The Sum of Christian Religion, Catechism · Part 2 · Christ's two natures · Question 53

The Sum of Christian Religion · Catechism · Part 2 · Christ's two natures · Question 53

p. 335ON THE 20. SABBATH.Queſt. 53. What beleeveſt thou concerning the holy Ghoſt.

Anſ. Firſt, that he is true and co-eternall God with the eternall Father and the Sonaa1 John 5.7. Gen. 1.2. Iſa. 48.16. 1 Cor. 3.16. & 6.19. Act. 5.3, 4.1 John 5:7Gen 1:2Isa 48:161 Cor 3:161 Cor 6:19Acts 5:3Acts 5:4: Secondly, that he is alſo given to meebbGal. 4.6. Mat. 28.29, 30. 2 Cor. 1.22. Epheſ. 1.13.Gal 4:6Matt 28:29Matt 28:302 Cor 1:22Eph 1:13, to make mee through a true faith partaker of Chriſt and all his benefitsccGal. 3.14. 1 Pet. 1.2. 1 Cor. 6.17.Gal 3:141 Pet 1:21 Cor 6:17, to comfort meddJoh. 15.26. Acts 9.31.John 15:26Acts 9:31, and to abide with me forevereeJohn 14.16. 1 Pet. 4.14.John 14:161 Pet 4:14.

The Explication.

IN this laſt part of the Apoſtolick confeſſion are contained ſix Articles; whereof the firſt ſpeaketh of the perſon of the holy Ghoſt: the next of the Church, which is gathered, confirmed, and preſerved by the holy Ghoſt: the foure Articles following are of the benefits beſtowed by the holy Ghoſt on the Church, and of the communion of Saints: 2. of remiſſion of ſins: 3. of the reſurrection of the fleſh: 4. of everlaſting life. Touching the holy Ghoſt, three things are eſpecially to be conſidered; his perſon, his office, his gifts and works. But for more full and ample explication hereof, theſe Queſtions following are each in their order to be examined.

1. What the name **It is here to be noted, that this Queſtion ſerveth more properly for the Latine, which uſeth this name Spiritus onelyonly; when as we in Engliſh uſe as much, or more rather, the word Ghoſt then Spirit, when wee ſpeak of the third perſon.Spirit ſignifieth.

2. Who, and what the holy Ghost or Spirit is.

3. What is the holy Ghoſts office.

4. What, and of how many ſorts his gifts are.

5. Of whom the holy Ghoſt is given, and wherefore.

6. To whom, and how far forth he is given.

7. When, and how hee is given and received.

8. How he is retained and kept.

9. Whether he may be loſt, and how.

10. Wherefore hee is neceſſary.

11. How wee may know that hee dwelleth is us.

1. What the name Spirit ſignifieth.

THe name ſpirit is ſometimes taken for the cauſe; ſometimes for the effect. When it is taken for the cauſe, it ſignifieth a nature incorporeall, and living, of a ſpirituall eſſence, wielding, moving, and ſtirring ſomething; and this nature is either create, or uncreate. Uncreate, and ſo God eſſentially and perſonally is a Spirit; that is, incorporeall without any bodily dimenſion or quantity, inviſible; God is a Spirit. Create, and ſo the Angles, whether good or bad, are in this ſenſe ſpirits: John 4.24.John 4:24Which maketh his Angels ſpirits: And after the ſame manner the ſoules of men are called ſpirits; Gen. 2.7.Gen 2:7He breathed in his face breath of life, that is, hee ſent a ſpirit or ſoule into him:Pſal. 104.4, 29.Ps 104:4Ps 104:29 When thou takest away their breath, they die. When the word ſpirit is taken for an effect, it ſignifieth, 1. The aire moved. 2. The moving it ſelfe, and motion of the aire. 3. The wind, and moving vapours. 4. Spirituall affections or motions, good or bad. So it is ſaid The ſpirit of fear: And contrary. The ſpirit of princes, that is, courage: likewiſe, the ſpirit of fornication. 5. New ſpirit ſignifieth the gifts of the holy Spirit: as,1 Theſ. 5.19.1 Thess 5:19 Quench not the ſpirit. In this doctrine which wee have in hand, Spirit ſignifieth the cauſe ſtirring and moving; namely, the third perſon of the God head, which is forcible in the minds and wils of men: And this third perſon of the God-head is called a p. 336Spirit, 1Why a Spirit.1. Becauſe he is a ſpirituall eſſence or ſubſtance, incorporeall and inviſible. 22. Becauſe hee is inſpired of the Father and the Son: that is, becauſe hee is the perſon by which the Father and the Son immediately work their motions in the hearts of the elect; or becauſe hee is the immediate ſtirrer and mover of divine works: The Father and the Son move, but by this Spirit. 33. Becauſe himſelfe inſpireth and immediately worketh motions in the hearts of the elect; whence hee is called,Luke 1.35.Luke 1:35 The power of the most High. 44. Becauſe hee is God, equall, and the ſame with the Father and the Son: and God is a Spirit. This third perſon of the God-head is called holy; 1Why holy.1. Becauſe he in himſelfe, by himſelf, and of his own nature is holy. 22. Becauſe he is hallower or ſanctifier; that is, he immediately halloweth, or ſanctifieth and maketh holy others. The Father and the Son ſanctifie by him, and therefore immediately.

2. Who, and what the holy Ghoſt is.

THe holy Ghoſt is the third perſon of the true and only God-head, proceeding from the Father and the Son, and co eternall, co-equall, and conſubſtantiall with the Father and the Son: and is ſent from both into the hearts of the elect, to ſanctifie them unto eternall life. Here are wee to ſay the ſame things of the God-head of the holy Ghoſt, which have been ſpoken before of the God-head of the Son: for this definition is alſo to be proved and confirmed by the ſame four parts:Four concluſions concerning the God-head of the holy Ghoſt. 1. That the holy Ghoſt is a perſon. 2. That he is the third perſon, or that he is other and diſtinct from the Father and the Son. 3. That he is true God with the Father and the Son, or that he is equall to the Father and the Son. 4. That he is of the ſame God head with the Father and the Son, or that he is conſubſtantiall unto both. All theſe that teſtimony of the Apoſtle jointly proveth: No man knoweth the things of God but the Spirit of God. 1 Cor. 2.11, 12.1 Cor 2:111 Cor 2:12Now we have received, not the ſpirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that wee might know the things which are given unto us of God. Alſo that other elſe where: All theſe things worketh even the ſelfe-ſame Spirit, 1 Cor. 12.11.1 Cor 12:11diſtributing to every man ſeverally as he will. But we will proceed to treat of each of theſe in their order.

