The Office and Work of the Holy Spirit - Modernized (eBook)

by James Buchanan

in ePub, .mobi & .pdf format

Formatted, corrected, and lightly modernized by William H. Gross www.onthewing.org May 2020

It could be said that John Owen wrote the definitive doctrinal treatment of the Holy Spirit (1674). But even modernized, his style can be dry and tedious. In the late 19th century (1882), George Smeaton wrote an outstanding shorter and more readable treatise titled, The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit. But here, James Buchanan has written perhaps the finest pastoral treatment of the Holy Spirit. It is arguably the most poetic and practical available in the English language, then or now. Dr. Buchanan was a pastor and preacher, and not just a theologian. He was more a Baxter than an Owen; consequently, his style is eminently readable. He has taken a difficult doctrinal subject, and turned it into an engaging book, which is a delight to read. The sole exception is perhaps Chapter 8 on the Regeneration of Children, which is more polemical. Dr. Buchanan was Scottish, and obviously loved the rhythm of the language he employed. Many writers would end a series of rhythmic phrases after two or three iterations. He tends to exceed that. If you were to read the text aloud, you couldn't finish some of his sentences without taking a breath or two. So, on occasion (though not often), I give readers a chance to catch their breath. One long series may be broken into two shorter ones; the same is true of long paragraphs. This is done for the eye, as well as for the hearing — white space tends to aid in reading. The text is rich with Scripture. If I provided all the references, it might get in the way of his rhythm, and interrupt the reader's enjoyment of his prose. He assumed his readers would know their Bible, as he weaves its familiar threads together. I assume the same. Even so, I occasionally provided an extra citation to anchor his reference. The KJV that he used, is not well known to a modern audience, and the wording might otherwise be unfamiliar. This is an edifying work, as well as a pleasure to read. I pray that you enjoy, savor, and apply it to your understanding, and to your Christian practice. 

William H. Gross May 25, 2020 

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Table of Contents

THE SPIRIT'S WORK IN THE CONVERSION OF SINNERS
I. The Necessity of a Great Spiritual Change
II. General View of the Agency of the Spirit
III.General View of the Process of a Sinner's Conversion.
IV.    The Work of the Spirit in Enlightening the Mind
V.The Work of the Spirit in Convincing the Conscience
VI.The Work of the Spirit in Renewing the Heart
YII The Result of the Spirit's Work in Conversion
VIII. The Regeneration of Infants

ILLUSTRATIVE CASES
IX The Philippian Gaoler: Acts 16.19-34
X. The Dying Malefactor: Luke 23.32-43
XI. Paul: Acts 9.1-22
XII. The Ethiopian Treasurer: Acts 8:26-40
XIII. Cornelius: Acts 10
IXX Lydia: Acts 16.13-15
XX. Timothy: 2 Timothy 3:14, 15
XXI. Conversions at Pentecost: Acts 2
XXII. Revivals: Acts 2:17, 18

THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT IN THE EDIFICATION OF HIS PEOPLE
XXIII. The Work of the Spirit as the Spirit of Holines
XXIV. The Work of the Spirit as the Spirit of Adoption
XXV. The Work of the Spirit as the Spirit of Prayer
XXVI. The Work of the Spirit as the Comforter

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