THAT which remains to compleat our Discourses concerning the Dispensation of the Holy Spirit , is the Office and Work that he hath undertaken for the Consolation of the Church . And ,

THREE things are to be considered with respect unto this Head of the Grace of the Gospel . ( 1. ) That the Holy Spirit is the Comforter of the Church by way of Especial Office . ( 2. ) What is in that Office , or wherein the Discharge of it doth consist . ( 3. ) What are the Effects of it towards Believers .

IT must be granted , that there is some Impropriety in that Expression , by the way of Office . An Office is not simply , nor it may be properly spoken of a Divine Person , who is absolutely so and nothing else . But the like Impropriety is to be found in most of the Expressions which we use concerning God , for who can speak of him aright , or as he ought . Only we have a safe Rule whereby to express our Conceptions ; even what He speaks of Himself . And he hath taught us to learn the Work of the Holy Ghost towards us in this Matter , by ascribing unto Him those things which belong unto an Office among Men.

FOUR things are required unto the Constitution of an Office . (1) An especial Trust. (2) An especial Mission or Commission . (3) An especial Name . (4) An especial Work . All these are required unto an Office properly so called ; and where they are complyed withall by a voluntary susception in the Person designed thereunto , an Office is compleatly constituted . And we must enquire how these things in a Divine Manner do concur in the Work of the Holy Spirit as he is the Comforter of the Church .

FIRST , He is intrusted with this Work , and of his own Will hath taken it on Himself . For when our Saviour was leaving of the World , and had a full Prospect of all the Evils , Troubles , Dejections and Disconsolations which would befall his Disciples , and knew full well that if they were left unto themselves , they would faint and perish under them , He gives them Assurance that the Work of their Consolation and Supportment was left entrusted and committed unto the Holy Spirit , and that He would both take Care about it , and perfect it accordingly .

THE Lord Christ when he left this World , was very far from laying aside his Love unto and Care of his Disciples . He hath given us the highest Assurance that he continueth for ever the same Care , the same Love and Grace towards us , he had and exercised when he layd down his Life for us . See Heb. 4. 14 , 15 , 16. Cap. 7. 27. But inas much as there was a double Work yet to be performed in our behalf , one towards God , and the other in our selves , He hath taken a two-fold way for the Performance of it . That towards God he was to discharge immediately Himself in his Humane Nature : For other Mediator between God and Man , there neither is , nor can be any . This He doth by his Intercession . Hence there was a necessity that as to his Humane Nature , the Heavens should receive him unto the Time of the Restitution of all things ; as Acts 3. 21. There was so , both with respect unto Himself and us .

THREE things with respect unto Himself , made the Exaltation of his Humane Nature in Heaven , to be necessary . For ,

1. IT was to be a Pledge and Token of God's Acceptation of him , and Approbation of what he had done in the World , Joh. 16. 7 , 8. For what could more declare or evidence the Concern and Delight of God in what he had done and suffered , than after he had been so ignominiously treated in the World , to receive him visibly , gloriously and triumphantly into Heaven . He was manifested in the Flesh , justified in the Spirit , seen of Angels , and in the issue received up into Glory ; 1 Tim. 3. 16. Herein God set the great Seal of Heaven unto his Work of Mediation , and the Preaching of the Gospel which ensued thereon . And a Testimony hereunto , was that which filled his Enemies with Rage and Madness , Act. 7. 55 , 56 , 57. His Resurrection confirmed his Doctrine with undeniable Efficacy ; but his Assumption into Heaven testified unto his Person , with an astonishing Glory .

2. IT was necessary with respect unto the Humane Nature it self , that after all its Labours and Sufferings it might be crowned with Honour and Glory . He was to suffer and enter into his Glory , Luk. 24 26. Some dispute whether Christ in his Humane Nature merited any thing for himself or no ; but not to immix our selves in the Niceties of that Enquiry , it is unquestionable that the highest Glory was due to him upon his accomplishment of the Work committed unto him in this World , which he therefore lays claim to accordingly , Joh. 17. 4 , 5. It was so ,

3. WITH respect unto the Glorious Administration of his Kingdom : For as his Kingdom is not of this World , so it is not only over this World , or the whole Creation here below ; The Angels of Glory , those Principalities and Powers above , are subject unto him , and belong unto his Dominion , Eph. 1. 21. Phil. 2. 9 , 10. Among them attended with their ready Service and Obedience unto all his Commands , doth he exercise the Powers of his glorious Kingdom . And they would but degrade Him from his Glory without the least Advantage unto themselves , who would have him forsake his high and glorious Throne in Heaven , to come and reign among them on the Earth , unless they suppose themselves more meet Attendants on his Regal Dignity than the Angels themselves , who are mighty in Strength and Glory .