1I. Firſt therefore,The holy Ghoſt is a perſon, proved by ſive reaſons: That the holy Ghoſt is a perſon, is proved, 1By his apparitions. Luke 3.12. Acts 2.3.Luke 3:12Acts 2:3By his apparitions, becauſe hee hath appeared viſibly: The holy Ghoſt came downe in a bodily ſhape like a Dove. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like fire, and it (that is, the fire, or the holy Ghoſt) ſate upon each of them. Seeing then the holy Ghoſt deſcended in bodily ſhape upon Chriſt, and ſate upon the Apoſtles, it followeth that he is ſubſiſting: for no quality or created motion of minds or hearts is able to doe in like manner: For an accident doth not only not take upon it any ſhape, but ſtandeth in need of ſomething elſe in which it ſelfe ſhould conſiſt and be. Neither is the aire the place or ſubject of holineſſe, goldineſſe, love of God, and other ſpirituall motions, but the minds of men. 2By his title, God. 1 Cor. 3.16. Acts 5.3, 4. See alſo Iſa. 40.7, 13.1 Cor 3:16Acts 5:3Acts 5:4Isa 40:7Isa 40:13Hee is proved to be a perſon, becauſe hee is called God: Know yee not that yee are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? Why hath Satan filled thine heart, that thou ſhouldeſt lie unto the holy Ghoſt? Thou haſt not lied unto men, but unto God. Howſoever then the adverſaries of this doctrine grant the holy Ghoſt to be God, yet this cannot be, but hee muſt be a ſubſiſtent or perſon,Acts 28.25. Epheſ. 4.4, 30.Acts 28:25Eph 4:4Eph 4:30 ſeeing God is a being: but our goldineſſe, goodneſſe, godly motions, and other divine affections cannot be called God. 3Becauſe hee is the authour of our baptiſme.Hee is a perſon, becauſe hee is the authour of our baptiſme, and wee are baptiſed in his name, that is, by his commandement and will. But we are not baptiſed by the commandement and will of a dead thing, or of a thing not exiſting; neither are wee baptiſed in the name of the graces or gifts of God. 4By his properties.Becauſe the properties of a perſon are attributed unto him; as that hee teacheth, that hee diſtributeth gifts even as hee will, that he comforteth,Luke 12.13.Luke 12:13 confirmeth, ruleth, reigneth: likewiſe, that he ſendeth Apoſtles,John 16.13. Luke 2.26. Acts 1.16. & 10.19. & 20.23.John 16:13Luke 2:26Acts 1:16Acts 10:19Acts 20:23 that he ſpeaketh in the Apoſtles: The holy Ghoſt ſhall teach you in the ſame houre what you ought to ſay. So alſo he declareth the things to come: The Spirit of truth will ſhew you the things to come. Hee giveth prophecies of Simeons death, of Judas the traitor, of Peters journey to Cornelius, of Pauls bands and afflictions which ſhould p. 337betide him at Jeruſalem, of a falling away, and of the deceivers in the laſt times, of the meaning of the high prieſts entrance into the holieſt of all,1 Tim. 4.1. Heb. 9.8. & 10.15. 1 Pet. 1.11. Rom. 14.26. Acts 5.9.1 Tim 4:1Heb 9:8Heb 10:151 Pet 1:11Rom 14:26Acts 5:9 of the firſt tabernacle, of the new covenant, of Chriſts ſufferings, and his glory which ſhould follow after them, and ſuch like: he maketh requeſt for us with ſighs, which cannot be uttered; he crieth in our hearts, Abba, Father; he is tempted by them who lie unto him, he is a witneſſe in heaven with the Father and the Son, he commandeth and willeth that the Apoſtles be ſeparated; and laſtly, he appointeth teachers in the Church: All theſe things are proper unto a perſon exiſting, intelligent, indued with a will, working and living.1 Joh. 5.7.1 John 5:7 5By his diſtinction from Gods gifts.Becauſe he is plainly diſhinguiſhed from the gifts and graces of God. All theſe things worketh the ſelf-ſame Spirit, diſtributing to every man ſeverally as he will. There are diverſities of gifts, but the ſame Spirit: Wherefore the gifts differ much from the Spirit it ſelfe. Obj. The gift of God is not a perſon: 1 Cor. 12.11. Ibid. ver. 4. Acts 2.38.1 Cor 12:11Acts 2:38The holy Ghoſt is called the gift of God: Therefore he is not a perſon. Anſ. The Major is falſe, if it be univerſally taken: for the Son being given, is the gift of God, and yet is a perſon. The holy Ghoſt is called the gift of God, becauſe he is ſent from the Father and the Son.John 15.26.John 15:26 I will ſend the comforter unto you from the Father. Or we may anſwer; He is called a gift, in reſpect that he was ſent, and dwelleth in the hearts of the ſaints to whom he is given; and is ſuch a gift as worketh by his vertue and power the reſt of his gifts and graces. Now that, to proceed, ſignifieth to exiſt, or to be from both, I prove; Becauſe Paul calleth him the Spirit of God, which is of God, and in God: Of God; Becauſe the Spirit floweth from the Father and the Son. In God; Therefore he is ſome-what of God himſelf. Other ſpirits are not in God, that is, in the ſubſtance of God. And what is in God, that is the very eſſence of God.

IIII. That the holy Ghoſt is other, that is, diſtinct from the Father and the Son, we prove againſt thoſe who ſay, He is the ſubſiſtent of the Father, namely, the Sabellians.Four proofs that the holy Ghoſt is diſtinct from the Father and the Son. Which we prove, 1From his appellation or name.From the very appellation, in that he is called the Spirit of the Father and the Son: For none is his own Spirit, as none is his own Father, and none is his own Son: Therefore he is other from both. Object. That which is common to all the perſons ought not to be diſtinguiſhed and ſevered: The name Spirit is common to all the three perſons: Therefore it ought not to be diſtinguiſhed. Anſ. This whole reaſon we grant, if it be underſtood of the eſſence of the perſons, and not of their order of being and working: for as he that breatheth, and the breath it ſelf differ; ſo he that inſpireth, and the ſpirit are different: he that proceedeth is one, and he another from whom he proceedeth: the third perſon of the God-head is one, and the firſt or ſecond another. But the holy Ghoſt is ſaid to be the third perſon of the God-head, and this is not in that reſpect, as if there were in God any firſt or laſt in time; but in reſpect of the order or manner of being; becauſe the holy Ghoſt hath his eſſence from the Father and the Son, from both which he proceeded from everlaſting; as alſo he is the ſpirit of both. In like manner the Son is called the ſecond perſon, becauſe he is of the Father; the Father the firſt perſon, becauſe he is of none. 2By expreſſe teſtimony of Scripture.The holy Ghoſt is in expreſſe words called another: I will pray the Father, and hee ſhall give you another Comforter. There are three which bear record in heaven, the Father, John 14.16. 1 John 5.7.John 14:161 John 5:7the Word, and the holy Ghost; and theſe three are one: The holy Ghoſt therefore is a diſtinct perſon from the Father and the Son. 3By his ſending from the Father and the Son.Hee is ſent of the Father and the Son: Therefore he is another from both; for none is ſent of himſelf: One may come of his own will or of himſelf; but none can be ſent of himſelf.John 15.26. & 14.26.John 15:26John 14:26 I will ſend him unto you from the Father. The Father ſendeth him in my name. 4By his diſtinct attributes from the Father and the Son.The holy Ghoſt hath diſtinct attributes or properties perſonall from them. The holy Ghoſt proceedeth only from the Father and the Son. He alone appeared in the ſhape of a Dove, in the likeneſſe of fire; not the Father or the Son. Chriſt is ſaid to have been conceived, not by the Father or the Son, but by the holy Ghoſt, that is, by the immediate vertue and efficacy of the holy Ghoſt. The holy Ghoſt ſhall come upon thee, Luke 1.1….Luke 1:1and the power of the moſt High ſhall over-ſhadow thee. Wherefore he is another from the Father and the Son; which is diligently to be obſerved: for the adverſaries hereof, being convicted of the perſon of the holy Ghoſt, grant that he is a ſubſiſtence, but of the Father: and thus they argue or reaſon, Object. The vertue and power of the Father, p. 338is the Father himſelfe: The holy Ghoſt is called the vertue and power of the Father: Therefore the holy Ghoſt is the Father himſelf. Anſ. This reaſon is ſophiſticall, becauſe vertue is not taken for the ſame in the Major, for which it is taken in the Minor: for in the Major it is taken for the power of the Father; in the Minor for the perſon by whom the Father ſheweth forth his power.

