Come, Holy Spirit by H. C. MILLER

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 16, 1871

Come, Holy Spirit.

By H. C. MILLER

EVERY true prayer for the Holy Spirit, God always grants. But are not many mistaken in the matter, and greatly disappointed from a wrong impression as to what are the ways of the Spirit? how its influences are manifested? They pray for the Holy Spirit to be bestowed. Soon a crushing sense of their own sinfulness is imparted, now they begin to doubt. Oh! I am too sinful, &c., they cry; and they begin to sink. They think God does not hear. But let such stop and consider what are the Spirit’s ways. We read that its first work is to convince of sin. This heavenly occupant comes to our hearts—the house we offer him for a dwelling and he finds the place in an unfit condition. Like any sensible tenant, he says: “I cannot dwell here; here is a bad leak, much filth there—this is sadly out of repair, that needs mending,” &c. He will not dwell with sin. As fast then as he points them out, put them away and see if he does not soon sup with you, and you with him.

It has been presented to me as when one agrees to occupy a house if in good condition. He comes to take possession. But he finds the roof leaky, the chimney smokes, there is water in the cellar, &c. He says at once, I cannot live here with things as they are; make these things whole, and I will remain contented, and will do what was promised. He waits for a time. If it is done, well; if not, he perhaps pleads for a few times, and then he is gone.

Let us be wise in these things and heed the Holy Spirit’s voice, and be content to be pure, then happy, instead of happy first.

After we have prayed we may have a cutting testimony from one who is led by the Spirit. What then? doubt? repine? seek for sympathy? No. Rejoice, bless God, repent. “There are diversities of operations, but it is the same God who worketh all in all.” H. C. MILLER.

Battle Creek, Mich.