SECONDLY , The Presence of the Humane Nature of Christ in Heaven , was necessary with respect unto Us. The Remainder of his Work with God on our behalf , was to be carried on by Intercession , Heb. 7. 26 , 27. And whereas this Intercession consisteth in the Vertual Representation of his Oblation , or of himself as a Lamb slain in Sacrifice , it could not be done without his continual Appearing in the Presence of God , Heb. 9. 24.

The other Part of the Work of Christ respects the Church or Believers , as its immediate Object . So in particular doth his comforting and supporting of them . This is that Work which in a peculiar manner is committed and entrusted unto the Holy Spirit , after the Departure of the Humane Nature of Christ into Heaven .

But two things are to be observed concerning it . ( 1. ) That whereas this whole Work consisteth in the Communication of Spiritual Light , Grace and Joy to the Souls of Believers , it was no less the immediate Work of the Holy Ghost whilst the Lord Christ was upon the Earth , than it is now he is absent in Heaven ; Only during the time of his Conversation here below in the days of his Flesh , his holy Disciples looked on him as the only Spring and Foundation of all their Consolation , their only Support , Guide and Protector , as they had just Cause to do . They had yet no insight into the Mystery of the Dispensation of the Spirit , nor was he yet so given or poured out , as to evidence himself and his Operation unto their Souls . Wherefore they looked on themselves as utterly undone when their Lord and Master began to acquaint them with his leaving of them . No sooner did he tell them of it , but Sorrow filled their Hearts , Joh. 16. 6. Wherefore he immediately lets them know , that this great Work of relieving them from all their Sorrows and Fears , of dispelling their Disconsolations , and supporting them under their Trouble , was committed to the Holy Ghost , and would by him be performed in so eminent a manner , as that his Departure from them would be unto their Advantage , Ver. 7. Wherefore the Holy Spirit did not then first begin really and effectually to be the Comforter of Believers upon the Departure of Christ from his Disciples , but he is then first promised so to be upon a double Account . ( 1. ) Of the Fall Declaration and Manifestation of it . So things are often said in the Scripture then to be , when they do appear and are made manifest . An eminent lustance hereof we have in this Case , John 7. 38 , 39. The Disciples had hitherto looked for all immediately from Christ in the Flesh , the Dispensation of the Spirit being hid from them . But now this also was to be manifested unto them . Hence the Apostle affirms , that though we have known Christ after the flesh , yet henceforth we know him no more , 2 Cor. 1. 16. That is , so as to look for Grace and Consolation immediately from him in the Flesh , as it is evident the Apostles did , before they were instructed in this unknown Office of the Holy Ghost . ( 2. ) Of the full Exhibition and eminent Communication of Him unto this End . This in every kind was reserved for the Exaltation of Christ , when he received the Promise of the Spirit from the Father , and poured it out upon his Disciples .

2. THE Lord Christ doth not hereby cease to be the Comforter of his Church . For what he doth by his Spirit , he doth by himself . He is with us unto the end of the World by his Spirit being with us , and he dwelleth in us by the Spirit dwelling in us ; and whatever else is done by the Spirit , is done by him . And it is so upon a Three-fold Account . For , (1) The Lord Christ , as Mediator , is God and Man in One Person , and the Divine Nature is to be consider'd in all his Mediatory Operations . For he who worketh them is God , and he worketh them all as God-Man , whence they are Theandrical . And this is proposed unto us in the greatest Acts of his Humiliation , which the Divine Nature in it self is not formally capable of . So God redeemed his Church with his own Blood , Acts 20. 28. Inasmuch as he who was in the form of God , and thought it no Robbery to be equal with God , humbled himself , and became obedient unto Death , the Death of the Cross , Phil. 2. 6 , 7 , 8. Now in this respect the Lord Christ and the Holy Spirit are one in Nature , Essence , Will and Power . As he said of the Father , I and my Father are one , John 10. 30. So it is with the Spirit , he and the Spirit are One. Hence all the Works of the Holy Spirit are his also ; as his Works were the Works of the Father , and the Works of the Father were his : All the Operations of the Holy Trinity , as to things external , unto their Divine Subsistence being individed . So is the Work of the Holy Spirit in the Consolation of the Church his Work also .

