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

And this Gift was eminent in those Primitive Times, when a Company of unlearned Men were able upon all occasions to maintain and defend the Truth which they Believed and Professed before and against Doctors, Scribes, Lawyers, Rulers of Synagogues, yea Princes and Kings, continually so confounding their Adversaries, as that being obstinate in their unbelief they were ⟨p. 166⟩forced to cover their Shame by betaking themselves unto Rage and Bestial Fury, Acts 6. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. Chap. 7. 54. Chap. 22. 22, 23. As hath been the manner of all their Successors ever since.

And this Gift was eminent in those Primitive Times, when a Company of unlearned Men were able upon all occasions to maintain and defend the Truth which they Believed and Professed before and against Doctors, Scribes, Lawyers, Rulers of Synagogus, yea Princes and Kings, continually so confounding their Adversaries, as that being obstinate in their unbelief they were ⟨p. 166⟩forced to cover their Shame by betaking themselves unto Rage and Bestial Fury, Acts 6. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. Chap. 7. 54. Chap. 22. 22, 23. As hath been the manner of all their Successors ever since.

(§ 4.) NOW although this be an especial kind of Wisdom, an Eminent Gift of the Holy Ghost, wherein the Glory of Christ and Honour of the Gospel in greatly concerned; namely an Ability to manage and defend the Truth in times of Trial and Danger, to the Confusion of its Adversaries; yet I suppose the Wisdom here intended, is not absolutely confined thereunto, though it be principally intended. Peter speaking of Paul's Epistles, affirms that they were written according to the Wisdom given into him, 2 Pet. 3. 15. That is, that especial Gift of Spiritual Wisdom, for the management of Gospel Truths unto the Edification of the Church of Christ, which he had received. And he that would understand what this Wisdom is, must be throughly conversant in the Writings of that Apostle. For indeed the Wisdom that he useth in the management of the Doctrine of the Gospel, in the due consideration of all Persons, Occasions, Circumstances, Temptations of Men and Churches, of their State, Condition, Strength or Weakness, Growth or Decays, Obedience or Failings, their Capacities and Progresses, with the Holy Accommodation of himself in what he teacheth or delivereth, in Meekness, in Vehemency, in Tenderness, in Sharpness, in severe Arguings and pathetical Expostulations, with all other ways and means suited unto his Holy Ends, in the propagation of the Gospel, and Edification of the Church, are inexpressibly Glorious and Excellent. All this did he do according to the singular Gift of Wisdom that was bestowed on