 1 Joh. 4. 1.

p. 138Quest. This Gift indeed, was necessary to discover them, before the Scriptures were written: but when once they had them, could not any Christians thereby detect Impostors, without the Gift of discerning Spirits?

Answ. Yes; and so St. John, and the other Apostles in their Epistles, gave ordinary Rules for this purpose. One of these Rules was, confessing Christ to be come in the Flesh. Try the Spirits, says he, whether they be of God: and hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every Spirit that confesseth Jesus Christ is come in the Flesh, is of God; and every one that denys it, is not of God, 1 Joh. 4. 1, 2, 3. and 2 Joh. 7. Another Rule was, their submission to the Apostles, and Governours of the Church, since God would inspire no man to break Unity, and make needless Schisms. We are of God. He that knoweth God, heareth us; he that is not of God, heareth not us: hereby know we the Spirit of Truth, and the Spirit of Errour, 1 Joh. 4. 6. But the most comprehensive Rule of all, was their agreement, or dissonancy with the Holy Scriptures, as I noted before, and the Revelations of the undoubted Apostles. If any man think himself to be a Prophet, or Spiritual, let him acknowledge that the Things which I write unto you, are the Commandments of the Lord, 1 Cor. 14. 37. But if any Man, or Angel from Heaven, preach unto you any other Gospel, than that you have received already, let him be accursed, Gal. 1. 8, 9.

p. 139Quest. What other miraculous Gifts, besides this of Discerning Spirits, were subservlent to this Gift of inspirations?

Answ. Secondly, the Gift of utterance, i. e. of assurance, fluency, and volubility of speech, whereby they were enabled to declare, and make known their Revelations to advantage. This St. Paul desired the Colossians, to beg of God for him; Praying for us, that God▪ would open to us a Door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak, Col. 4. 3, 4. Under which is comprehended that miraculous boldness, which these poor men shew'd to admiration, in asserting undauntedly a most exploded Cause, in the face of their numerous and potent Adversaries. That utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the Gospel: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak, Eph. 6. 19, 20.

Quest. Was this miraculous Boldness, a Gift bestowed upon the Old Prophets?

Answ. Yes; it was a part of that Spirit of Fortitude the Jewish Writers speak of, wherewith God armed a Prophet, before he sent him with a difficult and perillous Message, in which he might foresee the greatest terrour, and dread of men, to stop his Mouth. Thus God told Ezekiel, when he sent him to the impudent, and hard-hearted Israelites. Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and p. 140thy forehead strong against their foreheads. As an Adamant, harder than Flint, have I made thy Fore-head: Fear them not, neither be dismayed at their Looks, though they be a Rebellious House, Ezek. 3. 8, 9. Thus also he bid Jeremiah, speak, and not be dismayed at their Faces; for he had that Day made him a defenced City, an Iron Pillar, and Brazen Walls, against the whole Land, against the Kings of Judah, the Princes, the Priests, and the People thereof, Jer. 1. 8, 17, 18, 19.

Quest. And did the Holy Ghost, give this miraculous Boldness to the Apostles?

Answ. Yes; in a wonderful measure. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and spake the word of God with Boldness, Act. 4. 31. And when the Jewish Rulers saw the Boldness of Peter and John, asserting freely the Power and Authority of Jesus, and taxing them openly as his wicked Murderers, to their very Faces, they marvelled, ver. 10, 11, 12, 13.

Quest. Had they this boldness of Spirit at all times?

Answ. No. For at Corinth St. Paul says of himself, that he was with them in Weakness and Fear, and much Trembling, 1 Cor. 2. 3. In some great Dangers, and pressing Necessities, their Natural Fears would return upon them, to trouble them for some time. Thus it sometimes happen'd to St. Paul, where he expected the most perillous opposition: for, after the hardships, and hazards he had run through at ††Act. 16. 12, 22, 23 24.Acts 16:12Acts 16:22Acts 16:23Philippi, p. 141and at ††Act. 17. 5, 6, 10.Acts 17:5Acts 17:6Acts 17:10Thessalonica, expecting the like at Corinth too, he was with them, as he says, in much trembling, and so discouraged, that he needed a Revelation to embolden him, Act. 18. 1, 9, 10. And thus it did especially, if at such time he were alone, and had not his Companions with him. When he came into Macedonia, whilst he was by himself, his Flesh had no Rest, but he was troubled on every side, without were fightings, and within were fears. But as soon as his Coadjutor Titus came to him, he took heart, and God, who comforteth those who are cast down, comforted him by the coming of Titus, 2 Cor. 7. 5, 6. And when he came to Troas, where a Door was opened to him, he had no Rest in his Spirit, because he found not Titus his Brother, as he expected, to stand by him, 2 Cor. 2. 12, 13. And at Corinth, whilst he was alone, he was the more afraid; but when Silas and Timotheus were come, he was pressed in Spirit, i. e. vigorously put forward, and emboldened by their Presence, Act. 18. 5.

Quest. By this I see the Apostles were Men, and had some Returns of Humane Fears, and Infirmities, and this miraculous boldness did not actuate and invigorate them at all times?

Answ. 'Tis true indeed. But ordinarily they injoy'd it, and particularly at those very instants, when they had the greatest need of it. As St. Paul did before Nero, where the Lord stood with him, and strengthned p. 142him, i. e. with a mind undaunted, 2 Tim. 4. 16, 17. And as Peter and John did before the Sanhedrim, where they were so bold, that the Rulers marvelled, Act. 4. 6, 7, 8, 10, 13. And as Christ promised they should all do, when they were brought before Governours, and Kings, for his sake. For then, says he, take no thought beforehand, how, or what ye shall speak; for it shall be given you in that same Hour, what you shall speak, i. e. both matter, and Presence of Mind to utter it, For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you, Mat. 10. 18, 19, 20.

Quest. What is the second of those Extraordinary Gifts, which the Holy Ghost bestowed upon the Apostles, for the Planting and establishing of Christ's Church and Religion?

Answ. The Gift of Miracles, which enabled them to prove those things undeniably unto others, which God had revealed to themselves.

Quest. Is working a Miracle for any Doctrine, a Proof it comes from God?

