[April 8th, 1860.]
Circumstances under which the promise of the Spirit as our Paraclete was made. Its design was to encourage the apostles and to sustain them under the loss of Christ’s presence.
The promise had special but not exclusive reference to the apostles. The Spirit was to do for them a two-fold work; one which contemplated them as believers, the other which contemplated them as apostles.
I. The meaning of the promise.
The word , as an adjective, means called for; as a substantive, one called upon for aid, as an advocate, called to one’s side. The most comprehensive meaning of the word is helper. The Holy Ghost is our helper.
II. His qualifications.
- He is omnipotent. 2. He is Almighty. 3. Infinite in wisdom. 4. Infinite in love. 5. Ever accessible and willing to help. 6. He is the Spirit of Christ, united to him and to his people, and in one sense is the principle of life in both.
III. How the Spirit acts as our helper.
A. To the Apostles
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In bringing all things to their remembrance.
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In rendering them infallible.
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In conferring upon them the peculiar gifts of office, courage, (boldness of speech,) patience, zeal, &c.
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In co-operating with them miraculously, so as to confirm their divine mission and authority.
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In attending their preaching with power, so as to render it effectual.
B. To Believers, Individually
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As a teacher leading them in the knowledge of the truth, a. By regeneration, imparting life and the power of vision; b. By illumination; c. By aiding them in their mental operations; d. By bringing things to their remembrance and thus acting as a counsellor.
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As a source of strength. a. Strengthening the principle of life by his constant communications. He strengthens our faith, love, &c. b. By giving the requisite qualifications for duty. For private, social and official duties. c. By sustaining us under discouragements and trials.
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As a comforter. This is specially prominent because this is what the apostles specially needed, and what all believers as an afflicted people ever need. a. The Spirit comforts by assuring us of the love of God. b. By revealing to us the infinite glories and blessedness in reserve for us. c. By calming our agitations and shedding abroad in our hearts the fear of God. d. By calling into exercise those Christian graces which in themselves include true blessedness.
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As an intercessor. a. He brings to God. To whom through Christ we have access by the Spirit. b. He indites our petitions. c. He excites desires which cannot be uttered in words, but which God understands and hears.
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As the revealer of Christ. He takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto us. a. He reveals the glory of Christ. b. He reveals to us his work and offices, and our relation to him. c. He reveals Christ’s love to us.
C. To the Church
- As the bond of union. They are one body through the Spirit. 2. By causing them to recognize, love, serve and help each other. 3. By making the word, sacraments and preaching means of grace, and of the conversion, enlarging and edifying of the Church. 4. By calling to the ministry, and giving the gifts for the office.
IV. Our special duty to the Spirit as the Paraclete.
- To feel and acknowledge our entire dependence. 2. To desire and earnestly seek his aid. 3. To avoid every thing by which he can be grieved or his influence quenched.
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