(Scripture Reading Exercise.)

NATURE AND FORM.

ANALYSIS.

REFERENCES.

I. The Holy Ghost Distinctive in Physical Nature from the Father and the Son.

Scripture and works cited in the body of this lesson.

II. Spirit Substance.

III. "Person" and "Personage" Defined.

SPECIAL TEXT: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." (Phil. ii:5 c. f. Acts x:38.)

DISCUSSION.

1. As Heretofore Considered: I have already considered the Holy Ghost as a member of the Trinity; as a separate Personage in that Trinity; and have spoken to a limited extent of his special office as a Witness of the truth. But all that has been said has been to present a view of him in association with the other Personages of the Godhead. It is now proposed to consider him by himself, alone—his nature, his office, the principles upon which men may unite their lives with his life, and thus attain perfect spiritual life.

2. The Spirit of the Inquiry: Most reverently, and rather reluctantly, do I address myself to this task. Certainly no one could approach it lightly, much less arrogantly, as knowing all about it, when really, after all, one knows and can know so little about it; and that only which it has pleased God to reveal in his word, and inspired his prophets to teach. Beyond what is of record in these revelations, the writer may claim no knowledge of the subject. It is merely to set forth what may be learned from these sources, grouping the facts as they may be learned by all in that manner which appeals to him as being most orderly and clear, and that will make for a reverent attitude towards this holy Personage of the Godhead.

3. Distinctions in Nature: It appears that the Holy Ghost differs from the other personages of the Godhead, in this; that while "the Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's, the Son also;[A] * * * * the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of spirit. Were it not so the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us."[B]

[Footnote A: For collected evidence of this truth, and the doctrine that as the Son is, so is the Father, see Seventy's Year Book, No. III, Lesson xxiii, notes 7, 8, 11.]

[Footnote B: Doc. and Cov., sec. 130:22.]