Answ. Yes, if the Doctrine tends to Holiness, and be worthy of God. For a Miracle, is not the work of Man, but of God's and shews that God stands on his side that works it. So that Miracles are God's Witness, and way of proving Things. The Works that I do in my Father's Name, bear witness of me, Joh. 10. 24, 25. If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. p. 143But If I do, though you believe not me, believe the Works, ver. 37, 38. And God bore the Apostles witness, with signs and wonders, and divers Miracles, and Gifts of the Holy Ghost, Heb, 2. 4. and confirmed the Word with signs following, Mar. 16. 20. The Power of Miracles, is the Spirits Proof, or Demonstration. My Speech was in Demonstration of the Spirit, and of Power, 1 Cor. 2. 4.

Quest. But doth not Satan himself sometimes work a Miracle, or such a lying Wonder, as will pass for a Miracle?

Answ. Yes, for Doctrines that serve his own ends; but never for a Doctrine that plainly opposes and overthrows them. For so Satan, as Christ argues undeniably, would be divided against Satan, and then how could his Kingdom stand? Mat. 12. 25, 26. If a Doctrine therefore tends to Holiness, as I said, and is worthy of God, as Christianity doth most eminently, a Miracle is a sure proof of it, and 'tis certain the evil Spirits have no hand in working it. Not to mention those other most demonstrative marks of the Miracles wrought for Christianity, whereof I have already discoursed in ††Part. 1. c. 3.another Place.

Quest. In any Miracles then which are proposed to us, we are to look not only at the works, but also at their end, and usefulness?

Answ. Yes. For if they are for impious, and impure Ends, 'tis plain they come from impious, and unclean Spirits; if p. 144only for Ostentation and Praise, from vain-glorious and proud ones; if meerly to gratifie idle Curiosity of Spectators, like Feats of Juglers, from Ludicrous and Vain Spirits, who delight to amuse with Toys and Trifles. All Miracles, being the effect of intelligent Agents, by their Design shew the Temper and Genius of the Actors. And therefore, when any are pretended to come from God, that must be shewn in their gravity, grandure, pious heavenly fruits, or important usefulness. But we must not put his Hand to any that serve only to vicious ends, or ridiculous impertinence.

Quest. And as God works them only for important and needful ends, Doth he not also only on needful occasions?

Answ. Very right; either of succouring his Servants, or Crediting his Messengers, especially when he sends them out at first to promulge a Law, or sometimes, though in this more seldom, when he sends them to revive it after some great and general Defection from it; and accordingly, the most Miracles that were wrought all the time of the Jewish State, were either by Moses, who first published the Law, or by Elias and Elisha to restore it, after Jeroboam's Calves had made ten Tribes of twelve, most grosly to swerve from it. And therefore it is a vain thing, for any of those to listen after new Miracles, who pretend to Rule their Faith by the Holy Scriptures, p. 145which stand attested by all the old ones, as if there were some Defects in the Miracles of Christ and his Apostles, which need to be supplied by their Followers. But 'tis more especially vain to pretend, as the Church of Rome doth, to work such Miracles only among themselves, who believe without them, but never before us, who have more need to be convinced by them. Moses, and our Saviour Christ, and his blessed Apostles, shewed their Miracles among those they design'd to make Converts, or such young and unsetled Followers, as needed to be confirmed and established in the Faith. And in Testimony to the Man of God, Jeroboam's hand is miraculously withered, and as miraculously restored before the Altar at Bethel, the very Seat of the Schismaticks, 1 King. 13. 4, 5, 6. And if Tongues are used for a sign, 'tis not to those, saith St. Paul, who believe, but to those who believe not, 1 Cor. 14. 22. To shew signs where they are not needed, and withhold them where they are more needful, is not the way and method of h…s Almighty Power, who is neither wanting in necessaries, nor Liberal in superfluities.

Quest. Was this Gift of Miracles bestowed upon the Apostles?

Answ. Yes; God bore them witness, with Signs, and Wonders, and divers Miracles, Heb. 2. 4. and confirmed the word with Signs following, Mar. 16. 20.

p. 146Quest. What Miracles had they the Gift of?

Answ. They had the Gift of Healing, without the help of Medicine. To one is given, by the Spirit, the Gift of healing, 1 Cor. 12. 9. And thus by the Holy Ghost, Pet… and John healed the Lame Man, Act. 3. 2, 6. In working these Cures, when our Saviour sent them out at First, they used the Ceremony of anointing with Oyl. They anointed with Oyl many that were sick, and healed them▪ Mar. 6. 13. And this Ceremony of anointting, was held on afterwards, whilst this miraculous Gift of Healing lasted, and Prayer was added to it. Is any Sick among you, says St. James, let him call for the Elders of the Church, and let them Pray over him, anointing him with Oyl in the Name of the Lord, for in Christ's Name all their Miracles were wrought: And the Prayer of Faith, i. e. put up in Faith of the miraculous cure, shal save the sick, viz. from his Disease, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed Sins, i. e. if any Sins brought this sickness, they shall be forgiven him in the cure of it, Jam. 5. 14, 15.

Quest. By saving of the Sick here, indeed, may seem to be meant saving of him from his Disease; because it follows; and the Lord shall raise him up. But the Prayer of Faith, and forgiveness of Sins, seem to note something else?

Answ. As for the Prayer of Faith, that Agrees very well: for a Faith, or belief p. 147that God will enable him to do it, is necessary in every one that works a Miracle. And as for the Forgiving of his Sins; you must know, that the Punishment of Sin, is not only eternal Death, but Present Diseases: and therefore that the sin is forgiven, at least in part, when either of these is taken off. And thus the Scripture speaks of it. For when any sickness, or infirmities, come for sin, our Saviour makes it the same thing to say, thy sins are forgiven, as to say, arise and walk: and accordingly, when he design'd to work a Cure, he would say, thy sins are pardoned, Mat. 9. 2, 5.

Quest. What other Miracles, had they the gift of?

