(3.) The Spirit is also promised as a comforter, or a Sf)irit of con- ^ solation. In this sense, or for this end and work, he is not promised unto them that are regenerate merely as such; for many may be regenerate who are not capable of consolation, nor do need it, as infants, who may be, and are, many of them, sanctified from the womb. Nor is he so promised unto them that are believers abso- lutely, who have the grace or habit of faith wrought in them ; for so many have who are not yet exercised nor brought into that condition wlierein spiritual consolations are either proper or needful unto them. The Spirit is promised as a comforter unto believers, as engaged in the profession of the gospel, and meeting with conflicts inward and outward on the account thereof The first promise of the Holy Ghost as a comforter was made to the disciples, when their hearts were filled with sorrow on the departure of Christ; and this is the
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410 BELIEVERS THE OBJECT OF SANCTIFICATION, [BOOK IV.
measure of all others, John xvi. 6, 7. And this is evident both from the nature of the thing itself, and from all the promises which are given concerning him to this end and purpose. And it will be wholly in vain at any time to apply spiritual consolations unto any other sort of persons. All men who have any interest in Christian religion, when they fall into troubles and distresses, be they of what sort they will, are ready to inquire after the things that may relieve and re- fresh them. And whereas there are many things in the word suited unto the relief and consolation of the distressed, they are apt to apply them unto themselves; and others also are ready to comply with them in the same charitable office, as they suppose. But no true spiritual consolation was ever administered by the word unto any but exercised believers, however the minds of men may be for the pre- sent a little relieved, and their affections refreshed, by the things that are spoken unto them out of the word : for the word is the instru- ment of the Holy Ghost, nor hath it any efficacy but as he is pleased to use it and apply it; and he useth it unto this end, and unto i o other, as being promised as a Spirit of consolation, only to sanctifiesd believers. And, therefore, when persons fall under spiritual convic- tions and trouble of mind or conscience upon the account of sin and guilt, it is not our first work to tender consolation unto them, whereby many in that condition are deluded, but to lead them on to believing, that, " being justified by faith, they may have peace with God;" which is their proper relief. And in that state God is abundantly willing that they should receive " strong consolation," even as many as " flee for refuge to the hope that is set before them."
(4.) The Spirit of God is promised and received as to gifts for the edification of the church. This is that which is intended. Acts ii. 38, 39. And his whole work herein we shall consider in its proper place. The rule and measure of the communication of the Spirit for regeneration is election ; the rule and measure of the communica- tion of the Spirit for sanctification is regeneration ; and the rule and measure of his communication as a Spirit of consolation is sanctifi- cation, with the afflictions, temptations, and troubles of them that are sanctified. What, then, is the rule and measure of his commu- nication as a Spirit of edification? I answer. Profession of the truth of the gospel and its worship, with a call unto the benefiting of others, 1 Cor. xii. 7. And here two rules must be observed: — [1.] That he carries not his gifts for edification out of the pale of the church, or profession of the truth and worship of the gospel. [2.] That he useth a sovereign and not a certain rule in this communication, 1 Cor. xii. 11, so as that he is not wanting unto any true professors, in propor- tion to their calls and opportunities.
Secondly, Whereas the Spirit of sanctification is promised only
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unto them that are regenerate and do believe, may we, in our prayers and supphcations for him, plead these qualifications as argmiients and motives for the farther communications of him unto us? Ans. 1. We cannot properly plead any qualification in ourselves, as though God were obliged, with respect unto them, to give a man increase of grace ex congruo, much less ex condigno. When we have done all, we are unprofitable servants. As we begin, so we must proceed with God, merely on the account of sovereign grace. 2. We may plead the faithfulness and righteousness of God as engaged in his promises. We ought to pray that he would " not forsake the work of his own hands;" that " he who hath begun the good work in us would perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ;" that with respect unto his covenant and promises he would preserve that new creature, that divine na- ture, which he hath formed and implanted in us. 3. Upon a sense of the weakness of any grace, we may humbly profess our sincerity therein, and pray for its increase. So cried the poor man with tears, " Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief," Mark ix, 24. And the apostles in their prayer, " Lord, increase our faith," Luke xvii. 5, owned the faith they had, and prayed for its increase by fresh sup- plies of the Holy Spirit.