Looking unto Jesus a view of the everlasting gospel, or, the souls eying of…

6. Upon what account was it that the Holy Ghost should reveal himself at this time? and why in form of a Dove, rather than some other form?

To the first I answer, the Holy Ghost now revealed himself, because the Spiritual Kingdom and Sceptre of Christ, in and by which he was to rule all Nations for ever, was now at hand.¹ It was agreeable (saith my Author) that the spiritualness of this Kingdom should be sealed and confirmed by the Holy Spirits showing himself even in the beginning of it. The carnal Rites of Moses were now to vanish, and his Corporal and Ceremonial Observances were now to be changed into a Spiritual Worship; and neither at Jerusalem, or at Mount Gerazim, nor elsewhere, must there be any more adoration with fleshly and earthly Ceremonies;² but he that will Worship God, must worship him in Spirit and Truth; and therefore it is no wonder, if now the Holy Ghost doth reveal himself; I say now, when his Spiritual Dominion by sanctification is to begin. Secondly, Because the Holy Ghost was now in especial manner to be restored again: Some observe, that he was visibly departed from Israel after the Death of the last Prophets; and therefore now at his restoring, he comes in a visible and apparent form; and he lights on him, to whom it belongs to give the Spirit, and his gifts to whom he pleaseth. As John had preached that Christ should baptize with the Holy Ghost, so now the Holy Ghost comes and abides on Jesus Christ, in the sight of John; as if the Father should have said, Now I seal that Power and Privilege to Christ my Son, which John hath spoken: now the Holy Ghost is upon himself, and hereafter he shall baptize others with the same Holy Ghost. Thirdly, Because at the beginning of the Gospel it was most suitable, that a full, clear, and sensible demonstration of the whole Trinity should be made. The Learned observe, that the Holy Ghost in Scripture hath a special regard to express this Mystery of the Trinity upon singular occasions; so the very first thing that is taught in all the Bible,³