IIIIII. That the holy Ghoſt is equall with the Father and the Son, theſe arguments doe prove:Four proofs that the holy Ghoſt is equall with the Father and the Son. 1His proceding from both.The eſſence of the Father and the Son is communicated unto him; becauſe hee proceedeth from both, and is the Spirit of both: But there is nothing in God which is not his eſſence: Seeing then that is indiviſible, it muſt needs be whole and the ſame communicated unto him, which is in the Father and the Son. As the ſpirit of man which is in man is of the eſſence of man: ſo the Spirit of God which is in God is of the eſſence of God. By this it appeareth, What is the proceeding of the holy Ghoſt; namely, the communicating of the divine eſſence, whereby the third perſon of the God-head alone receiveth the ſame and whole or entire eſſence from the Father and the Son, as from him whoſe Spirit hee is: as alſo the begetting of the Son is a communicating of the divine eſſence, which the ſecond perſon of the God-head alone receiveth, as a Son of his Father, whole and entirely the ſame which the Father hath and retaineth.

His proceeding from the Son proved three wayes.And, That the holy Ghoſt proceedeth from the Son alſo, is proved by certain reaſons: 11. Becauſe he is called the Sons Spirit; If any man hath not the Spirit of Chriſt, the ſame is not his. Rom. 8.9. Gal. 4.6.Rom 8:9Gal 4:6He hath ſent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts. The Spirit of his Son; that is, not given unto the Son of the Father; but exiſting and proceeding, as of the Fathers, ſo of the Sons ſubſtance, ſeeing the Son is equall and conſubſtantiall with the Father. 22. Becauſe the Son, together with the Father, giveth him:John 15.26. John 20 22.John 15:26John 20:22 Receive the holy Ghost. 33. Becauſe the holy Ghoſt receiveth the wiſdome of the Son, which hee revealeth unto us: Hee ſhall receive of mine, and ſhall ſhew it unto you. John 16.14.John 16:14But ſeeing the holy Ghoſt is true God, conſubſtantiall with the Father and the Son, hee cannot receive any thing but of him of whoſe ſubſtance hee is. Wherefore he proceedeth of the ſubſtance of the Son, becauſe he receiveth that of him which is the Sons.

2His divine attributes:The holy Ghoſts equality with the Father and the Son is proved by thoſe divine attributes and properties which are attributed and communicated to the holy Ghoſt: as, 1Eternity.Eternity; becauſe hee created heaven and earth, and becauſe God was never without his Spirit:Gen. 1.2.Gen 1:2 The Spirit of the Lord moved upon the waters. 2Immenſity.Immenſity, or unmeaſurableneſſe, as who dwelleth whole and intirely in all the elect:Rom. 8 9. 1 Cor. 3.16. 1 Tim. 1.14.Rom 8:91 Cor 3:161 Tim 1:14 The Spirit of God dwelleth in you. Through the holy Ghoſt which dwelleth in us. 3Omnipotency.Omnipotency; becauſe hee, together with the Father and the Son, created and preſerveth all things:Pſal. 33.6. 1 Cor. 12.1.Ps 33:61 Cor 12:1 By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made, and the hosts of them by the Breath of his mouth. All theſe things worketh even the ſelfe ſame Spirit, diſtributing to every man ſeverally as hee will. 4Omniſciency.Omniſciency; that is,1 Cor. 2.10.1 Cor 2:10the knowledge of all things: The Spirit ſearcheth all things, even the deep things of God. 5Infinite goodneſs and holineſs.Infinite goodneſſe and holineſſe, and the cauſing of goodneſſe and ſanctity in the creatures:Pſal. 143.10. 1 Cor. 6.11.Ps 143:101 Cor 6:11 Let thy good Spirit lead mee into the land of righteouſneſſe. Yee are ſanctified in the name of our Lord Jeſus, and by the Spirit of our God. 6Unchangeableneſſe.Unchangeableneſſe:Acts 1.16.Acts 1:16 This Scripture must needs have been fulfilled which the holy Ghost ſpake. 7Truth infallible.Truth not to be doubted of, and the fountain of truth: When the Comforter ſhall come, John 15.26. 1 John 5.6.John 15:261 John 5:6even the Spirit of truth. The Spirit is truth. 8Mercy unſpeakable.Unſpeakable mercy: The love of God is ſhed abroad in our hearts by the holy Ghost which is given unto us. Rom. 5.5. & 8.…6.Rom 5:5Rom 8:6The Spirit alſo helpeth our infirmities 9Indignation againſt ſin.Indignation againſt even hidden ſinnes: They rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit. The blaſphemy againſt the holy Ghost ſhall not be forgiven unto men. Iſa. 6….10. Mat. 12.31. Acts ….9. Epheſ. 4.30.Isa 6:10Matt 12:31Eph 4:30Why have yee agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, by whom yee are ſealed.

3His divine works.The ſame divine works which are attributed to the Father and the Son, are alſo attributed to the holy Ghoſt; and theſe, both the generall and univerſall works, as the generall creation, preſervation, and government of the whole world: p. 339His Spirit hath garniſhed the heavens. The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given mee life. And alſo ſingular and ſpeciall effects; as miracles:John 26.13. & 33.4. Mat. 12.28. 1 Cor. 12.4.Matt 12:281 Cor 12:4 I cast out Divels by the Spirit of God. There are diverſities of gifts, but the ſame Spirit. Likewiſe, thoſe works which properly belong to the ſalvation of his Church; as the calling and ſending of Prophets: The Lord God and his Spirit hath ſent me. Iſa. 48.6. Acts 13.2. & 20.28.Isa 48:6Acts 13:2Acts 20:28The holy Ghoſt ſaid, Separate mee Barnabas and Saul. Take heed to all the flock whereof the holy Ghost hath made you overſeers. The beſtowing of competent and fit graces for the miniſtery on miniſters: The holy Ghost ſhall teach you. Luke 1….12 2 Cor. 12.7.Luke 1:122 Cor 12:7The manifeſtation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withall. The publiſhing of the doctrine of the Prophets and Apoſtles: Holy men of God ſpake as they were moved by the holy Ghoſt. 1 Pet 1.21.1 Pet 1:21The inſtituting of Sacraments: Baptiſe them in the name of the Father, Mat. 28.1….Matt 28:1the Son and the holy Ghoſt. Whereby the holy Ghoſt this ſignified, Heb. 9.8.Heb 9:8that the way into the Holiest of all was not yet opened, while as yet the firſt tabernacle was ſtanding. The fore-telling and prophecying of things to come: he will ſhew you the things to come. John 16.13. Acts 11.28. 1 Tim 4.1.John 16:13Acts 11:281 Tim 4:1Agabus ſignified that there ſhould be a great famine. The Spirit ſpeaketh evidently, that in the later times ſome ſhall depart from the faith. The gathering of the Church:Epheſ. 2.22.Eph 2:22 In whom alſo yee are built together to be the habitation of God by the Spirit. 1 Cor. 12.13.1 Cor 12:13By one Spirit are wee all baptiſed into one body. The enlightning of mens mindes:John 14.26. & 16.13. Epheſ. 1.17John 14:26John 16:13Eph 1:17 The holy Ghost ſhall teach you all things. Hee ſhall lead you into all truth. God gave unto you the Spirit of wiſdome and revelation through the knowledge of him. Regeneration and ſanctification:John 3.5.John 3:5 Except a man be borne againe of water and of the Spirit, 2 Cor. 3.…8.2 Cor 3:8&c. Wee are changed into the ſame image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord. The governing of the actions and whole life of the godly: As many as are led by the Spirit of God, Rom. 8.14.Rom 8:14they are the ſonnes of God. They were forbidden of the holy Ghost to preach the word in Aſia. Acts 16.6.Acts 16:6Comforting in temptations: The Comforter is the holy Ghost, John 14.26.John 14:26whom the Father will ſend in my name. Acts 9.31.Acts 9:31The Churches were edified and multiplyed by the comfort of the holy Ghost. I will powre upon the houſe of David the Spirit of grace and compaſſion. Zech. 12.10.Zech 12:10The ſtrengthening and preſerving of the regenerate againſt the force of temptation, even unto the end: The Spirit of ſtrength ſhall reſt upon him. Iſa. 11.2. John 14.16. Epheſ. 1.13.Isa 11Eph 1:13Hee ſhall give you another Comforter, that hee may abide with you for ever. In whom alſo yee are ſealed with the holy Spirit of promiſe. The pardoning of ſins, and adopting the ſonnes of God: Yee have received the Spirit of adoption. Rom. 8.15. … Cor. 1.17. 1 Cor. 6.11.Rom 8:151 Cor 6:11Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Yee are justified in the name of our Lord Jeſus, and by the Spirit of our God. The beſtowing of ſalvation and life everlaſting:John 6.63.John 6:63 It is the Spirit that quickeneth. If the Spirit of him which raiſed up Christ from the dead dwell in you, Rom. 8.11.Rom 8:11hee that raiſed up Christ from the dead ſhall alſo quicken your mortall bodies, becauſe that his Spirit dwelleth in you. Judgement and ſentence againſt ſin:John 16.8.John 16:8 When the Comforter ſhall come, he ſhall reprove the world of ſin. Mat. 12.23.Matt 12:23The blaſphemy againſt the holy Ghoſt ſhall not be forgiven unto men.