Answ. Of casting out Devils, as the Apostles did out of Multitudes, Act. 5. 16. Of Raising the Dead, as Peter raised Dorcas, Act. 9. 39, 40. and Paul, Eutichus, Act. 20. 9, 10, 12. Of inflicting Bodily Diseases, and Torments, as well as Spiritual Horrors, and Supernatural Agonies, on contumacious sinners, as Paul did on Elymas the Sorcerer, striking him with blindness, Act. 13. 8, 9, 11. and on the incestuous Corinthian, whom he thus punished for the destruction of the Flesh, 1 Cor. 5. 5. Which Corporal inflictions, he seems plainly to threaten the Back-sliders at Corinth withal, when he tells them of coming to them with a Rod, 1 Cor. 4. 21. Of using sharpness, 2 Cor. 13. 10. Of Revenging all Disobedience, 2 Cor. 10. 6. Yea, of such sharpness, as would over-awe, and p. 148humble the most carnal minds, and contemptuous Opposers of Church Authority and Censures: bringing down the Flesh, as he said of the Incestuous Persons, and making them afraid to Blaspheme, as he said of Hymeneus and Alexander, who were most contemptuous and stubborn in their Heretical Opinion, 1 Tim. 19. 20. And this infliction of smart, and Bodily Diseases, upon obstinate Sinners, is called Delivering over unto Satan, as the Apostle says he had done in these last mentioned Cases.

Quest. Why was this infliction of Bodily smart and punishment upon them, called Delivering over to Satan?

Answ. Because these Pains were to be the Effect of God's immediate Justice, and Satan should be the Tormentor, and Executioner of God's Vengeance: And therefore, when these Offenders were given up to God's Justice, they were said to be delivered into his Hands. When God in a more immediate, and extraordinary way, sends present heavy Plagues upon Men, especially as a Punishment for sin, Satan is often said to inflict them. Saul's Melancholly, is called an Evil Spirit from the Lord upon him, 1 Sam. 18. 10. God's Plagueing the Egyptians, sending evil Angels among them, Ps. 78. 49. The Woman, who had been bowed together eighteen years, one whom Satan had bound, Luk. 13. 11, 16. The Lunatick, a Demoniack, or one vexed with an unclean Spirit, Mat. 17. 15, 18. and Luk. 9. 39, 42. p. 149And thus, when the Apostles gave up offenders to God to punish them, because the Devil executes the Punishment which God decrees, it is called Delivering them over unto Satan.

Quest. This delivering to Satan then was an Act of Divine Justice upon these Criminals; and God commanded Satan thus to afflict them, as formerly he afflicted Job, at the instance of the Apostles?

Answ. Yes; and therefore, as 'tis not improbable, it was done with Prayer to God to take vengeance. For so the Apostle may seem to express himself, on his Delivering up Alexander. Alexander the Copper-Smith did me much Evil, the Lord reward him according to his Works, 2 Tim. 4. 14. In this he Acted as a Spiritual Judge, delivering up to Justice, and Prayed God to exact the Penalty according to his Sentence.

Quest. Had they the Gift of any other Miracles?

Answ. Yes; for such I reckon was their Joy in Tribulations, and Glorying even in the very Hour of their sufferings. When the Council had beaten them, they departed from their Presence, rejoycing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ's Name, Acts 5. 40, 41. Whilst their Stripes were yet sore, and they were pinched in the Stocks, in the Dark Dungeon, Paul and Silas sang Praises to God, and triumphed p. 150rejoycing, Act. 16. 23, 24, 25. And upon their Persecution at Antioch, the Disciples were filled with Joy, and with the Holy Ghost, Act. 13. 50, 52. Thus, as if they were not of the same Mold, nor had Bodies like other Men, did they Glory in their Shame for Christ, and rejoice in Tribulation.

Quest. But is not Joy an ordinary Fruit of the Spirit? And why then do you think this rejoicing of theirs, had something Miraculous in it?

Answ. A secret Joy in the sense of God's Love, is common among Good Men, and an ordinary Fruit of the Spirit, and so 'tis reckon'd, Gal. 5. 22. Yea, and Joy in Tribulation, after the Tribulation is past; for afterwards it yields the Peaceable Fruits of Righteousness, to those that are exercised with it, Heb. 12. 11. But to rejoice in the very midst of it, and under the Stroke, as they did, I think has an extraordinary Gift, and miraculous Aid in it: For under the ordinary Assistance of the Spirit, the Bodily Pain hinders rejoycing at the very instant. For the Present, no chastening seemeth to be joyous, but grievous, Heb. 12. 11.

Quest. What say you then to the Words of Christ, Rejoice and be exceeding glad, when you are Persecuted for my sake, Mat. 5. 11, 12.

Answ. I think they do not so much express a Duty, that he strictly exacts, as a Gift and Priviledge, which he sometimes bestows upon his Martyrs and Confessors: p. 151As was visible in the Apostles days, and among the Primitive Martyrs. For their minds were sometimes so ravished, and transported, with Spiritual Consolations, as to seize all the Powers of their Souls, and not suffer them to attend to the most Exquisite Bodily Tortures. So as they could smile upon Racks, and sing under their Executioners, and be so far intranced in Spiritual Comforts, as to declare under the most Bloody Butcheries, that they were not sensible of any Pain. And the same stupendious supports, God has sometimes vouchsafed in later, and modern Persecutions.

Quest. I see the Holy Ghost endowed the Apostles, with strange Gifts of Miracles. But could they work these Miracles, at any instant of time when they would; or were some Preparations required to them?

Answ. There was required to them, 1. Always Faith in him that wrought them. And 2. sometimes, particularly in miraculous Cures, Faith in the Person that received them, or whom they were wrought upon.

Quest. What was the Faith required in him that wrought them?

Answ. A Perswasion that God's Power would assist him, and perform the Miracle by him. For that they might never offer at this in vain, which would have exposed both themselves, and their Religion, whensoever God would enable them p. 152to work a Miracle, he first possessed their minds with a firm Belief and Assurance of it. And this is the Faith, so oft required of Wonder-workers in the Scriptures. Though I have all Faith, so that I could remove Mountains, 1 Cor. 13. 2. And, if ye have Faith as a Grane of Mustard-Seed, ye shall say to this Mountain, Remove hence to yonder Place▪ and it shall Remove, and nothing shall be unpossible unto you, Mat. 17. 20. And this Faith is reckon'd as one of the extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit. To another Faith, by the same Spirit, 1 Cor. 12. 9.

Quest. What was the Faith that sometimes, but more especially in the cure of Diseases, was required on him that received a Miracle, or the Person it was to be wrought upon?

