THE BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT.
By A. Smith
“He [Christ] shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” Matt. 3:11. This baptism signifies an immersion so complete that the subject is lost to view in the enveloping presence of the Spirit of God. It is not always apparent to human eyes, as was the glow upon the face of Moses when he returned to the people from his audience with the Lord upon Mount Sinai; as was the form of a dove at the baptism of Jesus; as the transfiguration upon the mountain; or as the cloven tongues on the day of Pentecost. But it is manifest in a holy, spiritual influence, which clothes God’s agent with power when he speaks or ministers in Christ’s stead. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Cor. 12:7. We fill our lamps with oil, not to be stored away unused, but to be expended in giving light. But the wick must be lighted, and the lamp kept clean. This is our work. Let Jesus turn on the volume of the flame. The constant flow of the clear light consumes the oil within, but does not destroy it, only changes it into light; and the supply of oil is being constantly replenished. See Zechariah 4. A lamp chimney, if free from flaws, and kept perfectly clean, will not in the least obscure the rays of light. Let us be as the lamp chimney, allowing the glory of God to shine through to a darkened world, so that it can see the light, but not the “lamp chimney.” Let us be as lamps, full of oil, and ever shining—a beacon light to save the wandering and the lost.