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

IT must be granted, that there is some Impropriety in that Expression, by the way of Office. An Office is not simply, nor it may be properly spoken of a Divine Person, who is absolutely so and nothing else. But the like Impropriety is to be found in most of the Expressions which we use concerning God, for who can speak of him aright, or as he ought. Only we have a safe Rule whereby to express our Conceptions; even what He speaks of ⟨p. 2⟩Himself. And he hath taught us to learn the Work of the Holy Ghost towards us in this Matter, by ascribing unto Him those things which belong unto an Office among Men.

FOUR things are required unto the Constitution of an Office. (1) An especial Trust. (2) An especial Mission or Commission. (3) An especial Name. (4) An especial Work. All these are required unto an Office properly so called; and where they are complied withal by a voluntary susception in the Person designed thereunto, an Office is completely constituted. And we must enquire how these things in a Divine Manner do concur in the Work of the Holy Spirit as he is the Comforter of the Church.

FOUR things are required unto the Constitution of an Office. (1) An especial Trust. (2) An especial Mission or Commission. (3) An especial Name. (4) An especial Work. All these are required unto an Office properly so called; and where they are complyed withall by a voluntary susception in the Person designed thereunto, an Office is compleatly constituted. And we must enquire how these things in a Divine Manner do concur in the Work of the Holy Spirit as he is the Comforter of the Church.

FIRST, He is entrusted with this Work, and of his own Will hath taken it on Himself. For when our Saviour was leaving of the World, and had a full Prospect of all the Evils, Troubles, Dejections and Disconsolations which would befall his Disciples, and knew full well that if they were left unto themselves, they would faint and perish under them, He gives them Assurance that the Work of their Consolation and Supportment was left entrusted and committed unto the Holy Spirit, and that He would both take Care about it, and perfect it accordingly.