Answ. A Perswasion that God would enable the Wonder-worker to do the cure for, or shew the Miracle upon him. This also was another Requisite. For Paul stedfastly beholding the Creeple, and perceiving he had faith to be healed, said to him, stand upright, Act. 14. 9, 10. Believe ye that I am able to do this, said Christ to the blind Men? according to your Faith, so be it unto you, Mat. 9. 28, 29. If thou canst do any thing▪ said the Father of the Demoniack, have Compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, if thou canst believe I can, all miraculous Things are possible to be done to him that believeth, Mar. 9. 22, 23. And in his own Country, 'tis said, Christ did not many p. 153Miracles, because of their unbelief, Mat. 13. 58. or, as St. Mark▪ he could not do them, God, it seems, suspending this miraculous aid, in the case of such, whose unbelief rendred them unworthy of it, Mark 6. 4, 5.

Quest. What is the third, and last of those extraordinary Gifts which the Holy Ghost bestowed upon the Apostles?

Answ. The Gift of strange Tongues, whereby they, who were all Jews, were able in an instant to Publish that Religion God had revealed to them, over all the world, and be understood by men of every Language.

Quest. Was this given to the Apostles?

Answ. Yes; visibly at the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost descended upon each of them, in the shape of Cloven Tongues, like as of Fire, and they spake with other Tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance, and talked to Parthians, and Romans, Cretes, and Arabians, and to the devout men from every Nation under Heaven at that time gathered together to Jerusalem, to every man in the Tongue wherein he was born, Acts. 2. 1. to 12. And at the imposition of the Apostles hands, it was generally bestowed on others afterwards. As on the Disciples at Ephesus, at the imposition of Paul's hands, Acts 19. 2, 6. on Cornelius, and his Gentile Friends, at Peter's Preaching; for while he yet spake to them, the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the word, and they spake with Tongues, and magnified God, Acts 10. 44, 45, 46. And so on others in great p. 154numbers, particularly in the Church of Corinth.

Quest. To what end were they thus endowed with all Languages?

Answ. To enable them to Preach to all Nations, for they were Commission'd to teach all Nations, Mat. 28. 19. And they could not teach them, without speaking to every man in his own Language. And therefore wheresoever they came, the Spirit immediately made them as perfect in the Language of the Place, as they were in their own Mother Tongue.

Quest. Had not some the Gift of Tongues, who were not sent out to men of▪ another Language?

Answ. Yes; as particularly in the Church of Corinth, for there many would speak in the Assemblies, where all, or most were Greeks, in Strange Tongues; which, because the Church did not understand, St. Paul directs such gifted ▪Linguists, to Pray for another Gift of interpreting Tongues, to make such enthusiasms intelligible to their Hearers, 1 Cor. 14. 2, 5, 13. In these strange Tongues they Preached, v. 6. and Prayed to God, v. 14. And this, being an offering up both inspired Prayers, and in inspired Tongues, which are both his extraordinary Gifts, is called Praying, and Singing, by, or with the Spirit, v. 14, 15.

Quest. To what end then served these strange Tongues, in such Churches all of one Tongue?

p. 155Answ. Not to make known Religion indeed, because the hearers did not understand them. But they serv'd to express the Speakers Devotion, and so edified himself, 1 Cor. 14. 4. and as a Sign, to confirm our Religion, and so were an argument, as all other Miracles were, to prove it true to Infidels. Tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not, v. 22.

Quest. Was there any Guilt subservient to this, of speaking with strange Tongues?

Answ. Yes; the Gift of interpreting those strange Tongues, when spoken either by themselves, or others.

Quest. But I pray you what need of that? did not they that spoke these strange Tongues understand themselves?

Answ. Yes; he that spoke in an unknown Tongue, edified himself, 1 Cor. 14. 4. and he that gave Thanks in it, gave Thanks well, as St. Paul says, v. 17. But in this exercise of strange Tongues, the heat of Enthusiasm and Divine Rapture, was sometimes so great, that the Speaker could not interpret himself as he spoke, nor remember it after that heat was over, so as to give an explication to those that heard it. And this defect, the Gift of interpreting Tongues supplyed; which Gift, St▪ Paul directs those who had the other of speaking with strange Tongues, to beg of God, in order to their greater usefulness. Let him that speaketh in an unknown Tongue, pray also that p. 156he may interpret, i. e. do it with such consistency, and moderation of mind, as to be able afterwards to give the same, in other more intelligible words, v. 13. and orders, that when any spoke with Tongues, who were not thus qualified to explain themselves, they should speak, not all at a time, as they sometimes did, but by course, and have one still to second them, to interpret their strange speech, v. 27.

Quest. By this I see what are the extraordinary Gifts, which the Holy Ghost bestowed upon the Apostles, viz. the Gift of inspiration, whereby they should be infallibly instructed in their Religion; of Tongues, and utterance, whereby they should intelligibly, and undauntedly express and declare it; and of Miracles, whereby they should undoubtedly prove and demonstrate it to all the World.

Answ. Yes.

Quest. When Christ promised the Holy Ghost to his Apostles, he calls him by the Name of Comforter, Joh. 16. 7. What is meant by that?

Answ. First, that he should be an Advocate, which is one sence of the word Paraclete, to plead the Cause of Christ and his Religion, against all that opposed them. This he did most convincingly, in the miraculous Gifts already mentioned. And in this sence, Christ says of him, that when he is come, he will reprove, or convince the world of Sin, of Righteousness, and of Judgment, Joh. 16. 8.

p. 159Secondly, a Comforter, which is another sence of it, to support them under all that troubled them. This is plainly another sence, since he tells them of sending the Comforter, because sorrow had filled their hearts, v. 6. And this Office he fulfill'd, by assuring them their Lord, whose death they lamented, was now alive again; by supplying his Place, in making their defence, and giving them assistance and direction; and by shewing them an happy end of all their Troubles, and preparing them for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Quest. Is the unpardonable Sin against the Holy Ghost, a Sin against these miraculous Gifts of his?

Answ. Yes; for it was against the Gift of Miracles, and casting out Devils, the Pharisees sin'd, when he cautions them against this dreadful sin, saying, the sin against the Holy Ghost shall never be forgiven, Mat. 12. 24, 32.

Quest. And what is the unpardonable sin against them?

Answ. Slandering, or Blaspheming them, as the Pharisees there did, when they attributed them to Magick, and said, he cast out Devils by Beelzebub, v. 24. for it is expresly called speaking against the Holy Ghost, v. 32. and Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, v. 31. And this he said, saith St. Mark, because they said he hath an unclean Spirit, Mar. 3. 30.