4His divine honour.Equall and the ſame honour is given to the holy Ghoſt, which is given both to the Father and the Son. To no creature, but to God alone is to be given divine honour, that is, honour proper to God only: But this is given to the holy Ghoſt: Therefore hee is God equall with the Father and the Son:1 John 5.7.1 John 5:7 There are three which bear witneſſe in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the holy Ghost, and theſe three are one: The holy Ghoſt therefore is the ſame true God with the Father and the Son. Goe and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Sonne, and the holy Ghoſt: By this teſtimony wee are taught,Mat. 18.19.Matt 18:19 1. That wee are baptized alſo into the name, faith, worſhip, and religion of the holy Ghoſt. 2. That the holy Ghoſt is authour alſo of baptiſme and the miniſtery. In like ſort alſo we beleeve and put our truſt in him: Let not your hearts be troubled: I will pray the Father, John 14.1, 16.John 14:1John 14:16and hee ſhall give you another Comforter, that hee may abide with you for ever. That ſin which is committed againſt him is not remitted; therefore wee ſin againſt him. We are his temple: Ye are the temple of the holy Ghoſt▪ 1 Cor. 3.16.1 Cor 3:16and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. The Apoſtles in their Epiſtles wiſh unto the Churches grace and peace from the holy Ghoſt: The communion of the holy Ghoſt be with you. Cor. 13.13.Object. 1. Hee that is ſent, is not equall with him that ſendeth: The holy Ghoſt is ſent, and the Father and the Son p. 340ſend him: Therefore the holy Ghost is not equall with the Father and the Son. Anſ. We deny the Major: For Chriſt that is ſent may be equall with him that ſendeth: for Chriſt alſo being ſent of the Father, yet is equall with the Father; this ſending doth not betoken any ſervile ſubjection. Object. 2. He that receiveth of another, is not equall with him that giveth: The holy Ghost receiveth of the Father and the Son: Therefore he is not equall with both. Anſ. The Major is true of one that receiveth of another but a part, and not the whole; but the holy Ghoſt receiveth the ſame and whole eſſence of the Father and the Son. Again, it is true of him that receiveth in time, or ſucceſſively: but the holy Ghoſt receiveth before all time. Thirdly, to the Minor we ſay, that he received, as touching the ordaining and ſending of him unto us, to teach us immediately: but this ſending eſtabliſheth and confirmeth his equality, becauſe it is a divine work: and the ordaining of him to teach us immediately, doth not leſſen, but ſtrengthen his equality. Obj. 3. The Father made all things by the Son: therefore he made the holy Ghost by him alſo. Anſw. The Father made all things by the Son;John 1.3.John 1:3 that is, all things that were made, becauſe it is ſaid, And without him was made nothing that was made. But the holy Ghoſt is not made, but proceedeth from the Father and the Son.

IIIIThree proofs that the holy Ghoſt is conſubſtantiall with the Father and the Son.IIII. That the holy Ghoſt is conſubstantiall, that is, one and the ſame true God with the Father and the Sonne, is proved by theſe reaſons: 11. Becauſe hee is the Fathers and the Sons Spirit. But the divine eſſence cannot be multiplied, as neither can another be created, nor the ſame divided: Therefore the ſelfe-ſame, and the whole muſt needs be communicated to the holy Ghoſt, which is the eſſence of the Father and the Son. From both which the holy Ghoſt proceedeth, as the Spirit of God in God, and of God. 22. There is but one true God. The holy Ghoſt is true God: therefore the holy Ghoſt is that one and the ſame true God with the Father and the Son, conſubſtantiall with both. 33. There is but one Jehovah, that is, but one divine eſſence or being, one eſſentially: who alone is of none, but himſelfe communicateth his being to all things, and preſerveth it in them. The holy Ghoſt is Jehovah:**See … …6.1, 34. Heb. …7, 8, 9, 10. Lev. 16.11, 12. and 2 Cor. 6.16. Deut. 9.2…. & Iſa. 63. Pſal. 95.7. & Heb. 3.7. Iſa. 6.7. & Act. 28.25. & 1.16. & 4.24, 25.Heb 7:8Heb 7:9Heb 7:10Lev 16:11Lev 16:122 Cor 6:16Deut 9:2Isa 63Ps 95:7Heb 3:7Isa 6:7Acts 28:25Acts 1:16Acts 4:24Acts 4:25 therefore he is the ſame with the Father and the Son, God conſubſtantially with both. Object. Hee that is of another, is not conſubſtantiall with him, or is not the ſame with him, of, or from whom he is: The holy Ghoſt is of the Father and the Sonne: Therefore hee is not the ſame with them, or conſubſtantiall. Anſw. The Major is true in creatures, but not in God. 2. There is an ambiguity in this terme, to be of another: He that is of another, and hath not the ſame or whole eſſence, is not conſubſtantiall: But the holy Ghoſt hath the ſame and whole eſſence, and therefore it followeth only, that he is not the ſame perſon. Therefore by inverting the argument we anſwer; that he who is of the Father, and from the Father, is conſubſtantiall with him, as likewiſe with the Son, of, and from whom he alſo is.

