The work of the Holy Spirit - pagina 221

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THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

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The same expression is used invariably for the imparting of the Spirit: " Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts ii. And: " Because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the 38). Hence it should be carefully gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts x. 45). Holy

noticed that this has nothing to do with the subject under consid-

When

eration.

to our salvatiofi

St.

in the soul.

God, he refers But the gifts of

They

are not unto sal-

Paul speaks of faith as the

and God's saving work

which we now speak are wholly

different.

vation, but to the glory of God.

They

that

are lent to us as ornaments,

we should show their beauty as talents They are additional operations of

therewith.

take the place of the proper firm

it,

for our

to gain other talents

grace,

which can not

of the grace of salvation, nor con-

The work of grace is and upbuilding; the charismata are The first implies that we have received the

having an entirely different purpose. 07vti

given us for

Holy

work

gift of

salvation, joy, others.

Spirit; the latter that

He

imparts gifts unto

us.

Properly speaking, the charismata are given to the churches, not to individual persons.

When

a ruler selects and trains

men

for

army, it is evident that he does this not for their personal enjoyment, honor, and aggrandizement, but for the efficiency and honor of the army. He can search for men with talents officers in the

and

and instruct them but he can were possible, every king would endow his generals with the genius of a Von Moltke, and every admiral would be a De Ruyter. But Jesus is not thus limited. He is independent; unto Him all power is given in heaven and on earth. He can create talents, and freely impart them to whomsoever He will. Hence, knowing what the Church requires for its protection and upbuilding, He can fully supply all its need. His purpose is not merely to please or enrich individuals, much less to give to some what He withholds from others but with the persons thus endowed to adorn and favor the whole Church. We do not put a lamp upon the table to show it a for the military service,

not create such talents.

train

;

If this

;

special favor or because

it is

but simply because thus

it

is lighted.

To consider

more excellent than chair or stove its purpose, and the whole room

serves

the charismata as intended merely to adorn

and benefit the person endowed would be its scintillating

wages

just as absurd as to say

brightness, in contrast with corruption

of sin is death, but the gift of

God

is

eternal

and death. **

life.

"The

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