The Latter Rain by H. B. Keniston

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 1, 1912

The Latter Rain

By H. B. Keniston

H. B. KENISTON

I AM watching with great eagerness for indications that the latter rain is about to fall upon God's faithful, expectant people. Some will not receive the full benefit of the showers of blessing when they come. O, that Christ's little ones would come up to their high privilege, and welcome the Holy Spirit, the promised comforter and guide, by accepting him just as truly as they accepted pardon and cleansing! To refuse or neglect to accept the Holy Spirit as a guide and teacher, subjects one to the danger and damage of the man spoken of in Luke 11: 24, out of whom the impure spirit had gone. The house being empty, although it was cleansed and furnished, or adorned, the impure spirit with others returned and took up abode there, and the last state of the man became worse than the first.

Many fear to advocate these grand spiritual experiences lest some will be led into fanaticism. They are contented to hold to what they believe to be a true system of doctrine, keeping the commandments, paying tithes, etc., as though these outward things constituted a fitness to meet Christ at his coming. A clear, definite presentation of the gift of the Holy Spirit would lead many to seek and accept this blessing.

The failure to receive the Holy Spirit accounts for much of the darkness and lack of power in our lives. This is why our prayers for power in service are unanswered. Christ has said, "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." We must have an experimental rather than a doctrinal Christianity if we would win in this struggle against the forces of evil; if we would have the personal experience of the incoming of the Holy Spirit, transforming us, making us conscious of his blessed presence, casting out all fear, and girding with his might.

Minneapolis, Minn.