3. What is the office of the holy Ghoſt.

THe office of the holy Ghoſt is ſanctification, Sanctification the office of the holy Ghoſt. The parts of his office are five. Spirit …, copulatqu…, …guqu…; Et cen ol…tur… …a ſalutiſ….which is wrought immediately by him from the Father and the Son, and therefore he is called The Spirit of ſanctification. The chiefe parts of his office are, To teach, To regenerate, To unite with Chriſt and God, To governe. To comfort, To confirme or ſtrengthen us. The holy Ghoſt therefore, 1To teach us. John 14.26. and 10.13.John 14:26John 10:13Teacheth and illuminateth us, that wee may know thoſe things which wee ought, and may conceive them aright, according to Chriſts promiſe: The holy Ghoſt, whom the Father will ſend in my name, hee ſhall teach you all things: and bring all things to your remembrance, which I have told you. The Spirit of truth will lead you into all truth. So he taught the Apoſtles at Whitſontide, when they were raw before, of Chriſts death and his kingdom: he kindled in their hearts a new light, he powred into them the miraculous knowledge of tongues and fulfilled the teſtimony and record of Joel. Hereof he is called in Scripture, The Teacher of truth, the Spirit of wiſdom, revelation, underſtanding, counſell and knowledge, &c. 2To regenerate us.He regenerateth us, when he endoweth us with new qualities, and putteth new inclinations in our hearts, that is, hee worketh faith and converſion in the hearts of the choſen.John 3.5.John 3:5 Except a man p. 341be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdome of God. I baptiſe you with water to amendment of life: but hee that cometh after me, Mat. 3.11.Matt 3:11hee will baptiſe you with the holy Ghoſt, and with fire. This baptiſme which is wrought of Chriſt by the holy Ghoſt is the very regeneration or renewing it ſelfe, the ſame which was ſignified by the outward baptiſme of John, and of other miniſters. 3To unite us with Chriſt.Hee conjoyneth us with Chriſt, that we may be his members, and may be quickned by him, and ſo maketh us partakers of all Chriſts benefits. I will powr out my Spirit upon all fleſh. Joel 2.28. 1 Cor. 6.11, 19.Joel 2:281 Cor 6:111 Cor 6:19But yee are waſhed, but ye are ſanctified, but ye are juſtified in the name of the Lord Jeſus, and by the Spirit of our God. Know ye not that your body is the temple of the holy Ghoſt which is in you, 2 Cor. 12.3, 4, 13.2 Cor 12:32 Cor 12:42 Cor 12:13whom ye have of God? No man can ſay that Jeſus is the Lord, but by the holy Ghoſt. There are diverſities of gifts, but the ſame Spirit. By one Spirit we are all baptiſed into the ſame Spirit. Hereby we know that he abideth in us, 1 John 3.24.1 John 3:24even by the ſame Spirit which he hath given us. 4To rule and govern us.Hee ruleth and governeth us: Now, to be ruled and guided by the holy Ghost, is to be inſtructed with wiſdome and counſell in the actions of our life and vocation, and inclined to follow thoſe things which are right and good, and to perform the duties of love and charity towards God and our neighbour:Rom. 8.14.Rom 8:14 As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the ſons of God. And they began to ſpeak with tongues, Acts 2.4.Acts 2:4as the Spirit of God gave them utterance. 5To comfort us. Acts 5.41.Acts 5:41He comforteth us amidſt our afflictions and dangers. The Apoſtles, who were firſt flying away for fear of the Jews, now being erected by the comfort and ſolace of the holy Ghoſt, come forth into open place, and rejoice when they are to ſuffer for the confeſſion of the Goſpel:John 14.16.John 14:16 He will give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. 6To confirm us in faith.He confirmeth us which ſtagger and waver in faith, and aſſureth us of ſalvation; that is, he continueth and cheriſheth in us Chriſts benefits unto the end: So he made the Apoſtles couragious and bold, who were before timorous, and wrapped and intangled with many doubts. Theſe things we may plainly ſee, if we compare that Sermon which Peter made at Whitſontide, with their ſpeech who went to Emmaus, who ſay,Luke 24.21. John 16.22. and 14.16.Luke 24:21John 16:22John 14:16 Wee truſted that it had been he which ſhould have delivered Iſrael. Hereof Chriſt ſaith: Your hearts ſhall rejoice, and your joy ſhall no man take from you. He ſhall abide with you for even. Hence is he called the Spirit of boldneſſe: and the ſeale of our inheritance.

Divers titles of the holy Ghoſt.Theſe are the chiefe and principall parts of the holy Ghoſts office, who, in reſpect of this his office, hath divers titles of commendation in the Scripture: for hereof he is called, 1The Spirit of adoption. Rom. 8.15, 16.Rom 8:15Rom 8:16The Spirit of adoption; becauſe he aſſureth us of the fatherly good will of God towards us, and is a witneſſe unto us of that free goodneſſe and mercy wherewith the Father imbraceth us in his only begotten Son. Therefore by his Spirit we cry, Abba, Father. 2The ſeal of our inheritance. 2 Cor. 1.22. Epheſ. 1.13, 14.2 Cor 1:22Eph 1:13Eph 1:14He is called the earnest and ſeal of our inheritance; becauſe he aſſureth us of our ſalvation: It is God which ſtabliſheth us with you in Chriſt, and hath annointed us: who hath alſo ſealed us, and hath given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. In which Goſpel alſo after that yee beleeved, yee were ſealed with the holy Spirit of promiſe, which is the earneſt of our inheritance. 3Life, or Spirit. of life. Rom. 8.2.Rom 8:2Hee is called life; becauſe he quickneth us: or (as the Apoſtle ſaith) The Spirit of life, who mortifieth the old man, and quickeneth the new The law of the Spirit of life which is in Christ Jeſus hath freed me from the law of ſin and of death. 4Water. Ezek. 36.5. and 47.1.Ezek 36:5Ezek 47:1Hee is called water, whereby hee refreſheth us, being almoſt dead in ſin, purgeth out ſin, and maketh us fruitfull, that wee may bring forth the fruit of righteouſneſſe unto God. 5Fire. Matth. 3.9.Matt 3:9Hee is called fire; becauſe he doth daily burn up and conſume concupiſcences and vices in us, and kindleth our hearts with the love of God and our neighbour. 6The fountain of living water. Rev. 21.6. & 7.17.Rev 21:6Rev 7:17Hee is called the fountaine; becauſe celeſtiall riches do flow unto us from him, and by him. 7The Spirit of prayer. Zech. 12.10. Rom. 8.2….Zech 12:10Rom 8:2He is called the Spirit of prayer; becauſe he ſtirreth us up unto prayer, and inſtructeth us to pray: I will powr upon the houſe of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jeruſalem the Spirit of grace, and of prayer, and they ſhall look upon me. The Spirit alſo helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what to pray as we ought. 8The oyle of gladneſſe. Hebr. 9.Heb 9The oyl of gladneſſe; becauſe he maketh us joyfull, forward, and lively: Wherefore God, even thy God hath annointed thee with the oyle of gladneſſe. 9The Comforter.Hee is called the Comforter; becauſe hee worketh faith in us, and purifieth our conſciences, and ſo comforteth us, that wee exult and rejoice in afflictions. 10The Interceſſour.He is called Interceſſour; becauſe the Spirit maketh request p. 342or interceſſion for us, with ſighs which cannot be expreſſed. 11The Spirit of truth, &c.He is called laſtly, the Spirit of truth, of wiſdome, of joy, of gladneſſe, of fear of God, of boldneſſe, and the like.