Quest. What is meant, by never forgiven in this world, nor in the world to come?

p. 158Answ. Not being pardonable under any dispensation or Religion, either Jewish, or Christian, for the Jews looked on the days of Messiah, as a later state and dispensation of the Church, to succeed their own: on which account, it is called the last▪ days, Is. 2. 2. & Heb. 1. 2. and the last time, 1 Joh. 2. 18. and the World to come, Heb. 6. 5. And ††See Part 1. Ch. 2.some sins were to be atoneable among Christians, for which there was no atonement among the Jews, since by Christ they were to be justified from those Things, from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses, Acts 13. 39. And therefore when Christ says, this Blasphemy shall not be forgiven in this World, nor the World to come, that is the same, as neither to be forgiven in the Jewish State while it lasted, nor the Christian; neither Moses, nor He, having provided any Sacrifice or expiation for it.

Quest. Is Blaspheming God the Father, or the Son unpardonable?

Answ. No; whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him, Mat. 12. 32. yea, all manner of other Sin, and Blasphemy, shall be forgiven unto Men, v. 31.

Quest. Why then will the Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost never be forgiven? Is he more worthy than either the Father, or the Son?

Answ. No; that is not the reason. But these his Gifts, are the last means of begetting Belief in men; and without Faith, p. 159and Repentance wrought by Faith, there is no Pardon. If men would not believe, but revile the Son, when he was among them; after he was taken up, the Holy Ghost was to come, and be his Advocate, and, by all the miraculous Gifts I have mentioned, gain credit from them. But if, instead of believing him, they shall go to Blaspheme and Revile him, and slanderously call all his stupendious Gifts magical Tricks, and works of Satan; God is resolved to endeavour no more with them, nor ever to bring them to Believe, and Repent, without which there is no Pardon. So that it is unpardonable, because after it, God has decreed that Faith, and Repentance, shall be impossible. Of Apostates, says St. Paul, who committed this sin, it is impossible to renew them again to Repentance, Heb. 6. 6.

Quest. These miraculous Gifts were wonderful vouchsafements: did not they evidence all that enjoy'd them, to be in Favour with God, and in a justified state?

Answ No; for they were bestowed promiscuously, on good and bad. Balaam loved the wages of unrighteousness; yet he was a Prophet, 2. Pet. 2. 15, 16. Judas was the Son of Perdition; but he wrought Miracles, as well as the other Apostles, Mat. 10. 1, 4, 5, 8. And at the last Day, many will plead, that in Christ's Name they Prophesied, and cast out Devils, and did Wonders: and yet he will bid them depart from him, because they wrought iniquity, Mat. 7. 22, 23. 'Tis obedience, not p. 160miracles, that will save our Souls, it being not the workers of wonders, but workers of Righteousness, that God accepts of. And thereupon our Saviour bid his Disciples rejoyce, not for that the Devils were subject to them, but rather because their Names were written in Heaven, Luk. 10. 17, 18, 19, 20.

Quest. Thus much may suffice, for the understanding of the extraordinary Gifts of the Holy Ghost. But besides his bestowing these Gifts, you said he has appointed several Offices, for the Planting, and Establishing Christ's Church and Religion, what are those Offices, which he is the Authour of?

Answ. He gave some Apostles, the highest, and most extensive power in the Church; and some Prophets, who foretold future Things, Expounded old, and utter'd new Prophesies; and some Evangelists, who writ the Gospels, or preach'd the Word in unconverted Places, where it was never heard before; and some Pastors and Teachers, or Bishops and Presbyters, to govern and instruct the Church: All which he gave for the perfecting of the Saints, the Work of the Ministry, and the edifying of the Body of Christ, Eph. 4. 8, 11, 12. And God hath set in the Church, first Apostles, secondarily Prophets, thirdly Teachers, after that Miracles, Governments, &c. 1 Cor. 12. 28.

Quest. For what end were these Offices appointed?

Answ. For the Government and Edification p. 161of the Church, and the Work of the Ministry, in the Word, and Sacraments, and Prayers. They were given, saith St. Paul, for the perfecting of the Saints, for the Work of the Ministry, and for the edifying of the Body of Christ, Eph. 4. 12.

Quest. And were all these Offices to last through all Ages of the Church?

Answ. No; Apostles, Evangelists, and Prophets were Temporary Offices, which lay in founding of the Church, and revealing Christ's Religion by Inspiration from himself. And this Church being once founded and built, and this Revelation being once committed to Writing, it remains a lasting Thing, and so needs not to be repeated a second time. And therefore, when once they had perform'd this Work, in all after Ages there was no further need of them: But as for Pastors and Teachers, to govern the Church, and ordain Successors, and to minister the Word, and Prayers, and Sacraments, they will be equally wanted in every Age, and therefore the Holy Ghost has appointed them to continue always. Go, Baptise all Nations, teaching them to observe all my Commandments. And lo! in such Teaching and Baptising, I am with you always, even to the end of the World, Mat. 28. 19, 20. And tho, as I say, some of the Offices mentioned by St. Paul were necessary only in the first Age; yet others, which are equally necessary to the edifying of the Church, and the Work of the Ministry, in p. 162every Age, are to continue, as he says, ti… we all, i. e. all Christians that are, and a… that shall be, come in the Unity of the Faith, and of the Knowledge of the Son of God, unt… a perfect Man, unto the Measure of the St… ture of the Fulness of Christ. So that the Church is to enjoy the Benefit of them to the Worlds end, Eph. 4. 12, 13.

Quest. Since all that are at any time in these Offices die in one Age, how are they to be continued in the next?

Answ. The Bishops or Governours are stil… to Ordain others, to remedy their ow… Mortality, and supply the Necessities of the Church, through all Times. Thus Christ told his Apostles, As my Father sent me, viz▪ with a Power of Commissioning you to succeed in this Ministry when I am gone; s… send I you, i. e. with Power of Ordaining others, in like manner of Succession, John 20. 21. Pursuant to this, they Ordained Bishops in all Churches, as St. Paul did Titus at Crete, and Timothy at Ephesus. And these, in a constant Succession, were to Ordain others; as Paul bid Timothy give Commissions, as he had been Commission'd himself, or commit what he had heard of him, to faithful Men, who should be able to teach others also, 2 Tim. 1. 14. and 2. 2. And with these, in their Work of the Ministry, God would be present and assistant in all after Times, as he had been with the Apostles in the First Age. In thus Preaching and Baptizing, lo! I am with …ou always, even to the end of the p. 163World, Mat. 28. 20. With you, that is, with your selves during your own Lives, and your Successors in all after▪ times; which is the only way that in this Work he could be with them to the Worlds end, who were all to die in that Age.

