CHAPTER II.—Of the actings of the Holy Ghost in us, being bestowed on us—He worketh effectually, dis
[5thly.] I deny that the Holy Spirit ever completely and universally departs from a believing soul, leaving it without consolation. A person may experience darkness, clouds, and a rejection of comfort, feeling none of it. However, fundamentally, there remains a source of consolation that will be manifested in due time. Thus, when God promises to heal sinners and restore comfort to them, as stated in Isaiah 57:18, it is not because they were without any comfort but because they lacked the amount they needed. Exploring the various ways in which individuals refuse comfort and fall short of the strong consolation that God desires us to receive is not my intention at this time. Therefore, the Spirit, once sent and given, abides with the souls of believers, never leaving them, even though he manifests himself in various ways, as we shall discuss next.
CHAPTER II
The Actions of the Holy Spirit in Us, Given and Bestowed—He Works Effectively, Distributes, Gives Having explained how the Holy Spirit is given to us as a Comforter, I will now proceed to discuss the actions of the Spirit in us and towards us, once he is bestowed upon us and received by us. There are two main aspects to consider: (1st) the manner and nature of his actions in us, which are expressed in various ways, and (2nd) the specific outcomes of his actions in our souls, through which we commune with him. Let us briefly explore the first aspect:
(1st) He is described as "working effectually" in 1 Corinthians 12:11, where it speaks of his distribution of gifts, but the same principle applies to the communication of graces and privileges. The Spirit works in us, demonstrating his personality, especially when coupled with the following words: "Dividing to every man according to his will." Working according to one's will is an attribute of a person, and it is explicitly attributed to God in Ephesians 1:11. Thus, what the Spirit bestows upon us, he does so by working effectively himself, rather than simply presenting arguments or persuading us with moral motives. He actively works to communicate grace and consolation to us.
[2ndly] In the same verse, his manner of operation is described as "dividing" or "distributing" to each person as he wills. This notion of distribution implies choice, judgment, and freedom. The Spirit, in his dispensations, distributes gifts, granting one person one thing and another person another thing, and varying the degree of what is given. This sovereign distribution keeps the saints in a constant state of dependence on him. He distributes as he wills, and we should be content with our portion. After all, who can claim entitlement to what he distributes as he pleases? This is further evident in the fact that he is said to "give" when he bestows his gifts. Acts 2:4 states,
"They spoke with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
His giving is an act of free grace. It is important to note that in the economy of our salvation, the actions of one person do not diminish the freedom and liberty of any other person. The Father's love in sending the Son does not impede the Son's freedom to lay down his life willingly. The Son's satisfaction and redemption do not diminish the Father's freedom to pardon and accept us. Similarly, the Father's and Son's sending of the Spirit does not restrict the Spirit's freedom in his workings. He freely gives what he gives because the will of the