We have seen also that the fruits of the Spirit are goodness, righteousness, truth, love, joy, peace, and gentleness;[A] and as these things are increased in the soul, viciousness and impurity are rooted out, until the whole man is changed and in very deed becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus—is numbered among the pure in heart, and "blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see and dwell with God."
[Footnote A: Gal. v:22.]
LESSON XIX.
(Scripture Reading Exercises continued.)
SPIRIT BAPTISM (Continued.)
ANALYSIS. | REFERENCES. |
IV. Manner of Spirit Baptism: (a) In the Apostolic Church; (b) In the Church of Post Apostolic days; | The works and Scripture cited in the body of the lesson. |
V. Spirit Baptism in the New Dispensation. | |
VI. Philosophy in the Manner of Spirit Baptism. |
SPECIAL TEXT: "Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come dozen, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts viii:14-17.)
DISCUSSION.
1. The Manner of Spirit Baptism: The manner in which the saints under the teachings of the apostles received the baptism of the Holy Ghost was through the laying on of hands. In proof of this I call attention once more to the labors of Philip in the city of Samaria.
It is already known how he taught them the gospel, how they believed it and were baptized; then we are informed that "when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost (for as yet he was fallen on none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."[A]