(2) BECAUSE the Holy Spirit in this Condescention unto Office , acts for Christ and in his Name . So the Son acted for and in the Name of the Father , where he every where ascribed what he did unto the Father in a peculiar manner . The Word , saith he , which you hear , is not mine , but the Fathers which sent me , John 14. 24. It is his originally and eminently , because as spoken by the Lord Christ , he was said by him to speak it . So are those Acts of the Spirit , whereby he comforteth Believers , the Acts of Christ , because the Spirit speaketh and acteth for him , and in his Name .

(3) ALL those things , those Acts of Light , Grace and Mercy , whereby the Souls of the Disciples of Christ are comforted by the Holy Ghost , are the things of Christ , that is , especial Fruits of his Mediation . So speaketh our Saviour himself of Him and his Work ; He shall glorifie me ; for he shall receive of mine , and shew it unto you , John 16. 14. All that Consolation , Peace and Joy which he communicates unto Believers ; yea , all that he doth in his whole Work towards the Elect , is but the effectual Communication of the Fruits of the Mediation of Christ unto them . And this is the first thing that constitutes the Office of the Comforter ; this Work is committed and entrusted unto him in an especial manner , which in the infinite Condescention of his own Will , he takes upon him .

SECONDLY , It farther evinceth the Nature of an Office , in that he is said to be sent unto the Work ▪ And Mission always includeth Commission . He who is sent is entrusted and empowred as unto what he is sent about . See Psal. 104. 30. John 14. 26. Chap. 15. 26. Chap. 16. 7. The Nature of this sending of the Spirit , and how it is spoken of him in general , hath been consider'd before in our Declaration of his general Adjuncts , or what is affirmed of him in the Scripture , and may not here again be insisted on . It is now mentioned only as an Evidence to prove , that in this Work of his towards us , he hath taken that on him which hath the Nature of an Office . For that is his Office to perform which he is sent unto , and he will not fail in the Discharge of it . And it is in it self a great Principle of Consolation unto all true Believers , an effectual Means of their Supportment and Refreshment , to consider , that not only is the Holy Ghost their Comforter , but also that he is sent of the Father and the Son , so to be . Nor can there be a more uncontroulable Evidence of the Care of Jesus Christ over his Church , and towards his Disciples in all their Sorrows and Sufferings , than this is , that he sends the Holy Ghost to be their Comforter .

THIRDLY , He hath an especial Name given him , expressing and declaring his Office . When the Son of God was to be incarnate , and born in the World , he had an especial Name given unto him ; He was called Jesus . Now although there was a signification in this Name of the Work he was to do ; for he was called Jesus , because he was to save his People from their Sins , Matth. 1. 21. yet was it also that proper Name whereby he was to be distinguished from other Persons . So the Holy Spirit hath no other Name but that of the Holy Spirit , which how it is characteristical of the Third Person in the Holy Trinity , hath been before declared . But as both the Names of Jesus and of Christ , though neither of them is the Name of an Office , as one hath dreamed of late ; yet have respect unto the Work which he had to do , and the Office which he was to undergo , without which he could not have rightly been so called : So hath the Holy Ghost a Name given unto him , which is not distinctive with respect unto his Personality , but denominative with respect unto his Work . And this is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 .

THIS Name is used only by the Apostle John , and that in his Gospel , only from the mouth of Christ , Chap. 14. Ver. 16 , 26. Chap. 15. Ver. 26. Chap. 16. Ver. 7. And once he useth it himself , applying it unto Christ , 1 John 2. 1. where we render it an Advocate .

