What is meant by the gift of the Holy Spirit?

The gift of Holy Spirit was the highest blessing promised by Him to his followers before He left the earth. He did not urge them to look for blessings from his death, but to wait for Holy Spirit, which he would send to them from his Father God.

And do you not remember how bountifully it was poured out upon them? How well that promise was fulfilled? Could they not do all things under its powerful influence that could tend to the furtherance of their mighty work? Did they not heal the sick—speak their divine mission in diverse tongues to suit their various hearers?

Many more were convinced by their teachings than even by their masters—this power of Holy Spirit was so strong upon them. So it was in those early ages of the church. Why did it not continue? Why were such gifts allowed to die out? Were all nations brought into harmony by the true light of their gospel?

Human authorities were set up, and Holy Spirit, which could and would have continued to guide them with as much and even more power than it had showered down in the days of the apostles was driven from the earth. 

Inspiration had ceased.

Their own blindness and arrogant assumption prevented all chance of the spirit manifesting. Quarrels on points of doctrine, immaterial at best, persecutions for conscience' sake are fatal to holy influences.

Where the true spirit enters, there must be harmony and love.

Quarrels and contentions may bring in other influences, but they can never bring to their followers that peace of God, which passeth all understanding, but which may be the portion of all who seek it.

But if you once receive this true light of Holy Spirit in your soul, you will do far more—your words will be words of power to convince others—your hands may carry a balm of healing for every wound—your heart opens, and melting in charity for all, charity that not only relieves the indigent from bodily want, but follows out to the letter the teachings of the divinely-inspired Paul on this subject.

Think if all felt in this way how differently the world would be constituted.

Christ's mission would soon be accomplished and heaven and earth rejoice together!

—J. W. in Spirit