Quest. Is the Holy Ghost the Author of these Offices?

Answ. Yes. God hath set these Officers in the Church, saith St. Paul, 1 Cor. 12. 28. and Christ gave them as a Gift, after he was ascended, Eph. 4. 8, 11. That is, God gave them, and Christ gave them, by the Holy Ghost, who now, since Christ is gone to the Right-hand of God, is come down to his Church as his ††Jo. 16. 7. and c. 14. 16, 18.John 16:7Substitute, from whom both the Authority and Ability of all these Officers is derived. Feed the Flock, saith the Apostle, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseers, Acts 20. 28. And when Christ ordain'd his Apostles, giving them Power to send others, as the Father gave him, and to remit and retain Sins, he breathed on them, and said; Receive ye the Holy Ghost, Joh. 20. 21, 22, 23. And accordingly, to shew from whom these Powers are derived, in Ordinations of these Officers, whether Bishops or Priests, the Power is to this day conferr'd by saying, Receive thou the Holy Ghost.

Quest. What shall we think then of those who reject the Ministry, and cast off all Church-Officers and Ordinances, and yet pretend in all this to be guided by the Spirit?

p. 164Answ. You may be sure it is not by that Spirit which Christ sent down upon the Apostles, and which indited the holy Scriptures. For that Spirit gave these Offices, as the most necessary and greatest Blessing to the Church: Whereas this Spirit of theirs, plucks up what he planted, and endeavours to abolish and overthrow them.

Quest. From what you have said, I perceive how infinitely we are obliged to the Holy Ghost, for that care he has taken, in Planting and Propagating Christ's Church and Religion, both in the miraculous Gifts he bestowed upon his Church so amply in the First Age, and in the Offices and Governments he has appointed to Feed and Rule it in all succeeding Ages. But besides these extraordinary Gifts, bestowed only on some, for the Propagation and Establishment of Christ's Church and Religion, you mention'd another sort of Gifts for the effecting this Great Work of our Salvation, which the Holy Ghost bestows ordinarily, on Persons of all Times and Places. What Gifts are those?

Answ. All the inward Graces and vertuous Endowments, which are necessary to the Salvation of all particular Persons, such as the Apostle reckons up, Gal. 5. The Fruits of the Spirit are Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance, and such like, v. 22, 23. Particularly, he excites Devotion, and helps to raise in us holy Desires, and Life and Quickness p. 165in our Prayers. There, says the Apostle, the Spirit helps our Infirmities, making Intercession for the Saints, according to the Will of God, by inspiring them with such Desires and Groanings as cannot be uttered, Rom. 8. 26, 27.

Quest. Is the Holy Ghost the Author of all these inward Graces in us, and can we not have them without his Gift?

Answ. No; for the Renewing of our Nature is ascribed to the Holy Ghost, Tit. 3. 5. And St. Paul calls all the recited Virtues, Fruits of the Spirit, Gal. 5. 22. And no Man can come to me, saith Christ, i. e. believe on me, and obey me, except the Father, which hath sent me, draw him, John 6. 44. All our Graces come from God, and must be sought of him. And because we are daily in want of them, we are taught by our Lord himself to pray, Hallowed be thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, Deliver us from Evil, &c. as constantly as we say, Give us this Day our Daily Bread.

Quest. If the Holy Spirit gives these, then any Man, that has them, may know he has Grace, and that the Holy Ghost dwells and acts in him?

Answ. Yes; if he is affected and influenc'd not only by some few, but by all of them. For they are the Fruits of the Spirit, as I noted; and where we see the genuine Fruit, we may make sure of the Principle that gives Birth to it; as our Saviour said, the Tree is known by its Fruit, Luke 6. p. 16643, 44. Mat. 7. 16, 20. And accordingly, they are given as Marks of Grace, and a sure Proof that Men belong to God, in the Scriptures. Hereby know we that we know him, and that we are in him, if we keep his Commandments, 1 John 2. 3, 5. We know that we have passed from Death unto Life, because we love the Brethren, 1 John 3. 14. He that doth Righteousness is righteous; in this the Children of God are manifest, 1 John 3. 7, 10.

Quest. But may not an ill Man have some Good in him? And have not several practised some Virtues, who yet were void of the Spirit, and saving Grace?

Answ. Yes: For Herod, an ill Man, heard John Baptist gladly, and did many things, Mark 6. 20. And the Foolish Virgins kept pace in some Points with the Wise, Mat. 25. 1, 2. Either that general Grace, which is common to all Persons, or their particular Inclination, or Interest, or Natural Conscience, can carry on Men, who are Enemies to God in the main, to the Performance of some Duties. And therefore I said these Vertues are a Sign of the Spirit, and of Saving Grace, not when some few or more of them meet by chance in an otherwise evil Man; but only in those who have a general Care, and Conscientious Regard to all of them.

Quest. You have shewn how these Graces are the Fruits of the Spirit, and the Gift of God. But since God's Spirit is thus to p. 167work them in us, may we not leave God's Work to himself, and think our selves free from any Care or Pains about them?

Answ. No, by no means: For he that made us Men, will not also make us Saints, without our selves. He created us by himself alone, but will renew and save us only through our Concurrence with him.

Quest. In carrying on this Work of God, what must we do towards it?

Answ. Our Heart and Will must go along with it, and our Care and Endeavour toot.

Quest. When God's Spirit begins any Grace or Vertue in us, must our Heart go along with it, and are we readily to embrace and make choice of it?

Answ. Yes; for he will not force an unwilling Mind into Goodness. And therefore our own Wills are call'd upon, when we are press'd to become Good. I have set before you Life and Good, Death and Evil: Chuse Life, Deut. 30. 15, 19. And when we obey such Calls, some good Tempers of our Wills are noted as the Cause of it. The Word, and Grace accompanying it, brought forth Fruit, because it wat received in an honest and good Heart, Luke 8. 15. And if we refuse them, and continue Bad, our own Wills still are charged with it. Ye will not come to me, that ye might have Life, Joh. 5. 40. and, Why will ye die, O House of Israel? Ezek. 18. 31, 32.

