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

THESE latter have been much considered by many as to all his great Works towards us, and that unto the great Advantage and Edification of those concerned in them. For thence have they learned both their own State and Condition, as also what particular Duties they were on all Occasions to apply themselves unto, as in part we have manifested before, in our Discourses about Regeneration and Sanctification.

AND it is of no less Concernment unto us to consider aright the Ways and Degrees of his departure, which are expressed to give us that Godly Fear and Reverence wherewith we ought to consider and observe Him. David on his Sin feared nothing more than that God would take his Holy Spirit from him, Psal. 51. 11. And the fear hereof, should influence us into the utmost Care and Diligence against Sin. For although he should not utterly forsake us, which as to those who are true Believers is contrary to the Tenor, Promise and Grace of the New Covenant, yet he may so withdraw his Presence from us, as that we may spend the Remainder of our days in Trouble, ⟨p. cxiii⟩and our years in Darkness and Sorrow. Let him therefore that thinketh he standeth, on this account also take heed lest he fall. And as for them with whom he is, as it were, but in the Entrance of his Work producing such Effects in their Minds, as being followed and attended unto, might have a Saving Event, he may upon their Provocations, utterly forsake them in the Way and by the Degrees before mentioned. It is therefore the Duty of all to serve him with Fear and Trembling on this account. And,

SECONDLY; It is so, to take heed of the very Entrances of the Course described. Have there been such Evils in any of us, as wherein it is evident that the Spirit is grieved? as we love our Souls we are to take Care that we do not vex him by a continuance in them. And if we do not diligently and speedily recover our selves from the first, the second will ensue. Hath he been grieved by our negligence in, or of Duties, by our Indulgence unto any Lust, by Compliance with, or Conformity to the World; let not our continuance in so doing, make it his Vexation. Remember that whilst he is but grieved, he continues to supply us with all due means for our Healing and Recovery. He will do so also when he is yet vexed. But he will do it with such a mixture of Anger and Displeasure, as shall make us know, that what we have done, is an evil thing and a bitter. But have any proceeded further, and continued long thus to vex him, and have refused his Instructions, when accompanied it may be with sore Afflictions, or inward Distresses that