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

(§ 15.) BUT whereas these Healings were miraculous Operations, it may be enquired why the Gift of ⟨p. 179⟩them is constantly distinguished from Miracles, and is placed as a distinct Effect of the Holy Ghost by it self; for that so it is, is evident both in the Commission of Christ granting this Power unto his Disciples, and in the Annumeration of these Gifts in this and other Places. I answer, This seems to be done on a Three-fold Account. (1) Because Miracles absolutely, were a Sign unto them that Believed not, as the Apostle speaketh of Tongues, they were a Sign not unto them that believe, but unto them that believed not, 1 Cor. 14. 22. That is, which served for their Conviction. But this Work of Healing was a Sign unto Believers themselves, and that on a double Account. For First, The pouring out of this Gift of the Holy Ghost, was a peculiar Sign and Token of the coming of the Kingdom of God. So saith our Saviour to his Disciples, Heal the Sick, and say unto them, The Kingdom of God is come nigh unto you, Luke 10. 9. This Gift of Healing being a Token and Pledge thereof. This Sign did our Saviour give of it himself, when John sent his Disciples unto him to enquire for their own Satisfaction, not his, whether he were the Messiah or no, Matth. 11. 4, 5. Go, saith he, and show John these things which ye do hear and see; the Blind receive their Sight, the Lame walk, the Lepers are cleansed, and the Deaf hear, the Dead are raised up, and the Poor have the Gospel preached unto them: Which was the Evidence of his own being the Messiah, and bringing in the Kingdom of God. The Jews have an ancient Tradition, that in the Days of the Messiah all things should be healed but the Serpent. And there is a Truth in what they say; although for their parts they understand it not. For all are healed by Christ but the Serpent and his Seed; the ⟨p. 180⟩wicked Unbelieving World. And hereof, namely, of the healing and recovery of all things by Christ, was this Gift or Sign unto the Church. Wherefore he began his Ministry after his first Miracle, with healing all manner of Sickness, and all manner of Diseases among the People,