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

(3) BY Internal Efficacy in the Dispensation of the Word. Herein also is he the Advocate of the Church against the World, as is declared, John 16. 8, 9, 10, 11. For when he is come he will reprove the World of Sin, and of Righteousness, and of Judgment. Of Sin, because they believe not on me. Of Righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more. Of Judgment, because the Prince of this World is judged. That which is ascribed unto him with respect unto the World, is expressed by the Word [Greek or Hebrew]: He shall reprove or convince: [Greek or Hebrew] in the Scripture is used variously. Sometimes it is to manifest, or bring forth unto Light. Eph. 5. 13. [Greek or Hebrew]. For all things that are reproved or discovered, are made manifest by the Light. And it hath the same Sense, John 3. 20. Sometimes it is to rebuke and reprove, 1 Tim. 5. 20. [Greek or Hebrew]. Those that sin rebuke before all. So also Rev. 3. 19. Tit. 1. 13. Sometimes it is so to convince as in that, to stop the Mouth of an Adversary, that he shall have nothing to answer or reply, John 8. 9. [Greek or Hebrew], Being convicted by their own Consciences, so as not having a Word to reply, they deserted their Cause. So Tit. 1. 9. [Greek or Hebrew], To convince Gainsayers, is explained, Ver. 11. by [Greek or Hebrew], To stop their Mouth, namely, by the convincing Evidence of Truth. [Greek or Hebrew] is an uncontrollable Evidence, or an evident Argument, Heb. 11. 1. Wherefore [Greek or Hebrew] here, is by undeniable Argument and Evidence so to convince the World, or ⟨p. 18⟩the Adversaries of Christ and the Gospel, as that they shall have nothing to reply. This is the Work and Duty of an Advocate, who will absolutely vindicate his Client when his Cause will bear it.