Article November 13, 1902 Issue

Religious Items

with contributions from A. Conklin, Alexander Maclaren, Henry Wilder Foote

DIVINE GIFTS.—Without reference to the question of personal intercourse with the Divine Spirit, and all that goes under the name of prayer, there is going on throughout the world of discussion the question, How can man get access to and use the stores of wisdom and power that are in the divine nature? If there be a God at all, and if we are spiritual beings capable of intercourse with Him and capable of receiving gifts from Him, it follows that it must be possible for human nature to enrich itself beyond even the dreams of the prophets. Jesus promised that his disciples should do greater things than he did; and ever since that time there have been those who have tried to take him at his word, and to realize in their own experience the meaning of his promise.

But disappointment constantly follows the attempt to arm and enrich one's self with the powers of omnipotence. The divine wisdom flows in a scanty stream through many devout souls and earnest seekers after the truth, who have earnestly desired to receive it. Unless we hold that the expectation of sharing the divine fulness can never be realized, the reason for this disappointment must be found in wrong methods. ... All the teaching of Jesus in story and parable tends to enforce the doctrine, that, if one would have new gifts from God he must show his willingness and ability to put to good use those which he has. ... All experience teaches the lesson that good gifts used multiply and increase, while neglected they shrink and disappear.—The Christian Register.

Rev. James M. Campbell, D.D., says in an article in The Homiletic Review: "Prior to Pentecost the Lord enjoined his disciples to pray for the Spirit; but where is there the slightest intimation that they were ever enjoined to pray for the Spirit after Pentecost? Why should any one pray for what has already been given? ... When we read the words 'Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you,' it is surely pertinent to inquire, When were these words spoken? To whom were they spoken? Has the promise which they contained been fulfilled? The advent of the Spirit is here, as always, referred to as a distinct event. Has it taken place? Has the Spirit come upon the Church? Need we answer? The Spirit is here and here forever to abide. His presence is therefore to be always assumed. Instead of tarrying for his coming we are to rejoice in his presence; instead of seeking to conquer his reluetance we are to go to work believing that all the power we need has been made over to us; instead of waiting through weary years of deferred hope for some special faith-compelling visitation from him, we are to yield ourselves at once to his complete possession, doing the work that he bids us in the strength that he gives us."

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