The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-05-02
THE INFLUENCES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Christians need divine influences to pro-
mote their growth in piety, and preserve ID
vigorous exercise their gracious affections.
This must be their earnest desire, as Is beaut-
fully expressed by thesacred writer, That
the spices thereof may flow OUT In other
tender, may glow and burn with divine love,
and that devout affections may spread around
them sacred atmosphere, like the delightful
perfumes from garden OF spices. 1t Is only
by the exercise of that sweet and amiable
temper which grace imparts, and by cor
responding department, that the Christian
character appears lovely and attractive.
There must be a spiritual discernment OF the
invisible things Of God, to impress and
affect the mind with o sense OF the excel
lency and Offices Of Christ, his Life, death,
resurrection, ascension and intercession with
the Father Others, as well as the Jews, may
have the agonies OF the cross and the bleed
ing love Of Christ set before them, without
relenting for sin, or feeling any glow OF affec-
ton for the glorious sufferer. They may
have no true humiliation no mean and low
thoughts OF themselves to abase them before
the King of Kings. They may have no ex-
alted sense OF his perfections. such as aWes
the seraphim and leads them to veil their
emotion of wonder, grief and joy, while con-
templating the mysteries Of redemption, no
ardent longings to be more holy and more
conformed to God. These enlivening views
and holy affections proceed from the fountain
OF life. They are the effects OF his spirit
breathing his own divine nature into the
hearts Of his children, producing life OF
faith and holiness, and thus preparing them
for the presence and enjoyment OF Christ.
Nor will q few transient emotions ever
ripen them for the joys Of the blessed. They
need continual supplies of grace, that they
may be ever tending towards the felicity OF
the heavenly state. Every daJ brings its
duties and trials, Its conflicts and dangers,
and shows us our dependence and wants.
Are Christians to resemble the tree, planted
by the rivers Of water, whose leaf doth not
wither?' Are they to be ever pressing for,
ward towardsthe prize Of their high calling!
Are they to be instant in season and ONT OF
season, aspiring to know more OF the divine
character and word, to rise higher and make
greater attainments in the divine life? They
must be continually supplied with the spirit
They must rely upon his power ana IN
fuence to renew their strength to enliShten
their minds, to deliver them from sin and
unbelief, and enable them to endure unto the
end. Left to themselves, their hopes will per-
ish, they will pine away and die in their sins:
Much as they value their present peace and
comfort, the prosperity of the church and the
Joys of Immortality, they are urged to plead
for the presence and infue9ces OF the Holy
Spirit. This Is the greatest blessing which
Christ promised his disciples, when his visi,
BILE presence was withdrawn: Il Will send
YOU another Comforter, which is the Holy
Ghost-who shall abide with you forever"
"He giveth his Holy Spirit to them who ask
him. Recorder.