Testimonies for the Church Volume 8
of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was “the former rain,” and
glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant.
What is the promise to those living in these last days? “Turn you to
the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I
will render double unto thee.” “Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of
the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them
showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.” Zechariah 9:12;
10:1.
Christ declared that the divine influence of the Spirit was to be
with His followers unto the end. But the promise is not appreciated
as it should be; and therefore its fulfillment is not seen as it might
be. The promise of the Spirit is a matter little thought of; and the
result is only what might be expected—spiritual drought, spiritual
darkness, spiritual declension and death. Minor matters occupy the
attention, and the divine power which is necessary for the growth and
prosperity of the church, and which would bring all other blessings
in its train, is lacking, though offered in its infinite plenitude.
It is the absence of the Spirit that makes the gospel ministry so
powerless. Learning, talent, eloquence, every natural or acquired
endowment, may be possessed; but, without the presence of the
Spirit of God, no heart will be touched, no sinner won to Christ. On
[22] the other hand, if they are connected with Christ, if the gifts of the
Spirit are theirs, the poorest and most ignorant of His disciples will
have a power that will tell upon hearts. God makes them channels
for the outflowing of the highest influence in the universe.
Why do we not hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit, since
this is the means by which we are to receive power? Why do we not
talk of it, pray for it, preach concerning it? The Lord is more willing
to give the Holy Spirit to us than parents are to give good gifts to
their children. For the baptism of the Spirit every worker should be
pleading with God. Companies should be gathered together to ask
for special help, for heavenly wisdom, that they may know how to
plan and execute wisely. Especially should men pray that God will
baptize His missionaries with the Holy Spirit.
The presence of the Spirit with God’s workers will give the presentation
of the truth a power that not all the honor or glory of the
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world could give. The Spirit furnishes the strength that sustains striving,
wrestling souls in every emergency, amidst the unfriendliness