Quest. And when our Heart is thus bent upon any Graces and Good Things, must p. 168our Care and Endeavour also be put forth in attainment of them?

Answ. Yes; for God gives these Graces as a Blessing upon our own Care and Pains, and works them in us, when we work with him: So that they are to be the Fruit of our Industry, as well as of his Bounty. God calls to us, Make you clean, Isa. 1. 16. Turn your selves, Ezek. 18. 30, 32. as well as we pray to him, Turn thou us, Jer. 31. 18. and, Give us clean Hearts, Psal. 51. 10.

Quest. But is not God before-hand with us, and gives us some Grace, before we endeavour any thing? I was found of them that sought me not, saith the Prophet, Isa. 65. 1.

Answ. Yes; the Grace of outward Revelations and Opportunities. These prevent our Care, and are given before we ask them. In this Kingdom, for Instance, we have the Light of the Holy Scriptures, the Guidance and Care of Pastors, the Benefit of Publick Assemblies, and the Protection of Laws for Christianity, which is not so in Heathen Countries. And we have the Scriptures in our own Language, and Purity of Doctrine, and a truly Primitive, Edifying way of Worship, which is not so in many Christian Nations. And all these, with other Advantages, came to us unasked; we did not seek them, but were born to them. And of these Isaiah speaks, who is not treating of inward Assistances, but of outward Revelations, which God would make to the p. 169Gentiles, who made no inquiry after them, but had the Revelations brought to them. For the Heathen World did not seek out to the Apostles, but the Apostles sought them.

Quest. And doth not he prevent us too, with good Desires, and inward Motions?

Answ. Yes, he doth, with the First Motions and▪ Beginnings of his Grace. But as for the Ripening of these, and our growing up to a Mastery over our Lusts, and a Saving Pitch; that requires our own Care and Endeavours, which these First Stirrings of Grace must awaken in us. And when we do so endeavour after them, God will still give more Grace, and, by his Spirit, effect in us such Virtues as we labour after; but he will withdraw what he has already given, if we are idle, and labour not at all. For concerning this Improvement of God's Grace, by our own Care and Pains, our Saviour says, To him that hath, shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, i. e. hath not improved what God bestowed, shall be taken away even what he hath, Mat. 25. 29.

Quest. God's Giving then is only an Encouragement for our Seeking; since he gives those Graces, as he gives our Food and Maintenance, not to idle, careless Men, but only to such as diligently and wisely labour after them?

Answ. Very true; and therefore we are press'd to work them out our selves, by p. 170that very Reason work out your own Salvation, for it is God that worketh in you, both to will, and to do, Phil. 2. 12, 13.

Quest. What way should we seek these Graces of the Spirit, that by God's Blessing we may attain them?

Answ. First, Pray for them. If any man lack Wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all Men Liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him, Jam. 1. 5. And God will give the Holy Spirit to those that ask him, Luk. 11. 13.

Quest. And must we pray in Faith, that is, ask with an expectation to Receive them?

Answ. Yes; for God cannot bear to see us question his kindness, or distrust his Promise. Our distrust is enough to make him deny us any thing; but we are sure to receive the Graces he has promised, if we dare confide in him. Whatsoever ye shall ask, Believing, you shall receive, Mat. 21. 22. And if any man lack Wisdom, let him ask of God. But let him ask in Faith, nothing wavering, Jam. 1. 5, 6.

Quest. What other ways of seeking these Graces, would you direct to?

Answ. Secondly, a frequent, and serious use of the Holy Sacrament. That is no unfruitful Ordinance, but conveys Spiritual strength into our Souls, as Bread doth to our Bodies. This the Scripture intimates, when Christ's Eucharistical Body is called Bread, Joh. 6. 51, 55. And when the eating p. 171Bread, and drinking Wine, is called the Communion of his Body and Blood, that is, the Communication of all those Graces, and Benefits to us, which were purchased by them, 1 Cor. 10. 16.

Quest. Have you any other Rules?

Answ. Yes. Thirdly, with Prayers, and Sacraments we must joyn a Diligent use of wise and likely means of attaining the Desired Graces. When we seek to God for Daily Bread and maintenance, it must be in following our Callings, with Prudent Care, and Diligence. And in like sort, when we seek to him for any Virtues, it must be in the use of such Probable, and Discreet ways, as are like to make us Masters of them.

Quest. Would you add any thing further, about the use of these means?

Answ. Yes. Fourthly, that it be with a Faith in God's Power and Spirit, and a confidence of success through that Assistance. God has promised his Grace and Spirit, to make us Good; as well as his Mercy to Pardon us, when we are so. And we must eye this Promise of his Powerful assistance, when we set about any Vertue and Goodness. A Faith in his Power, is as necessary to make us Good; as Faith in his Mercy towards all good Men, is to make us desirous of being Good. And to this Faith, the Scripture Directs us in working out our Obedience. Work out your own Salvation, for it is God that worketh in p. 172you, and so strengthen your Hands in that expectation, Phil. 2. 12, 13. And we are kept by the Power of God, through Faith, viz. in that Power unto Salvation, 1 Pet. 1. 5.

Quest. Is there any other Rule to be observed, in seeking these Graces of the Holy Spirit?

Answ. Yes. Fifthly, that in all the Time we are endeavouring after them, we do nothing to Grieve, or annoy him. 'Tis with him, as 'tis with every ingenious Person, he grows weary of staying, where he finds he is not welcome, and where men are still taking occasion to displease, and pass Affronts upon him. And therefore, when we are warn'd against several sins, to conclude all, we are cautioned not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God, which is to restrain us from them, Eph. 4. 30.

Quest. What things will grieve him?

Answ. The Apostle there particularly mentions obscene Talk, and corrupt Communication, ver. 29. But he is grieved by our consenting to all sorts of Sin, for he is a declared Enemy to all of them. Especially, if we commit any, against many of his suggestions, and checks of Conscience: As David did in the Murder of Uriah, after which he was sore afraid, lest God should take his Holy Spirit from him, Ps. 51. 11. or if we have sinned our selves up to a Custom; or take delight in sinning.

