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

Where ever they came in all Nations, to all sorts of People, of all Languages, they were now enabled in their own Tongue and Speech to declare and preach the Gospel unto them, being always filled with a Treasure of Wisdom and Spiritual Mysteries, whence they could draw forth as every occasion did require. (2) Whereas they were poor, the difficulties wherewith such a condition is attended ⟨p. 211⟩were also by this means utterly taken away. For although they had neither Silver nor Gold by their Work or Employment, but their outward Wants and Distresses were rather increased thereby; yet their Minds and Souls were by this Communication of the Spirit, so raised above the World, and filled with such a Contempt of all the desirable things in it, and of all the Pride of Men upon their account, as that their want of Possessions and outward Enjoyments made them only the more ready and expedite for their work, whence also such of them as had Possessions sold them, gave their price to the Poor, that they might be no hindrance unto them in their Design. And hence also it was that those who even after the Resurrection of Christ were enquiring after a Temporal Kingdom, wherein no doubt a good part of its Glory, Power and Advantages would fall to their share, as most do who yet continue to Dream of such a Kingdom in this World, immediately upon the Communication of these Gifts rejoiced that they were counted worthy of shame for the Name of Christ, when they were Imprisoned, Whipped, and despitefully used, Acts 4. (3) They had Boldness, Courage and Constancy given unto them in the room of that pusillanimity and fear which before they had discovered. This the Jews took notice of and were astonished at, Acts 4. 13. And they had reason so to be, if we consider the Power and Authority of that work wherein they were then assaulted, with the Speech of Peter unto them, ver. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. which he spake as filled with the Holy Ghost. See also Acts 5. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32. And in the whole course of their Ministry throughout the World the like undaunted Courage, Resolution ⟨p. 212⟩and Constancy did always and in all things accompany them.