Evidence of the Holy Spirit's Presence (2)

(2) By the conviction given by the Spirit. The Spirit of Christ convinces (John 14:8). That is, he brings a clear, evident conviction that the truth of God is the truth of God. It is not doubtful. Therefore, when a man staggers in the truth, whether he should do this and that, it is a sign he does not have the Spirit, or that he has him in a very small measure, because as light the Spirit is convincing. A man does not doubt what he sees at noonday. So what he sees by the Spirit he is convinced of. When a man doubts and wavers, whether he should take a good course or a bad, it is a sign he is carnal, and does not have the Spirit of God; for the Spirit would convince him. You must take this course if you are saved. When the Spirit says something to convince, that says more for a thing than anything can say against it.
Now when a man has the Spirit of God, he can say more for God and for good things and good ways, than all the devils in hell by discouragement can say against them. When a man cannot say anything for God, and for good causes to purpose, he does not have the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God would so convince him, that he would answer all cavils and objections. The argument for this is wondrously full, and I have given you but a taste, to know whether or not the Spirit of Christ be in you.
(3) By the Spirit's transforming us. In a word, Christ is that Spirit, and has infused the Holy Spirit into us, the Spirit will make us like Christ; the Spirit will transform us into Christ's likeness, making us holy and humble and obedient as Christ was on earth, even to death. That you may know you have the Spirit of God, consider these directions.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
Glorious Freedom, pp. 22-23 [26-27]
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