WITH RESPECT UNTO THE NEW CREATION. 85 of it, says, the Holy Ghost was not a yet given, because Jesus was notyet glorified, John vii. 39. And they who were instructed in the doctrine of John the Baptist only knew not whetherthere were any Holy Ghost, Acts xix. 2. Both which sayings concerned his dispensation un- der theNew Testament; for his eternal being and exist- ence they were not ignorant of; nor did he then first begin to be, as we have fully mnifested in our forego- ingdiscourses. To stir us up therefore unto diligence in this inquiry unto what was in general laid down be- fore, I shall add some considerations evidencing the greatness and necessity of this duty, and then proceed to the matter itself that we haveproposed to handle and explain. Sect. 2. -1. The plentiful effusion of the Spirit is that which was principally prophesied of and foretold as the great privilege and pre- eminence of the gospel church-state. This was that good wine which was kept until the last; this all the prophets bear witness unto, see ha. . xxxv. 7. chap. xliv. 2.- Joel ii. '28. Ezek. xi. 19. chap. xxxvi. 27. with other places. innumerable. The great promise of the old Testament was that concerning the coming of Christ in the flesh. But he was so to come, as to put an end unto that whole church- state, wherein his coming was expected. To prove this, was the principal design of the apostle in his epistle to the Hebrews. But this promise of the Spirit, whose ac- complishment was reserved for the times of the gospel, was ta be the foundation of another church-state and the tneans of its continuance. If therefore we have any interest in the gospel- itself, or desire to have; if we have either part or lot in this matter, or desire to be made partakers of the benefits which attend thereon, which are no less than our acceptationwith God here, and our salvation hereafter; it is our duty to search the scriptures, and inquire diligently into these things. And let no man deceive us with vain words, as though the things spoken concerning: the Spirit of God, and his work towards them that do believe, are fanatical and unintelligible by rational men; for because of this con- tempt of him the wrathof Godwill comeonthe children of disobedience. And if the world, in wisdom, and their reason, know him not, nor can receive him, yet they who believe do know him, for he dwelleth with them, and shall be in them, John xiv. 17. And the pre- sent practice of the world, in despising and slighting the ' Spirit of God, and his work, gives light and evidence onto those words of oar Saviour, that the world cannot receive him. And it cannot do so, because it neither seeth him, nor knowetle him, or hath co experience of his work in them, or of his ?ow,.r andgrace. Accord- ingly so is it come to pass. 'Wherefore, not to avow the Spirit of God in hiswork, is to be ashamed of the gospel, and of the promise of Christ, as if it were a thing . not to be owned in the world. Sect. 3. -2. The ministry of the gospel, whereby we are begotten again, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures unto God, is from his promised presence with it, and work in it, called the ministryof the Spirit, even of the Spirit that giveth life, 2 Cora 6. And it is so,. in opposition to the ministration of the law, Wherein yet there were a multitude of ordinances of worship and glorious ceremonies.. And he who knows no more of the ministry of the gospel, but what consists in an attendance unto the letter of institutions,. and the manner of their performance, knows nothing of it. Nor yet is there any extraordinary aflfatus or inspiration now intended- or attended unto, as we are slanderously reported; and as some affirm that we pre- tend. . But there is that presence of the Spirit of God- with the ministry of the gospel, in his authority, as- sistance, communication of' gifts and abilities, guidance and direction, as without which it will be useless and - unprofitableitr and unto all that take the work there- of upon them. Thiswill be more fully declared after- wards: For; Sect. '1. -3. The promise and gift of the Spirit, un- der the gospel, is not made nor granted unto any pecu- liar sort of persons only, but unto all believers, as their conditions and occasions do require.. They are not therefore the especial interest of a few, but the common concern of all Christians. The Papists grant that this promise is continued; but they would confine it to their pope or their councils, things no where mentioned la- the scripture, nor the object of any one gospel-promise whatever. It is all believers, in their places and stations, . churches in their order, and ministers in their office, unto whom the promise of him is made, and towards whom it is accomplished, as shall be shown.- Others also grant the continuance of this gift, but understand no more by it but an ordinary blessing upon mens ra- tional endeavours, common and exposed unto all alike.,
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