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

(§ 4.) AND this appears, (1) From the Grandeur of it's Introduction, or the great and solemn Preparation that was made for the giving out of this Gift. It was given by Christ when he ascended up on high, and led Captivity captive, Ver. 8. The Words are taken from Psal. 68. 17, 18. The Chariots of God are twenty thousand, even Thousands of Angels, the Lord is among them as in Sinai in the Holy Place. Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led Captivity captive, thou hast received Gifts for Men, yea, for the Rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them. In the first place, the glorious Appearance of God on Mount Sinai in giving of the Law, his descending and ascending unto that purpose, is intended. But they are applied here unto Christ, because all the glorious Works of God in and towards the Church of Old, were either Representatory, or gradually introductory of Christ and the Gospel. Thus the glorious Ascending of God from Mount Sinai after the giving of the Law, was a Representation of his ascending far above all Heavens to fill all things, as Ver. 10. And as God then led Captivity captive in the Destruction of Pharaoh and the Egyptians, who had long held his People in Captivity, and under Cruel Bondage: So dealt the Lord Christ now in ⟨p. 224⟩the Destruction and Captivity of Satan and all his Powers, Col. 2. 15. Only whereas it is said in the Psalm, that he received Gifts for men, here it is said, that he gave Gifts to men, wherein no small Mystery is couched. For although Christ is God, and is so gloriously represented in the Psalm, yet an Intimation is given that he should act what is here mentioned in a condition wherein he was capable to receive from another, as he did in this matter, Acts 2. 2, 3. And so the Phrase in the Original doth more than insinuate [Greek or Hebrew], Thou hast received Gifts in Adam, in the Man or Humane Nature. And [Greek or Hebrew] signifies as well to give as to receive, especially when any thing is received to be given. Christ received this Gift in the Humane Nature to give it unto others. Now to what end is this glorious Theatre, as it were, prepared, and all this Preparation made, all Men being called to the Preparation of it? It was to set out the Greatness of the Gift he would bestow, and the Glory of the Work which he would effect.