AND SUBJECT OF (2.) He is promised, and received, as a Spirit of sanctification unto and by them that are regenerate; that is, unto believers, and only unto them. This will be fully confirmed immediately. And this puts an issue to the principal difficulty of the foregoing objection. It is no way inconsistent, that faith should be required previously unto, the receiving of theSpirit, as a Spirit of sanctification; though it be not so as he is the author of regeneration. The same Spirit first worketh faith in us, and then preserveth it, when it is wrought. On- ly, to clear the manner of it, we may observe: I. That sanctification may be considered two ways: (1.) As to the original and essential work of it, which consists in the preservation ofthe principle of spiritual lifeand ho- liness communicated unto us in our regeneration. (2.) As to those renewed actual operations, whereby it is carried on, and is gradually progressive, as hath been declared. 2. Faith also, or believing, may be consi- dered in this matter two ways: (t.) As to its original communication, infusion, or creation in the soul; for it is the gift or work of God. In this respect, that is, as to the seed, principle, and habit of it, it is wrought in us, as all other grace is, in regeneration. (2.) As to its actings in us, or as unto actual believing, or the exercise of faith, and the fruits of it, in a constant pro- , fession and holy obedience. Sanctification, in the first sense, respects faith also in the first; that is, the pre- servation of the seed, principle, grace, habit of faith in us, belongs unto the sanctifying workof the Holy Spi- rit. And so believers only are sanctified. And in the latter sense, it respects faith in the latter also; that is, the progress ofthe work of sanctification in us is accom- panied with the actings and exercise of faith. But both ways faith is a necessary qualification in and unto them that are sanctified. Believers therefore are the adequate subject of the work of sanctification, which is all. that at present is under our consideration. (8.) The Spirit is also promised as a comforter, or as a Spirit of consolation. In this sense, or for this end and work, he is not promised unto them that are regenerated merely as such. For many may be regen- erate who are not capable of consolation, nor do- need it; as infants, who may be, andare many of them sanc- tified from the womb. Nor is he so promised unto them that are believers absolutely, who have the grace "or habit of faith wrought in them; for so many have GOSPEL- HOLINESS. 241 who Are not yet exercised, nor brought into that condi- tion wherein spiritual consolations are either proper or needful unto them. The Spirit is promised as a Com- forter unto believers, as engaged in the profession of the gospel, and meeting with conflicts, inward and out- ward, 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 depar- ture of Christ; and this is the measure of all others, John xvi. 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 slid distresses, be they of what sort they will, are ready to inquire after the things that may relieve and refresh them. And, whereas there are many things in the word suited unto the relief and consola- tion of the distressed, they are apt toapply them unto themselves, and others also are ready to comply with them in the same charitableoffice as they suppose. But no true spiritual consolation was ever administered by the word, unto any, but unto exercised believers, how- ever the minds of men may be, for the present, a little relieved, and their affections refreshed by the things that are spoken unto them out of the word. For the word is the instrument of the Holy Ghost; nor bath it any efficacy but as he is pleased to use it and apply it, And he meth it unto thisend, and unto no other, as being promised as a Spirit of consolation only to sanc- tifiedbelievers. And therefore, when personsfall under spiritual convictions, 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 fly for re- fuge to the hope that is set before them. (4.) The Spirit of God is promised, and received, an to gifts for the edification of the church. This is that which is intended, Acts ii. 88, 89. And his whole work herein we shall consider in its proper place. The rule and measureof the communication of the Spirit for re,-
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