Theologicall questions, dogmaticall observations, and evangelicall essays, vpon the Gospel of Jesus Christ, according to St. Matthew Wherein, about two thousand six hundred and fifty necessary, and profitable questions are discussed; and five hundred and eighty speciall points of doctrine noted; and five hundred and fifty errours confuted, or objections answered: together with divers arguments, whereby divers truths, and true tenents are confirmed. By Richard VVard, sometimes student in the famous vniversities of Cambridge in England: St. Andrews in Scotland: and Master of Arts of both the kingdoms; and now a preacher in the famous city of London.

VERS. 18. [Vers. 18] Behold my servant whom I have cho∣sen, my beloved, in whom my soule is well pleased: I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgement to the Gentiles.

Wee have all the three Persons of the blessed Trinity lively expressed in this verse; but I will speake but only of the third.

How is the Holy Ghost distinguished from [Quest. 1] the Father and the Sonne?

First, hee is distinguished from them by his [Answ. 1] name; For this Person onely is called the Holy Spirit, and neither the Father nor the Sonne.

Secondly, hee is distinguished from them by [Answ. 2] office, for he is sent by them: God the Father sends him; as in this verse, and Iohn 14. God the Sonne sends him, Iohn 15. and 20.

Thirdly, the true propriety which distin∣guisheth [Answ. 3] this third Person from the first and se∣cond, is this; that he equally proceeds from the Father and the Sonne. How this is wrought is not revealed, except only that Christ once blow∣ing, or breathing upon his Apostles, gave the Spirit unto them, Iohn 20.

What names are given to the Holy Spirit in [Quest. 2] the Scriptures?

First, sometimes hee is called only Spiritus, a [Answ. 1] Spirit, as Mat. 4. Hee was led into the wildernesse of the Spirit, and Iohn 3. That which is borne of the Spirit, and Iohn 7. The Spirit was not yet given.

Secondly, sometimes some Epithets are added [Answ. 2] thereunto; as Spiritus Dei, Mat. 9. Hee saw the

Spirit of God descending. And verse 28. of this Chapter, If I by the Spirit of God cast out devils, &c.

[Answ. 3] Thirdly, sometimes hee is called Spiritus Pa∣tris, the Spirit of the Father, Matth. 10.20. and that,

I. To distinguish him from all created spi∣rits. And,

II. To shew that he proceeds, and is sent from the Father, or is of the same substance with the Father.

[Answ. 4] Fourthly, sometimes he is called Spiritus san∣ctus, the Holy Spirit; as Matth. 1. That which is borne is of the holy Spirit; and so verse 3.32. Whosoe∣ver speaketh against the Holy Ghost. Now hee hath this name given unto him in a double regard, viz.

I. In regard of his substance, because that is most holy. And,

I. In regard of his substance, because that is most holy. And,

II. In regard of his office, becasue hee is the Fountaine of holinesse, bringing remission of sinnes, and working holy motions in the hearts of the faithfull.

[Answ. 5] Fifthly, sometimes hee is called the Spirit of truth, as Iohn 14. and 16. And this name he hath also from his office; because hee keepes the true Doctrine of the Lord, and leads the sincere Mi∣nisters of the Church, and the faithfull people unto all truth; yea, because hee dwels in those places and brests, where heavenly truth raignes, and beares sway; but absents himselfe from all that love lyes, and errours.

[Answ. 6] Sixthly, sometimes hee is called Paracletus, the Comforter; because he sustaines the heart of the faithfull in affliction; by comfort, faith, pati∣ence, perseverance, and hope of eternall glory, Iohn 14. and 15. and 16.

[Quest. 3] What are the offices, operations, and workes of the holy Spirit?

[Answ.] They are many, and respect either the Pro∣phets, or, Christ, or the Apostles, or Ministers, or the faithfull, and Elect people of God.

First, the workes of the Spirit respect the ho∣ly Prophets, whom he governed, inspired, and taught, enflaming them with the knowledge, and light of the true Messiah, and of things to come: Thus David in Spirit called Christ Lord, Mat. 22. And Zachary, and Elizabeth, and Simeon, are taught many things by the Spirit, which they foretell of Christ, Luke 1. and 2.

Secondly, the operations of the Spirit respect Christ; for he helped the conception and na∣tivity of the Messiah; The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, &c. Luke. 1. and Matth. 1. Before they came together, Mary was found to be with child of the Holy Ghost: yea, the Spirit was given unto Christ by God out of measure, Iohn 1. and Luke 4. Iesus being full of the Holy Ghost, &c. and Luke 10 He re∣joyced in spirit; although this may be understood of the internall motions.

Thirdly, the operations of the Spirit respect the Apostles and Evangelists: hee inspired them when they were to write the Scriptures, 2 Pet. 1.19. Hee led them in the truth of their preach∣ing, and brought those things into their minds, which before Christ had taught them; He made them able Ministers, enduing them with the gift of tongues, and the power of Miracles; and with all graces befitting such a calling.

Fourthly, the works of the Spirit respect the Ministers and Ministery of the word of God; for he makes them able Ministers, he cals them to the work of the Ministery, yea he is the Governour of the Ministery, who doth conserve, deliver, and propagate the true Doctrine, and that by means, viz. the sincere Doctors of the Church, whom he hath promised to direct.

Fifthly, the operations of the Spirit respect the faithfull elect children of God: for

I. He regenerates them, Iohn 3. Except a man be born of water, and of the holy Ghost, &c.

II. He quickens the hearts of men, and doth excite and inspire spirituall motions therein.

III. He comforts and cheers sorrowfull souls, and raiseth up those who are dejected in spirit; from whence he is called the Comforter.

IV. He leads them the right way; They shall hear a voice behinde them, saying, This is the way, walk in it.

V. He excites and provokes the minde unto an ardent invocation of God, teaching the faithfull to pray in the Spirit.

VI. He gives to the faithfull, an assurance of their Adoption, and Glorification, Rom. 8.15, 16 And therefore, if we desire to be made partakers of these graces and blessings, let us labour for the Spirit by faithfull, fervent, and frequent prayers unto God.