HOLY SPIRIT, AND 1115 WORK. lú be, the greatest part of their lives in troubles and dis- consolation, having no experience ofthe presence of the Holy Ghost with them as a Comforter. But thisobjec- tion is not of force to weaken our faith as unto the ac- complishment of this promise. For, 1. There is in the promise itself, a supposition of troubles and disconsolations thereon to befall the church in all ages. For with respect unto them it is that the Comforter is promised to be sent. And they do but dream, who fancy such a state of the church in this world, as wherein it should be accompanied with such an assurance of all inward and outward satisfaction, as scarce to stand in need of this office or work of the Holy Ghost. Yea, the promise of his abiding with us for ever, as a Comforter, is an infallible prediction, , that believers, in all ages, shall meet with troubles, sorrows, and disconsolation. 2. The accomplishment of Christ's promises doth not depend, as to its truth, upon our experience, at least not on what men sensibly feel in themselves under their distresses, much less on what they express with some mixture of unbelief. So we observed before from that place of the prophet concerning' the church, Ise. xli. 27. that her way was hidden from the Lord, and her judgment passed over from her God. As she com- plained also, The Lord bathforsakenme, and my Lord bath forgotten me, chap. xlix. 14. But yet in both places God convinceth her of her mistake, and that in- deed her complaint was but a fruit of unbelief. ,And so it is usual in great distresses, when persons are swal- lowed up with sorrow, or overwhelmed with anguish, that they are not sensible of the work ofthe Holy Ghost in their consolation. S. He is a Comforter unto all believers at all times, and on all occasions wherein they really stand in need of spiritual consolation. But yet if we intend to have experience of his work herein, to have the advantage of it, or benefit by it, there are sundry things required of ourselves in away of duty. If we are negligent herein, it is no wonder if we are at a loss for those comforts which he is willing to administer. Unless weunderstand aright the nature of spiritual consolations, and value them both as sufficient and satisfactory, we are not like to enjoy them, at least not to be made sensibleof them. Many under their troubles suppose there is no comfort but in their removal; and know not of any relief in their sorrow, but in the taking away of their cause. At best, they value any outward relief before internal supports, and refreshments. Such persons can never receive the consolation of the Holy Spirit unto anyrefreshing expe- rience. To look for all ourcomforts from him, to value those things wherein his consolations do consist, above all earthly enjoyments, to wait upon him in the use of all means for the receiving of his influences of love and grace, to be fervent in prayer for his presence with us, and the manifestation, of his grace, are required in all those towards whom he dischargeth this office. And whilst we are found in these ways of holy obedience and dependence, we shall find him a Comforter, and that for ever. These things are observablein the officeof the Holy Ghost in general, as he is the Comforter of the church, and the manner of his discharge thereof. What is fur- ther considerable unto theguidance of our faith, and the participation of consolation with respect hereunto, will be evident in the declaration of the particulars that be- long thereunto. CHAP. III. UNTO WHOM THE HOLY .SPIRIT IS PROMISED AND GIVEN AS A COMFORTER; OR THE OBJECT OF HIS ACTING IN THIS OFFICE. WE have considered the promise of Christ to send ' undertakes and dischargeth, with the properties of them, the Holy Spirit to be the Comforterof the church, and have been declared. Our next inquiry is unto whom unto that end to abide with them for ever. The nature this promise is made, and towards whom it is infallibly also of that office and work in general which hereon he fulfilled. How and unto what ends, in what order as
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