the gifts of tongues and of prophecy, of healing the sick, and of raising the dead to life, were really necessary, in order to show that the work was of God, and to open the way for its success in all the regions of the earth. But when the Gospel of Christ had obtained a sure footing in the earth, these miraculous operations, as being no longer necessary, were gradually withheld.

с

The common and more beneficial, influences of the Holy Spirit are requisite in all ages. The natural wants and infirmities of mankind are the same now as in the days of the Apostles. There are the same weaknesses now as formerly, the same, or similar prejudices against the Gospel of Christ, the same carnal mind which is enmity against God. To remove these, or to overcome them effectually, demands the agency of the same divine Spirit. If men are brought to see the error of their ways, if they feel the evil and the burden of sin, if they are made willing to return unto God with broken and contrite hearts, it is because "the Spirit of grace and supplications" is poured out upon them from on high.

d

Our Lord promised to send the Spirit into the world in order to "convince mankind of

sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." Hence, after St. Peter's first address to his countrymen, on the day of Pentecost, great numbers "were pricked in their heart," that is, they were filled with anguish and godly sorrow, "and they said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you and to your children; and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." God had before published this promise by his Prophet Joel ;"It shall come to pass in the last days, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh." This divine promise was soon verified, when "on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost;" and when "God granted to the Gentiles also repentance unto life." These gifts were especially manifested in their being turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan, and from the worship of dumb idols, to serve the living and the true God. The Corinthians, like many others, before the light of the Gospel beamed

h

e John xvi. 9-11 f Acts ii. 37-39. * Joel ii. 28. i Acts xxvi. 18.

h

Acts x. 45.-xi. 18.

upon them, were grossly depraved, and, in the midst of their refinement and luxuries, were guilty of the blackest crimes. After their conversion St. Paul wrote thus to them in his First Epistle; "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." k

It was indeed by means of the mighty agency of this blessed Spirit, by "the sword of the Spirit," that the powers of darkness were overcome, that Satan was dispossessed of his dominion over the souls of men. By the renovating light of the Holy Spirit, the clouds. of ignorance were removed, and the Gospel of Truth began forcibly to illuminate the benighted world. "For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness," says the Apostle, "hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." m

The souls of mankind were sunk in corrup¬ tion, and were full of disorders; but by the agency of this blessed Spirit they were created anew, after the image of God, and were restored to purity, order, and peace. The idols which the heathen nations had formerly adored, were deserted and forsaken, their oracles were şilenced, their temples were trodden down, and Christian Churches were erected in their room. Then the congregations of believers walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were edified and multiplied."

The same renovating and sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit is still necessary, for the purpose of enlightening, renewing, and comforting mankind, and for guiding them securely in the path of righteousness and peace. It is his gracious office and work to strive with men for their good, to convince the gainsayers, to convert the wicked, to enlighten the ignorant, to strengthen the weak, to comfort the feebleminded, and to succour all those who are afflicted and tempted. He animates and encourages the faithful, amidst all the difficulties and dangers which lie in their way, and he fills them with joy and heavenly zeal.

Acts ix. 31.

The divine Spirit carries on his operations, in general, by blessing the means of grace which Christ has ordained, by giving effect to the ministry of the word, by stirring up the mind to prayer, and by enabling us to pray with fervency and success, and by shedding a salutary influence on the Sacraments which are established in the Church. By his regenerating power he transforms the soul, and he dwells especially with the humble and teachable: "The meek will he guide in judgment, and the meek will he teach his way." In these he stirs up good desires, suggests useful and spiritual thoughts, brings to their remembrance suitable portions of the holy Scriptures in every time of need, and he gives them an increase of faith, love, and purity, and cherishes every Christian grace. He gradually rectifies all the powers of their minds, and renews them after the divine likeness, and causes them to draw near to God by faith in Christ, and in the Spirit of adoption. He does not suggest to them fresh revelations, but he renders the Revelation of the divine counsels, which we have already received in the Bible, effectual to their salvation. This they daily read with gratitude, with pleasure, and with profit. As a Revelation of the mercy of God to man, through a gracious Redeemer,

• Psal, xxv. 9.