Object. 1. Thoſe parts of the Spirits office before ſpecified are not proper to the holy Ghoſt, but belong alſo to the Father and the Son. Therefore they are not well aſſigned to the holy Ghost as proper. Anſw. They belong alſo the Father and the Son, but mediately by the holy Ghoſt: But unto the holy Ghoſt they belong immediately. Rep. But after the ſame manner alſo it ſeemeth, that the preſervation of things, the invention of arts and ſciences, and the like, are to be attributed as proper functions unto the holy Ghoſt: for thoſe alſo doth the Father and the Son work by the holy Ghoſt; according as it is ſaid, The Spirit of the Lord filleth all the world. Wiſd. 17.Wis 17Anſ. To the aſſigning of a work as proper unto the holy Ghoſt, is required, not only that it be immediately done by him; but in ſuch wiſe alſo, as that he be acknowledged and worſhipped therein. Now there doth the holy Ghoſt work properly where he ſanctifieth and halloweth; for therefore alſo is he called holy.

Object 2. It was ſaid before, that the holy Ghoſt is the earneſt of our inheritance: But Saul and Ju…as had the holy Ghost, neither yet obtained they the inheritance, but were reprobate: Therefore the holy Ghoſt is not the earneſt of our inheritance. Anſ. Saul and Judas had the holy Ghoſt, a…oncerning ſome gifts of the holy Ghoſt: but they had not the Spirit of adoption. Repl. But it is the ſame Spirit. Anſ. It is the ſame Spirit indeed, but doth not work the ſame things in all: For he worketh adoption and converſion in the elect only. Here therefore we are to intreat of the gifts of the holy Ghoſt, and their differences.

4. What, and of how many ſorts the gifts of the holy Ghoſt are.

Two ſorts of the holy Ghoſts gifts.ALl the gifts of the holy Ghoſt may be referred to the parts of his office before rehearſed; namely, our illumination and enlightning, the gift of tongues, the gift of prophecie, of interpretation, of miracles; our faith, regeneration, prayer, ſtrength,1. Common to both godly and ungodly. and conſtancy, &c. Theſe gifts are of two ſorts: Some are common to the godly and ungodly: ſome are proper to the godly and elect only. Thoſe again which are common to the godly and ungodly are two-fold; for ſome of them are given but to certain men and at certain times; as the gift of miracles, and of tongues, prophecies, the faith of miracles; and theſe were neceſſary for the Apoſties and the primitive Church when the Goſpel was firſt to be diſperſed: therefore they were miraculouſly beſtowed on them. Some are given to all the members of the Church, and at all times; as the gift of tongues, the gift of interpretation, ſciences, arts, prudence, learning, eloquence, and ſuch like; all which pertain to the maintenance and preſervation of the miniſtery: Theſe are now alſo given to every member of the Church, according to the meaſure of Chriſts gift, as the calling & vocation of every member needeth; though they be not miraculouſly beſtowed as they were on the Apoſtles,2. Proper unto the godly. but attained unto by labour and ſtudy. The gifts of the holy Ghoſt proper unto the godly, are all thoſe things which we comprehend under the name of ſanctification and adoption: as juſtifying faith, regeneration, true prayer, unfained love of God and our neighbour, hope, patience, conſtancy, and other gifts profitable to ſalvation;John 14.17. Rom. 8.16, 26.John 14:17Rom 8:16Rom 8:26 theſe are all conferred on the elect alone in their converſion: Whom the world cannot receive. The Spirit witneſſeth with our ſpirit that we are the ſons of God. The Spirit maketh requeſt for us with ſighs which cannot be expreſſed. Hence is he called the Spirit of adoption. Obj. Many out of the Church have had tongues and ſciences: The tongues therefore and ſciences are not the gifts of the holy Ghoſt. Anſ. The tongues and ſciences out of the Church are alſo the gifts of the holy Ghoſt, but by a generall working of God, which is without the true knowledge of him. But in the Church the tongues and ſciences are the gifts of the holy Ghoſt joined with the true knowledge of God.

Moreover, all thoſe gifts (as we have ſaid) are fitly referred to thoſe five principall parts before numbred of the holy Ghoſts office, as the knowledge of tongues and of ſciences to his function of teaching; and that miraculous and extraordinary p. 343gift of tongues, partly to his function of ruling (for the holy Ghoſt did rule and govern their tongues;) partly to his function of teaching and confirming. So alſo the gift of prophecy and interpretation belongeth to his office of teaching: for hee teacheth both by illightning the minds within by his vertue, and by inſtructing them without by the word. The inſtitution and ordinance of the Sacraments appertaineth to his office of teaching, but chiefly to his office of confirming. Faith and converſion belong to his office of regenerating and conjoyning us with Chriſt. That he is the Spirit of prayer, inſtructing us how to pray, belongeth to his office of ruling and governing. In like ſort, the reſt of the gifts may be referred to certain parts of the holy Ghoſts office.

5. Of whom the holy Ghoſt is given, and wherefore he is given.

1. Of the Father by the Son.HEe is given of the Father and the Son, and alſo by the Son of the Father, but not by the Father: for the Father giveth the holy Ghoſt from no other, but from himſelf as who is of no other but of himſelf, neither worketh from any other but from himſelf: The Son giveth the holy Ghoſt from the Father, from whom alſo himſelf both worketh and is. That he is given of and from the Father,2. Of the Son from the Father. Acts 1.4. & 2.17.Acts 1:4Acts 2:17 theſe teſtimonies do confirm: Hee commandeth them to wait for the promiſe of the Father. I will powr out of my ſpirit upon all fleſh. I will pray the Father, and he ſhall give you another Comforter. John 14.16, 17.John 14:16John 14:17The Father will ſend him in my name. That the holy Ghoſt is given of the Son, theſe teſtimonies do prove: I will ſend you from the Father the Spirit of truth. If I depart, John 15.26. and 16.7.John 15:26John 16:7I will ſend him unto you. Since he by the right hand of God hath been exalted, Acts 2.33.Acts 2:33and hath received of his Father the promiſe of the holy Ghoſt, he hath ſhed forth this which ye now ſee and hear. Wherefore the Son alſo giveth him, but in this order, that the Son ſendeth him from the Father; whence is gathered a ſtrong argument for proof of Chriſts God-head: for who giveth the Spirit of God, and who hath any right or title unto him, but God? for the humane nature of Chriſt, ſo far off is it that it ſhould have this right and power to ſend the holy Ghoſt, that contrarily it ſelf was hallowed and ſanctified by the holy Ghoſt.What is meant by the giving of the holy Ghoſt. Now we are to underſtand this giving of the holy Ghoſt by the Father and the Son, as that both of them is effectuall and forcible by him, and that the holy Ghoſt worketh on a precedency of the will of the Father and the Son: For wee are to mark and obſerve the order of operation or working in the perſons of the Divinity, which is ſuch in working as it is in ſubſiſting; the Fathers will goeth before, the will of the Son followeth, and the will of the holy Ghoſt followeth them both, yet not in time, but in order.Why the holy Ghoſt is given. The cauſe wherefore he giveth us the holy Ghoſt, is none other but only of his free election, through the merit and interceſſion of his Son:Epheſ. 1.3.Eph 1:3 Which hath bleſſed us with all ſpirituall bleſſings in heavenly things in Chriſt, as he hath choſen us in him before the foundation of the world. John 14.16.John 14:16I will pray the Father, and he ſhall give you another Comforter. The Son giveth us him, or he is given by the Son, becauſe hee hath obtained for us by his merit that hee ſhould be given unto us, and he by his own interceſſion beſtoweth him on us.