The Syriack Interpreter retains the Name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Paraclita ; not as some imagine from the use of that Word before among the Jews , which cannot be proved . Nor is it likely that our Saviour made use of a Greek Word barbarously corrupted , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , was the Word he employed to this purpose . But looking on it a proper Name of the Spirit with respect unto his Office , he would not translate it .

As this Word is applyed unto Christ , which it is in that One Place of 1 John 2. 1. It respects his Intercession , and gives us Light into the Nature of it . That it is his Intercession which the Apostle intends is evident from its Relation unto his being our Propitiation . For the Oblation of Christ on the Earth , is the Foundation of his Intercession in Heaven . And he doth therein undertake our Patronage , as our Advocate , to plead our Cause , and in an especial manner to keep off Evil from us . For although the Intercession of Christ in general respects the procurement of all Grace and Mercy for us , every thing whereby we may be saved unto the utmost , Heb. 7. 25 , 26. yet his Intercession for us as an Advoeate respects Sin only , and the evil Consequents of it . For so is he in this place said to be our Advocate , and in this place alone is he said to be , only with respect unto Sin : If any Man sin , we have an Advocate . Wherefore his being so , doth in particular respect that part of his Intercession , wherein he undertakes our Defence and Protection when accused of Sin . For Sathan is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the Accuser , Rev. 12. 10. And when he accuseth Believers for sin , Christ is their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , their Patron and Advocate . For according unto the Duty of a Patron or Advocate in Criminal Causes , partly he sheweth wherein the Accusation is false , and aggravated about the Truth , or proceeds upon Mistakes ; partly that the Crimes charged have not that Malice in them as is pretended ; and principally in pleading his Propitiation for them , that so far as they are really guilty , they may be graciously discharged .

FOR this Name is applied unto the Holy Spirit . Some translate it a Comforter ; some an Advocate ; ond some retain the Greek Word Paraclete . It may be best interpreted from the Nature of the Work assigned unto Him under that Name . Some would comprize the whole Work intended under this Name unto his Teaching , which he is principally promised for : For the Matter and Manner of his Teaching , what he teacheth , and the way how he doth it , is , they say , the Ground of all Consolation unto the Church . And there may be something in this Interpretation of the Word , taking Teaching in a large Sence , for all Internal , Divine , Spiritual Operations . So are we said to be taught of God when Faith is wrought in us , and we are enabled to come unto Christ thereby . And all our Consolations are from such Internal , Divine Operations . But take Teaching properly , and we shall see that it is but one distinct Act of the Work of the Holy Ghost as here promised among many .

BUT 2dly . The Work of a Comforter is principally ascribed unto him . For , (1) That he is principally under this Name intended as a Comforter , is evident from the whole Context and the occasion of the Promise . It was with respect unto the Troubles and Sorrows of his Disciples , with their Relief therein , that he is promised under this Name by our Saviour . I will not , saith he , leave you Orphans , Chap. 14. 18. Though I go away from you , yet I will not leave you in a desolate and disconsolate Condition . How shall that be prevented in his Absence , who was the Life and Spring of all their Comforts ? Saith he , I will pray the Father , and he shall give you 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Ver. 16. that is , Another to be your Comforter . So he renews again his Promise of sending him under this Name , because Sorrow had filled their Hearts upon the Apprehension of his Departure , Chap. 16. 7 , 8. Wherefore he is principally considered as a Comforter : And , as we shall see further afterwards , this his principal Work , most suited unto his Nature , as he is the Spirit of Peace , Love and Joy . For he who is the Eternal , Essential Love of the Divine Being , as existing in the distinct Persons of the Trinity , is most meet to communicate a Sense of Divine Love with Delight and Joy unto the Souls of Believers . Hereby he sets up the Kingdom of God in them , which is Righteousness , and Peace , and Joy in the Holy Ghost , Rom. 14. 17. And in nothing doth he so evidence his Presence in the Hearts and Spirits of any , as by the Disposal of them unto Spiritual Love and Joy . For shedding abroad the Love of God in our Hearts , as Rom. 5. 5. He produceth a Principle and Frame of Divine Love in our Souls , and fills us with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory . The Attribution therefore of this Name unto him , the Comforter , evidenceth that he performs this Work in the way of an Office .

