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THE METHODIST

NEW CONNEVIA

WITH THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION.

In speaking of the Spirit's influences we shall be understood as referring to those usually termed ordinary, and not to those designated extraordinary. The latter, being special in their character, and conferred for special purposes, as the inspiration of the scriptures, the working of miracles, speaking in divers tongues, &c., have long since ceased. These extraordinary gifts were withdrawn when the necessity for their longer continuance passed away. It was never promised that they should remain with the Church in perpetuity, and the opinion, held by some, that this was intended by the Divine Being, is entirely gratuitous and incapable of proof. Those influences of the Holy Spirit which are characterized as ordinary, are such as are essential to effectuate the salvation of the souls of men in all ages-essential to

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Yours affectimality I'M Midley

THE METHODIST

NEW CONNEXION MAGAZINE.

DECEMBER, 1858.

ESSAYS, &c., ON THEOLOGY AND GENERAL LITERATURE.

THE HOLY SPIRIT:

HIS OFFICE AND WORK IN CONNEXION WITH THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION, AND THE MEANS TO BE EMPLOYED ΤΟ SECURE HIS INFLUENCES.

IN a former paper we endeavoured to show that the doctrine of the Holy Trinity is a scriptural verity; and in doing this, we furnished what we considered full and conclusive proof of the personality and Godhead of the Holy Spirit. In the present article we shall assume that the doctrine of the Holy Spirit's proper personality and divinity is admitted, and shall proceed to consider the office and work of the Spirit in relation to man's salvation, and the means proper to be employed to secure his influences.

Our theme is full of interest, and transcendently momentous in its bearings on the spiritual and eternal welfare of mankind. It was so regarded, it is abundantly evident, by the inspired writers, and should be so estimated by us. May the teachings of that Divine Spirit, of whom we write, be vouchsafed in the present instance, so that the writer may be led into the truth, and what he advances be promotive of the good of his readers!

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I. THE OFFICE AND WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN CONNEXION WITH THE ECONOMY OF SALVATION.

In speaking of the Spirit's influences we shall be understood as referring to those usually termed ordinary, and not to those designated extraordinary. The latter, being special in their character, and conferred for special purposes, as the inspiration of the scriptures, the working of miracles, speaking in divers tongues, &c., have long since ceased. These extraordinary gifts were withdrawn when the necessity for their longer continuance passed away. It was never promised that they should remain with the Church in perpetuity, and the opinion, held by some, that this was intended by the Divine Being, is entirely gratuitous and incapable of proof. Those influences of the Holy Spirit which are characterized as ordinary, are such as are essential to effectuate the salvation of the souls of men in all ages-essential to

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