Two discourses concerning the Holy Spirit, and His work the one, Of the Spirit…

(§ 4.) 2. There is an Agreement between Saving Graces and Spiritual Gifts, with respect unto their immediate efficient Cause. They are both sorts of them wrought by the Power of the Holy Ghost. As to what concerneth the former or saving Grace, ⟨p. 118⟩I have already treated of that Argument at large; nor will any deny that the Holy Ghost is the Author of these Graces, but those that deny that there are any such. That these Gifts are so wrought by him, is expressly declared where-ever there is mention of them in general or particular. Wherefore, when they acknowledge that there were such Gifts, all confess him to be their Author; by whom he is denied so to be, it is only because they deny the continuance of any such Gifts in the Church of God. But this is that which we shall disprove.

(§ 5.) 3. Herein also they agree, that both sorts of them are designed unto the Good, Benefit, Ornament and Glory of the Church. The Church is the proper Seat and Subject of them, to it are they granted, and in it do they reside. For Christ is given to be Head over all things unto the Church, which is his Body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all, Ephes. 1. 22, 23. But this Church falls under a double Consideration. First, as it is Believing; Secondly, as it is Professing. In the first respect absolutely it is invisible, and as such is the peculiar subject of Saving Grace. This is that Church which Christ loved and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it, and present it unto himself a Glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be Holy and without Blemish, Eph. 5. 26, 27. This is the work of Saving Grace, and by a participation thereof do Men become Members of this Church and not otherwise. And hereby is the professing Church quickened and enabled unto Profession in an acceptable manner. •or the Elect receive Grace unto this end in this World, that they may glorify Christ and the Gospel in the Exercise of it,