NEITHER , (2) Is the signification of an Advocate to be omitted , seeing what he doth as such tendeth also to the Consolation of the Church . And we must first observe , that the Holy Spirit is not our Advocate with God . This belongs alone unto Jesus Christ , and is a part of his Office . He is said indeed to make Intercession with Groans that cannot be uttered , Rom. 8. 26. But this he doth not immediately , nor in his own Person . He no otherwise maketh Intercession for us , but by enabling us to make Intercession according unto the Mind of God . For to make Intercession formally , is utterly inconsistent with the Divine Nature , and his Person , who hath no other Natare but that which is Divine . He is therefore incapable of being our Advocate with God : The Lord Christ is so alone , and that on the Account of his precedent Propitiation made for us . But he is an Advocate for the Church , in , with , and against the World . Such an Advocate is one that undertaketh the Protection and Defence of another , as to any Cause wherein he is engaged . The Cause wherein the Disciples of Christ are engaged in and against the World , is the Truth of the Gospel , the Power and Kingdom of their Lord and Master . This they testify unto ; this is opposed by the World , and this under various Forms , Appearances and Pretences , is that which they suffer Reproaches and Persecutions for in every Generation . In this Cause the Holy Spirit is their Advocate , justifying Jesus Christ and the Gospel against the World .

AND this he doth three ways . (1) By suggesting unto , and furnishing the Witnesses of Christ with Pleas and Arguments to the Conviction of Gainsayers . So it is promised that should do , Mat. 10. 18 , 19 , 20. And ye shall be brought before Governours and Kings for my sake , for a Testimony against them and the Gentiles . But when they deliver you up , take no thought how or what ye shall speak , for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak . For it is not ye that speak , but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you . They were to be given up , that is , delivered up as Malefactors unto Kings and Rulers for their Faith in Christ , and the Testimony they gave unto Him . In this Condition the best of Men are apt to be solicitous about their Answers , and the Plea they are to make in the Defence of themselves and their Cause . Our Saviour therefore gives them Encouragement not only from the Truth and Goodness of their Cause , but also from the Ability they should have in pleading for it unto the Conviction or Confusion of their Adversaries . And this he tells them should come to pass not by any Power or Faculty in themselves , but by the Aid and Supply they should receive from this Advocate , who in them would speak by them . This was that Mouth and Wisdom which he promised unto them , which all their Adversaries should not be able to gainsay or resist , Luke 21. 15. A present Supply of Courage , Boldness and Liberty of Speech above and beyond their Natural Temper and Abilities , immediately upon their receiving of the Holy Ghost . And their very Enemies saw the Effects of it unto their Astonishment . Upon the Plea they made before the Council at Jerusalem , it is said , That when they saw the Boldness of Peter and John , and perceived that they were ignorant and unlearned Men , they marvailed , Acts 4. 13. They saw their outward Condition , that they were poor and of the meanest of the People , yet carried it with Courage and Boldness before this great Sanhedrim , with whose Authority and unusual Appearance in Grandure , all Persons of that sort were wont to be abashed and tremble at them . They found them ignorant and unlearned in that Skill and Learning which the World admired , yet plead their Cause unto their Confusion . They could not therefore but discern and acknowledge that there was a Divine Power present with them , which acted above themselves , their State , their natural or acquired Abilities . This was the Work of this Advocate in them who had undertaken the Defence of their Cause . So when Paul pleaded the same Cause before Agrippa and Felix , one of them confessed his Conviction , and the other trembled in his Judgment-Seat .