6. Unto whom the holy Ghost is given.

To all who partake of any of his g…fts. To all the Church. How to the elect.THe holy Ghoſt is ſaid to be given unto them to whom he communicateth his gifts, and who acknowledge him. Wherefore the holy Ghoſt is given to divers parties, according to diverſe gifts. He is given to the whole Church or aſſembly of thoſe that are called; that is, both to the elect, and to hypocrites; but in a diverſe manner to the one and the other: To the elect he is given, not only as concerning his common gifts, but alſo as concerning his proper and ſaving graces: that is, not only as concerning the knowledge of Gods doctrine, but alſo as concerning regeneration, faith, and converſion: becauſe, beſides that he kindleth in them the knowledge of Gods truth and will, hee doth further alſo regenerate them, and endow them with true faith and converſion. Hee is therefore ſo given unto them, that he worketh and effectuateth in them his gifts of their ſalvation, and that themſelves p. 344alſo may know and feel by thoſe gifts imparted unto them, the holy Ghoſt dwelling in them. And further, he is no otherwiſe given unto them then as themſelves alſo be willing and deſirous of him; and then is augmented and increaſed in them if they perſevere.How to hypocrites. John 14.17.John 14:17 But to hypocrites the holy Ghoſt is given only as touching the knowledge of doctrine, and other his common and generall gifts: The world cannot receive him, becauſe it ſeeth him not, neither knoweth him. Hence it is apparent, how the knowledge of tongues, ſciences, and the like gifts beſtowed on the heathen, differ from thoſe which are beſtowed on the Church: for they, who amongſt the heathen excelled in the knowledge of tongues, and good arts, and things profitable, had indeed the gifts of God, but not the holy Ghoſt; whom none are ſaid to have, but they whom he hath ſanctified, and who acknowledge him to be the author of the gifts received.

7. When, and how the holy Ghoſt is given and received.

The holy Ghoſt is given, 1. Viſib…y.THe holy Ghoſt is then given when he imparteth or communicateth his gifts, as hath been already proved. And he is given either viſibly, when he beſtoweth his gifts adjoyning outward ſignes and tokens; or inviſibly, when he beſtoweth his gifts without ſignes or tokens. Hee was not alwayes given viſibly, but at certain times, and for certain cauſes: yet was he more plentifully powred on men in the time of the new Teſtament, then before in the time of the old; for ſo had Joel prophecied:Joel 2.28.Joel 2:28 In the laſt dayes I will powr out of my Spirit. So hee was given viſibly unto the Apoſtles and others in the primitive Church:Act. 2.3. & 10.44.Acts 2:3Acts 10:44 There appeared unto them cloven tongues like fire, and it ſate upon each of them. The holy Ghoſt fell on all them which heard the word. I ſaw the holy Ghoſt come down from heaven, &c. And theſe and other like ſpeeches are ſo to be expounded, as that the ſigne taketh the name of the thing it ſelfe; and therefore that is affirmed of the thing which agreeth unto the ſigne; by which ſigne the holy Ghoſt witneſſeth his preſence and efficacy. So alſo John ſaw the holy Ghoſt deſcending on Chriſt in bodily ſhape like a dove: Luke 3.22.Luke 3:22Hee ſaw then the ſhape of a dove, under which God ſhewed the preſence of his Spirit. Wherefore we muſt not think that there is any locall motion in God,The ſending of the holy Ghoſt is no locall motion. but his preſence and operation, which hee ſheweth and exerciſeth in the Church: For the holy Ghoſt is ſpread abroad every-where, and filleth both heaven and earth; in which reſpect hee is ſaid to be given, ſent, powred out, when by his effectuall and forcible preſence he doth create, ſtir up, and by little and little perfect his gifts in the members of the Church.2. Inviſibly. He alwayes was and is given unto the Church inviſibly, from the beginning unto the end of the world; for hee ſpake by the prophets: and hee which hath not the Spirit of Chriſt is none of his: Rom. 8.9.Rom 8:9yea, without the holy Ghoſt there never had been,3. By means of hearing the word, and receiving the ſacraments. never ſhould be any Church. Hee is given after an ordinary way by the miniſtery of the word, and by the uſe of the Sacraments; and 1. In manifeſting himſelfe unto us through the ſtudying and meditation of the doctrine of the Goſpel: for when he is known of us, he will communicate himſelf unto us; and when hee ſheweth himſelf to be known of us, hee doth alſo renew and reform our hearts: So did hee work in the elect by Peters ſermon in the day of Pentecoſt:Acts 2.37. & 10.44.Acts 2:37Acts 10:44 Likewiſe he wrought in Cornelius and the reſt there preſent by the ſame Peter ſpeaking. But yet notwithſtanding hee doth ſo work by the word and ſacraments as that hee is not tied to thoſe means: 4. Freely, to that hee is not t…ed to …hemfor hee converted Paul in his journey, and hee furniſhed John Baptist with his gifts in his wombe. Now when wee ſay, hee is given by the miniſtery of the word and ſacraments, we mean this of perſons of a competent age, and repute this way for ordinary, and ſpeak of that viſible ſending of the holy Ghoſt, whereby ſeverall men in the Church partake of his accuſtomed or ordinary gifts,…al 4.6. Rom. 8.9.Rom 8:9 and whereof it is ſaid, Hee hath ſent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts &c. He which hath not the Spirit of Chriſt is none of his. 2. He is given by working a deſire of him in the elect:Luke 21.13.Luke 21:13 for hee is given to them that deſire him. Hence is drawn a forcible argument to prove the God-head of the holy Ghoſt: for to work effectually by the miniſtery is proper to God only:1 Co…. 3.7. Neither is he that planteth p. 345any thing, neither he that watereth, but God that giveth the increaſe. Mat. 3.11.Matt 3:11I baptiſe you with water to amendment of life: but he that cometh after me, will baptiſe you with the holy Ghoſt, and with fire. The Goſpel is the power of God, Rom. 1.16.Rom 1:16becauſe the holy Ghoſt is forcible in working by it: whereupon alſo the Goſpel is called the miniſtration of the ſpirit. 2 Cor. 3.8.2 Cor 3:8Now the holy Ghoſt is received by faith. Wherin alſo after that ye beleeved, Epheſ. 1.13.Eph 1:13ye were ſealed with the holy Spirit of promiſe. The world cannot receive the Spirit of truth, becauſe it neither ſeeth him, nor knoweth him. Object. But faith is the gift and fruit of the holy Ghost. Epheſ. 2.8.Eph 2:8By grace are ye ſaved through faith, and that not of your ſelves: it is the gift of God. No man can ſay, that Jeſus is the Lord, but by the holy Ghoſt: 1 Cor. 12.3.1 Cor 12:3Therefore the holy Ghost goeth before faith: How then is he ſaid to be received by faith? Anſw. 1. The working of the ſpirit is in order of nature before faith, but in time both are together: becauſe the firſt beginning of faith is the receiving of the holy Ghoſt. 2. Faith being once begun, the holy Ghoſt is more and more received,Galat. 5.6. Acts 15.9.Gal 5:6Acts 15:9 who worketh aftewards other things in us by faith. As it is ſaid, Faith worketh by love. By faith mens hearts are purified.

