and there will be subsequent opportunities of recurring to them. But
I may just emphasise in a few sentences the points which our Lord
here signalises in regard to the Champion whom He sends. There is a
double designation of that Spirit, 'the Comforter' and 'the Spirit of
truth.' There is a double description of His mission, as being 'sent'
by Jesus, and as 'proceeding from the Father,' and there is a single
statement as to the position from which He comes to us. A word about
each of these things.

I have already explained in former sermons that the notion of
'Comforter,' as it is understood in modern English, is a great deal
too restricted and narrow to cover the whole ground of this great and
blessed promise. The Comforter whom Christ sends is no mere drier of
men's tears and gentle Consoler of human sorrows, but He is a
mightier Spirit than that, and the word by which He is described in
our text, which means 'one who is summoned to the side of another,'
conveys the idea of a helper who is brought to the man to be helped,
in order to render whatever aid and succour that man's weakness and
circumstances may require. The verses before our text suggest what
sort of aid and succour the disciples will need. They are to be as
sheep in the midst of wolves. Their defenceless purity will need a
Protector, a strong Shepherd. They stand alone amongst enemies. There
must be some one beside them to fight for them, to shield and to
encourage them, to be their Safety and their Peace. And that
Paraclete, who is called to our side, comes for the special help
which these special circumstances require, and is a strong Spirit who
will be our Champion and our Ally, whatever antagonism may storm
against us, and however strong and well-armed may be the assaulting
legions of the world's hate.