A53734:38
Two discourses concerning the Holy Spirit, and His work the one, Of the Spirit…
Two discourses concerning the Holy Spirit, and His work the one, Of the Spirit as a comforter, the other, As He is the author of spiritual gifts ... / by ... John Owen.
London: printed for William Marshall, 1693
Chapter 1: The Holy Ghost the Comforter of the Church by way of Office. How He is the Churches Adv…
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
SECONDLY, The Presence of the Humane Nature of Christ in Heaven, was necessary with respect unto Us. The Remainder of his Work with God on our behalf, was to be carried on by Intercession, Heb. 7. 26, 27. And whereas this Intercession ⟨p. 5⟩consisteth in the Virtual Representation of his Oblation, or of himself as a Lamb slain in Sacrifice, it could not be done without his continual Appearing in the Presence of God, Heb. 9. 24.
SECONDLY, The Presence of the Humane Nature of Christ in Heaven, was necessary with respect unto Us. The Remainder of his Work with God on our behalf, was to be carried on by Intercession, Heb. 7. 26, 27. And whereas this Intercession ⟨p. 5⟩consisteth in the Vertual Representation of his Oblation, or of himself as a Lamb slain in Sacrifice, it could not be done without his continual Appearing in the Presence of God, Heb. 9. 24.
The other Part of the Work of Christ respects the Church or Believers, as its immediate Object. So in particular doth his comforting and supporting of them. This is that Work which in a peculiar manner is committed and entrusted unto the Holy Spirit, after the Departure of the Humane Nature of Christ into Heaven.
But two things are to be observed concerning it. (1.) That whereas this whole Work consisteth in the Communication of Spiritual Light, Grace and Joy to the Souls of Believers, it was no less the immediate Work of the Holy Ghost whilst the Lord Christ was upon the Earth, than it is now he is absent in Heaven; Only during the time of his Conversation here below in the days of his Flesh, his holy Disciples looked on him as the only Spring and Foundation of all their Consolation, their only Support, Guide and Protector, as they had just Cause to do. They had yet no insight into the Mystery of the Dispensation of the Spirit, nor was he yet so given or poured out, as to evidence himself and his Operation unto their Souls. Wherefore they looked on themselves as utterly undone when their Lord and Master began to acquaint them with his leaving of them. No sooner did he tell them of it, but Sorrow filled their Hearts,