8. How the holy Ghoſt is retained.

THe holy Ghoſt is retained and kept for the moſt part by the ſame meanes by which it is given and received. 11. By diligent uſe of the Eccleſiaſticall Miniſtery. He gave ſome to be Apostles, Epheſ. 4.11, 12, 13Eph 4:11Eph 4:12Eph 4:13ſome to be Prophets for the edification of the body of Chriſt, till we all meet together in the unity of faith. 22. By meditation in the doctrine of the Goſpel, and by ſtudying to profit therein.Pſal. 1.2.Ps 1:2 He that doth meditate in the Law of the Lord day and night, ſhall be like a tree planted by the rivers of waters, that will bring forth her fruit in due ſeaſon. Let the word of Chriſt dwell in you plenteouſly in all wiſdome, Coloſ. 3.16.Col 3:16teaching and admoniſhing your ſelves. 33. He is kept by increaſe and continuance, and amendment of life: that is, by a deſire of bewaring to offend againſt our conſcience. Unto him that hath, ſhall be given. He that is righteous, let him be righteous still. Mat. 13.12. Revel. 22.11. Epheſ. 4.30.Matt 13:12Rev 22:11Eph 4:30Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, by whom yee are ſealed unto the day of redemption. Hither may be referred a deſire of avoiding evill company and ſin. For he that will avoid ſin, muſt avoid all occaſion of ſinning. 44. He is retained by daily and earneſt prayer and invocation.Luke 11.13. Mat. 17.21.Luke 11:13Matt 17:21 How much more ſhall your heavenly Father give the holy Ghost to them that deſire him? This kind is not caſt out but by prayer and fasting. The ſame may we ſee in that panoply or complete harneſſe, which the Apoſtle deſcribeth. Likewiſe,Epheſ. 6.14.Eph 6:14 it is confirmed by the example of David, who prayeth,Pſal. 51.11.Ps 51:11 That God will not take his holy Spirit from him. 55. He is retained by applying Gods gifts to their right uſe, that is, to his glory, and to the ſafety of our neighbour. And when thou art converted,Luke 22.32. Mat. 25.29.Luke 22:32Matt 25:29 confirm thy brethren. Ʋnto every man that hath, it ſhall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath ſhall be taken away.

9. Whether, and how the holy Ghoſt may be loſt.

How he is loſt of Reprobates, and how of the Elect.HE may be loſt of Hypocrites and Reprobates finally: that is, ſo as they ſhall never recover him: and totally; that is, ſo that they ſhall retaine none of his graces. Of the Elect, he is never wholly loſt, but onelyonly as touching many gifts: becauſe they alwayes retaine ſome gifts, as Davids example teſtifieth unto us, who ſaid; Restore to me the joy of thy ſalvation. Take not thine holy ſpirit from me. Pſal. 51.11, 12.Ps 51:11Ps 51:12Neither is he finally loſt of the Elect, becauſe at length they return to repentance. But of the Reprobate he is altogether or wholly loſt, and finally; ſo that they never receive him. Object. But the holy Ghoſt departed from Saul: Therefore he may alſo depart from the Elect. Anſ. He departed from Saul; but not the ſpirit of regeneration; for he never had him: only the ſpirit of prophecy, prudence, courage, and other gifts, wherewith he was richly indowed, left and forſooke him. For he was elect and choſen, not unto life, but unto the Kingdome, as Judas was unto an Apoſtleſhip. Repl. Yea, but the regenerating ſpirit alſo departeth; becauſe David prayeth, Pſal. 51.12.Ps 51:12Reſtore to me the joy of thy ſalvation. Anſ. He is loſt oftentimes, as concerning ſome gifts of regeneration, but not wholly. For it cannot poſſibly be, that the godly ſhould retaine no remnants; p. 346ſeeing they doe not ſinne to death, but only of the infirmity of their fleſh, inaſmuch as they are not yet borne againe. This Saint John teacheth expreſly, ſaying; Whoſoever is borne of God, ſinneth not: for his ſeed remaineth in him, neither can be ſinne, becauſe he is borne of God. David in his fall loſt the joy of his heart, the purity of conſcience, and many other gifts, which he coveteth to have reſtored unto him. But the holy Ghoſt he had not utterly loſt: for if ſo, how then could he have ſaid, Take not thine holy ſpirit from me? wherefore he had not utterly loſt him. A man (ſaith Bernard) never abideth in the ſame ſtate: either he goeth backward or forward. For this difference is to be obſerved and held for the aſſoiling of that queſtion; How namely the perſeverance of the Elect may be notwithstanding certaine, albeit they loſe the holy Ghoſt: which is, becauſe they are never wholly and finally deſtitute of the holy Ghoſt.Five meanes whereby he is loſt. Now the holy Ghoſt may be loſt five wayes, and thoſe contrary to thoſe other meanes, whereby he is retained: 11. By contempt of the Eccleſiaſticall Ministery. 22. By neglecting the Word and Doctrine. For Paul willedth Timothy, To ſtirre up the gift of God which was in him: and alſo teacheth him how they may be done; By giving attendance to his reading, 2 Tim. 1. 6. 1 Tim. 4.14.2 Tim 1:61 Tim 4:14to exhortation, and doctrine. 33. He is loſt by carnall ſecurity, and by giving our ſelves to commit wickedneſſe againſt our conſcience. 44. By neglect of prayer. 55. By abuſing the gifts of the holy Ghoſt; as when they are not imployed to his glory, and to the ſafety of our neighbour. Ʋnto him that hath, ſhall be given: from him that hath not, Luke 8.18.Luke 8:18even that he hath ſhall be taken away.

10. Wherefore the holy Ghoſt is neceſſary.

HOw neceſſary and needfull the holy Ghoſt is, and for what cauſes, doth cleerly appeare by theſe places of Scripture. Except that a man be borne of water and of the Spirit, John 3.5.John 3:5he cannot enter into the Kingdome of heaven. Fleſh and bloud cannot inhabite the Kingdome of God. We are not ſufficient of our ſelves to think any think, as of our ſelves; but our ſufficiency is of God. 1 Cor. 15.50. 2 Cor. 3.5. Rom. 8.9.1 Cor 15:502 Cor 3:5Rom 8:9If any man hath not the Spirit of Chriſt, he is none of his. Hence we may thus conclude: Without whom we cannot think, much leſſe doe ought that is good, and without whom he can neither be regenerated, nor know God, neither attaine unto the inheritance of the celeſtiall Kingdome; without him we cannot be ſaved. But without the holy Ghoſt theſe things cannot be done, by reaſon of the corruption and blindneſſe of our nature: Therefore, without the holy Ghoſt it cannot be, that we ſhould be ſaved: and ſo it followeth, that he is altogether neceſſary for us unto ſalvation.

11. How we may know, that the holy Ghoſt dwelleth in us.

WE know that we have him, by the effect, or by his benefits and bleſſings in us: as by the true knowledge of God, by regeneration, faith, peace of conſcience, and the inchoation or beginning of a new obedience, or by a readineſſe and willingneſſe to obey God.Rom. 5.1, 4.Rom 5:1Rom 5:4 Being juſtified by faith, we have peace towards God. The love of God is ſhed in our hearts. Againe, we know it by the teſtimony and witneſſe which he beareth unto our ſpirit, that we are the ſonnes of God. Moreover, moſt certaine teſtimonies and tokens of the holy Ghoſt dwelling in us, are; comfort in the midſt of death, joy in afflictions, a purpoſe to perſevere in faith, ſighes, and ardent prayers, a ſincere profeſſing of Chriſtianity.**1 Cor. 12.3 ON THE 21 SABBATH.1 Cor 12:3 No man can ſay, that Jeſus is the Lord, but by the holy Ghost. In a word, by faith and repentance, we know that the holy Ghoſt dwelleth in us.