NEITHER hath he been wanting unto the Defence of the same Cause in the same manner in succeeding Generations . All the Story of the Church is filled with Instances of Persons , mean in their outward Condition , timerous by Nature , and unaccustomed unto Dangers , unlearned and low in their Natural Abilities , who in the Face of Rulers and Potentates , in the sight of Prisons , Tortures , Fires provided for their Destruction , have pleaded the Cause of the Gospel with Courage and Success , unto the Astonishment and Confusion of their Adversaries . Neither shall any Disciple of Christ in the same case want the like Assistance in some due Measure and Proportion , who expect it from him in a way of believing , and depends upon it . Examples we have hereof every Day in Persons acted above their own natural Temper and Ablities unto their own Admiration . For being conscious unto themselves of their own Fears , Despondencies and Disabilities , it is a Surprizal unto them to find how all their Fears have disappeared , and their Minds have been enlarged when they have been called unto Trial for their Testimony unto the Gospel . We are in such cases to make use of any Reason , Skill , Wisdom or Ability of Speech which we have , or other honest and advantageous Circumstances which present themselves unto us , as the Apostle Paul did on all occasions . But our dependance is to be solely on the Presence and Supplies of our blessed Advocate , who will not suffer us to be utterly defective in what is necessary unto the Defence and Justification of our Cause .

(2) HE is the Advocate for Christ , the Church , and the Gospel , in and by his Communication of Spiritual Gifts , both extraordinary and ordinary , unto them that do believe . For these are things at least in their Effects visible unto the World . Where Men are not utterly blinded by Prejudice , Love of Sin , and of the World , they cannot but discern somewhat of a Divine Power in these Supernatural Gifts . Wherefore they openly testifie unto the Divine Approbation of the Gospel , and the Faith that is in Christ Jesus . So the Apostle confirms the Truths that he had preached , by this Argument , that therewith and thereby , or in the confirmation of it , the Spirit as unto the Communication of Gifts was received , Gal. 3. 2. And herein is he the Churches Advocate , justifying their Cause openly and visibly by this Dispensation of his Power towards them and in their behalf . But because we have treated separately and at large of the Nature and Use of these Spiritual Gifts , I shall not here farther insist on the Consideration of them .

(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 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : He shall reprove or convince : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Scripture is used variously . Sometimes it is to manifest , or bring forth unto Light . Eph. 5. 13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . For all things that are reproved or discovered , are made manifest by the Light . And it hath the same Sence , John 3. 20. Sometimes it is to rebuke and reprove , 1 Tim. 5. 20. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 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. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Being convicted by their own Consciences , so as not having a Word to reply , they deserted their Cause . So Tit. 1. 9. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , To convince Gainsayers , is explained , Ver. 11. by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , To stop their Mouth , namely , by the convincing Evidence of Truth . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is an uncontroulable Evidence , or an evident Argument , Heb. 11. 1. Wherefore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 here , is by undeniable Argument and Evidence so to convince the World , or 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 .

AND the Effect hereof is Two-fold . For all Persons upon such an over-powring Conviction take one of these two ways . (1) They yield unto the Truth and embrace it , as finding no Ground to stand upon in its refusal . Or , (2) They fly out into desperate Rage and Madness , as being obstinate in their Hatred against the Truth , and destitute of all Reason to oppose it . An Instance of the former way we have in those Jews , unto whom Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost . Reproving and convincing of them beyond all Contradiction , they were pricked in their Hearts , and cried out , Men and Brethren , what shall we do ? And therewithall came over unto the Faith , Acts 2. 37 , 41. Of the latter , we have many Instances in the Dealings of our Saviour with that People : For when he had at any time convinced them , and stopped their Mouths as to the Cause in hand , they called him Beelzebub , cried out that he had a Devil , took up Stones to throw at him , and conspired his Death , with all Demonstration of desperate Rage and Madness , John 8. 48 , 58. Chap. 10. 30 , 31 , 39. So it was in the case of Stephen , and the Testimony he gave unto Christ , Acts 7. 56 , 57 , 58. And with Paul , Acts 22. 22 , 23. An Instance of Bestial Rage not to be parallel'd in any other Case ; but in this it hath often fallen out in the World . And the same Effects this Work of the Holy Ghost , as the Advocate of the Church ever had , and still hath upon the World . Many being convinced by Him in the Dispensation of the Word , are really humbled and converted unto the Faith . So God adds daily to the Church such as shall be saved . But the generality of the World are enraged by the same Work against Christ , the Gospel , and those by whom it is dispensed . Whilst the Word is preached in a formal manner , the World is well enough contented that it should have a quiet Passage among them . But where ever the Holy Ghost puts forth a convincing Efficacy in the Dispensation of it , the World is enraged by it ; which is no less an Evidence of the Power of their Conviction , than the other is of a better Success .