Quest. Doth it offend him knowingly to Neglect, and Slight his good suggestions?

p. 173Answ. Yes; for he is concerned to have them take Place, since he suggests nothing to us, but what is most agreable to his own most Holy Inclinations, the Honour of God, and our Eternal Happiness. Let us have, that is, use Grace, that we may serve God acceptably, Heb. 12. 28. And therefore let this pass for a Sixth Rule of obtaining his saving Graces, to cherish the Good Suggestions he inspires, and always improve the Grace he has already given, to bring down more from him. For, to him that hath, shall be given, and he shall have abundance, Mat. 25. 29. In things of Trust, this is the way of all Discreet Persons, and so 'tis his.

Quest. If we idely neglect, and fail to cultivate our Present Grace then, he will withhold such further Measures, as he Designed us?

Answ. Yes; and after long Patience, at last withdraw the former too. For, from him that hath not, shall be taken away, even that which he hath, Mat. 25. 29. Thus Felix, when he trembled at St. Paul's Sermon, not fomenting that Fear, nor proceeding to improve, and penitently resolve upon it, fell back, and as we have cause to think, heard no more of it, Act. 24. 25.

Quest. These seem Good and plain Rules, for the attainment of these Graces of the Spirit. And when we are careful to use them, may we be confident of his Gift, and promise our selves that he will bestow them?

p. 174Answ. Yes; for therein he fulf…ls the Design of Christ that sent him, and gratifies his own inclination. And this God has promised, and ordered us to expect from him. Bidding us seek, and we shall find, Mat. 7. 7. and declaring, how to him that hath, shall be given: and God will give the Holy Spirit to those that ask him.

Quest. You have shewed me, how we are to attain the Graces of the Spirit. But if they are thus to be our own Attainment; how are they God's Gift? And if, as you said before, God gives them, what need we take all this care, and Pains, to acquire them?

Answ. If they were an absolute Gift, indeed, we should not need to do it. For when a Gift is absolute, no Conditions are required on our part: And then, no defects in us can hinder, nor any dispositions of ours further, and make way for it. It depends not on any thing in us, but is purely God's Act: So that nothing is left for us to do towards it. But these Graces, are not an absolute, but conditional Grant: before the Spirit gives them, he requires something towards them, and works them not in all Men, but only in those who are prepared for them. Some things hinder them, and they are to be carefully avoided: Others further them, and they are to be diligently pursued. So that we are not to expect them, from God's Grace and Spirit alone, unless we our selves also, in such p. 175sort as I have described, concur and joyn with him.

Quest. By what you have said, I perceive how careful the Holy Ghost is, to fill our Souls with gracious dispositions. Doth he not also refresh them, with such Spiritual Joy and Comforts, as are apt to result from them?

Answ. Yes. For St. Paul reckons joy, and Peace, as well as Meekness and Tempera…ce, for Fruits of the Spirit, Gal. 5. 22, 23. and Prays, that the God of Hope, would fill them with all Joy, and Peace in Believing, and that they may abound in Hope, through the Power of the Holy Ghost, Rom. 15. 13. And St Luke says, the Churches walked in the Comfort of the Holy Ghost, Act. 9. 31. And St. Peter of the Dispersed Strangers, that in believing, they rejoyced with Joy unspeakable, 1 Pet. 1. 8. And therefore good Christians must not affect Scruples, or think it any sign of Spirituality, to be of a Down-looked and Melancholy Religion: Since Joy and Peace, a Filial Hope and ingenious chearfulness, are Fruits that he loves to produce in them.

Quest. But doth the Holy Ghost inspire these comforts into all minds, wherein he displays his saving Graces, which are the Ground of them?

Answ. He is inclined to do it in all▪ And doth it in one degree, or other; not always producing Raptures, and Transports of Mind, indeed, but ease and p. 176quietness, an inward complacency and comfortable Hope, if they themselves do not put a Bar against him. But some minds he sanctifies, are of a Melancholly Temper, that is, prone to sadness and suspicions, especially of themselves. Or are frighted by undue-thoughts of God, as if he were Stern and Rigorous, soon offended, but very difficult to be reconciled. Or mistake the Gospel Terms, as if they were overrigid, and exacted more than can possibly, or at least ordinarily, be performed. Or labour under some other cloudy, and afflicting Error, or distemper of mind, which hinders a most comfortable Religion, and peaceful Piety, from creating any Joy or Comfort, in them.

Quest. But when there are none of these intrinsick impediments, to interpose betwixt his Joy and them, doth not he sometimes Arbitrarily, and without any provocation, withdraw himself, and hide his Face, as if he were displeased with them? Which withdrawing, is oft given as the cause of many Good mens Grief and Dejection, and is what some call Spiritual Desertion.

Answ. At this rate, indeed, all Spiritual Comfort must needs be most variable and uncertain, as depending, not on any Constancy of good and comfortable Dispositions in themselves, but on the Arbitrariness of such unprovoked withdrawings, to try Experiments upon Men. But this, p. 277I think, is all humane invention; the Scripture, on the contrary, teaching us, that when Sinners purify their hearts, and draw nigh to him, God doth not withdraw himself, and shrink away, but draws nigh to them, Jam. 4. 8. It is an imputation on this good Spirit, not at all agreeing with his inclination, which is to be an immutable lover of goodness, and of good men, to be unalterably pleased with them, whilst they do what is pleasing to him, and to delight in having them take pleasure and joy in him. It seems very opposite to his Office and Undertaking. For his Work and Office, as I have shewn, is to engender Peace and Comfort, as well as Goodness, in the hearts of his Servants. And since that is his business, he will be as constant in pursuing it, and no more withdraw his Comforts, than he doth his Graces from them, without being justly provoked thereto by some act of their own. Nay, on the contrary, when their own melancholly humours, or mispersuasions, have intercepted his joyful presence from good men, he is ready with the light of his Countenance to break thro' that darkness, and, in great pity, very often restores that Comfort to their minds, which their own errour, or distemper, had driven from it. So that these arbitrary and unprovoked desertions, whether in Grace, or Comforts, as they have no foundation in Scripture, but there meet with opposition; so are they not suitable to the Holy and good Spirit's natural p. 278Genius, or his Undertaking and Office. He always loves and delights in good men, and never voluntarily withdraws himself, but is always driven from them.