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

(§ 3.) THE first is Wisdom or Knowledge, or Understanding in the Mysteries of the Gospel, the Revelation of the Mystery of God in Christ, with his Mind and Will towards us therein. These things may be distinguished, and they seem to be so in the Scripture sometimes. I put them together, as all of them denote that Acquaintance with, and Comprehension of the Doctrine of the Gospel which is indispensably necessary unto them who are called to Preach it unto the Church. This some ⟨p. 259⟩imagine an easy matter to be attained; at least that there is no more, nor the use of any other means required thereunto, than what is necessary to the Acquisition of Skill in any other Art or Science. And it were well if some, otherwise concerned in Point of Duty would but lay out so much of their Strength and Time in the obtaining of this Knowledge, as they do about other things which will not turn much unto their account. But the Cursory Perusal of a few Books is thought sufficient to make any Man wise enough to be a Minister. And not a few undertake ordinarily to be Teachers of others, who would scarcely be admitted as tolerable Disciples in a well ordered Church. But there belongeth more unto this Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding, than most Men are aware of. Were the Nature of it duly considered, and withal the Necessity of it unto the Ministry of the Gospel, probably some would not so rush on that Work as they do, which they have no provision of Ability for the performance of. It is in brief such a comprehension of the Scope and End of the Scripture, of the Revelation of God therein, such an Acquaintance with the System of particular Doctrinal Truths, in their Rise, Tendency and Use, such an Habit of Mind in judging of Spiritual Things, and comparing them one with another, such a distinct insight into the Springs and Course of the Mystery of the Love, Grace and Will of God in Christ, as enables them, in whom it is to declare the Counsel of God, to make known the Way of Life, of Faith and Obedience unto others, and to instruct them in their whole Duty to God and Man thereon. This the Apostle calls his Knowledge in the Mystery of Christ which he manifested ⟨p. 260⟩in his Writings, Ephes. 3. 4. For as the Gospel, the Dispensation and Declaration whereof is committed unto the Ministers of the Church, is the Wisdom of God in a Mystery,