His ἐκπόρευσις or
proceeding, mentioned in the place insisted on, is his
economical or dispensatory proceeding, for the carrying on of the
work of grace. It is spoken of him in reference to his being sent by
Christ after his ascension: “I will send him which proceedeth,” — namely,
“then when I send him.” As God is said to “come out of his place,”
Isa. xxvi. 21, not in regard of any
mutation in him, but of the new work which he would effect; so it follows,
the Lord comes out of his place “to punish the inhabitants of the earth.”
And it is in reference to a peculiar work that he is said to proceed, —
namely, to testify of Christ: which cannot be assigned to him in respect of
his eternal procession, but of his actual dispensation;
as it is said of Christ, “He came forth from God.” The single mention of
the Father in this place, and not of the Son, belongs to the gradation
before mentioned, whereby our Saviour discovers this mystery to his
disciples. He speaks as much concerning himself, John xvi.
7. And this relation ad
extra (as they call it) of the Spirit unto the Father and the
Son, in respect of operation, proves his relation ad intra, in respect of personal procession;
whereof I spake before.