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

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, Joh. 16. 6. Wherefore he immediately lets them know, that this great Work of relieving them from all their Sorrows and Fears, of dispelling ⟨p. 6⟩their Disconsolations, and supporting them under their Trouble, was committed to the Holy Ghost, and would by him be performed in so eminent a manner, as that his Departure from them would be unto their Advantage, Ver. 7. Wherefore the Holy Spirit did not then first begin really and effectually to be the Comforter of Believers upon the Departure of Christ from his Disciples, but he is then first promised so to be upon a double Account. (1.) Of the Fall Declaration and Manifestation of it. So things are often said in the Scripture then to be, when they do appear and are made manifest. An eminent lustance hereof we have in this Case, John 7. 38, 39. The Disciples had hitherto looked for all immediately from Christ in the Flesh, the Dispensation of the Spirit being hid from them. But now this also was to be manifested unto them. Hence the Apostle affirms, that though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet henceforth we know him no more,