John 14:18

Followeth, to ver. 27 the third particular in this argument of consolation, wherein Christ propounds (for their encouragement) and, where need is, amplifieth several benefits which they shall reap by enjoying his Spirit. They may be reduced to six, which I shall name as I go through; And some of them may be conceived as the Spirits more proper work as he is a Comforter, as most of the first five, and the last as more peculiar to him as the Spirit of truth, Though we need not so curiously distinguish, seeing in every one of them, he is both a comforter and Spirit of truth.

The first benefit (in this verse) is, that he will not leave them in their uncomfortable and Orphan-condition, but will come again unto them, not only in his bodily presence after his resurrection, and at the great day; but by his Spirit, as an assured pledge of his presence, till at last he return to compleat their Redemption. Whence learn, 1. Such is, oft-times, the weaknesse of beleevers faith, and the abundance and greatnesse of their discouragements, that promises must be often repeated, before they can admit of them, or be comforted in them; Therefore, after the former promise, of another Comforter, he must and doth over again tell them, I will not leave you comfortlesse. 2. Beleevers, in Christs absence, and without him, will stand in need of great comfort, being like Orphans, exposed to deceits and injuries, unable to do for themselves, and having none to do for them, but desolate and despised, and exposed as a prey to every one; for, so is supposed here, that they are comfortlesse, or, Orphans, as the word is. 3. Albeit beleevers may be such Orphans in themselves, yet they have Christs Word for it, that they shall not be left so, but taken up and cared for by him; for, saith he, I will not leave you comfortlesse, or Orphans. 4. Let beleevers have what they will, yet they are still Orphans and want comfort, unlesse it come by the Spirit of Christ; for, it is by the Spirit this is made good, I will not leave you comfortlesse. 5. The Spirit in comforting, taketh the patronage of beleevers, as a Tutor of Orphans, guiding and defending them, and managing their affairs; So that they who expect his comfort, must give up themselves to be led by him; for, it is by his presence, that they are not left Orphans, but have him for a Tutor. 6. Christ loves so well to be present with his people, that he never withdraws his presence one way, but he cometh to them another way; Therefore, saith he, when removing in respect of his bodily presence, I will come to you. 7. When the Spirit cometh unto beleevers, Christ cometh unto them, not only because they are one in essence; But partly, because it is equivalent to his bodily presence, yea, and richly compenseth all that ever any had thereby; So that they who have the Spirit, ought not to complain of his absence in that way he was present with the disciples, nor of any thing the Church can expect within time. And partly, because the coming of the Spirit is not to obscure Christ, or cause him to be forgotten, but to keep his memorial fresh, as if he were come again in person, of which more on Chap. 16. 14. For these causes it is, that by sending of the Spirit, I will come unto you, saith he.