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

Only let it be remembered, that in this whole Discourse by Gifts I do understand those [Greek or Hebrew], those Spiritual Largesses which are neither absolutely Natural Endowments, nor attainable by our own Industry and Diligence.

Only let it be remembred, that in this whole Discourse by Gifts I do understand those 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, those Spiritual Largesses which are neither absolutely Natural Endowments, nor attainable by our own Industry and Diligence.

(§ 9.) 7thly, THESE Gifts, as they are bestowed unto that End, so they are indispensably necessary unto Gospel Administrations. For as we have proved, they are Spiritual, and not Legal or Carnal; and Spiritual Administrations cannot be exercised in a due manner without Spiritual Gifts: ⟨p. 254⟩Yea, one Reason why they are Spiritual, and so called, is because they cannot be performed without the Aid and Assistance of the Holy Spirit in and by these Gifts of his. Had the Lord Christ appointed Administrations of another Nature, such as were every way suited unto the Reason of Men, and to be exercised by the Powers thereof, there had been no need of these Spiritual Gifts. For the Spirit of a Man knoweth the things of a Man, and will both guide and act him therein. And whereas these Administrations are in their Nature, Use, Signification and Efficacy Spiritual, it is by Spiritual Gifts alone that they may be managed. Hence these things do live and die together. Where the one is not, there neither will the other be. Thus when many, perhaps the most who were outwardly called unto Office in the Church, began to be Carnal in their Hearts and Lives, and to neglect the use of these Gifts, neither applying themselves unto the attaining of them, nor endeavouring to excite or increase what they had received, by Diligence or constant Exercise, refusing to Trade with the Talent committed unto them, they quickly began to wax weary of Spiritual Administrations also. Hereon in compliance with many corrupt. Affections, they betook themselves unto an outward, Carnal, Ceremonious Worship and Administration of Ordinances, which they might discharge and perform without the least Aid or Assistance of the Holy Ghost, or Supply of Spiritual Gifts. So in the neglect of these Gifts, and the loss of them which ensued thereon, lay the beginning of the Apostasy of the Christian Church as to its outward Profession, which was quickly completed by the neglect of the Grace of the Spirit, whereby it lost both Truth