LIFE IN TWO INTRODUCTION THE SPEAKING SPIRIT "Howbeit when he the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will show you things to come."JOHN 16:13. In the winter of 1896 I began to live in a new world. I had been considering the privileges and possibilities of the pentecostal gift known as "The Promise of the Father." I was convinced that there was more in this endowment than had been generally understood and accepted. I had found the glowing love, the intense energy, the purity 'Acts 1:4 2. B. TRANSFER AUG 7 – 1941 and power. I saw also that the promise included the Comforter or Helper in the memory: "He shall bring all things to your remembrance." I recognized him in my memory and found immediately a great change. I did not need notes while addressing an audience. I had been compelled to use them for many years. I had help at the right instant, so that I did not omit or fail in the effort to recollect. I then received the Spirit as a guide in all the affairs of life. I resolved to test the promise, "He shall guide you into all truth," by exploring its utmost possibilities and limitations. I began with little things in which evidence that I was right or had failed could be easily noticed. When there was doubt or perplexity I waited for clearer light and asked for help to meet conditions that had been overlooked. It came. I saw that knowledge in this realm was slowly revealed, that I must be bold but cautious and discriminating. I could not be used without thoughtful effort or as a passive instrument. I must do my part or there would be confusion and delay in getting the divine responses. 2 John 14:26 These responses came as impressions and suggestions, and were well understood. One memorable day something was suggested that seemed unreasonable and contrary to that which should be expected from a divine source. I hesitated. Was this right? Was it from the Holy Spirit? For a while I was in doubt, when suddenly these words were spoken distinctly within my mind: "I am the Spirit of Jesus." I was surprised. Heretofore I had got impressions and suggestions, but this was a silent verbal communication. I resolved to test this voice. I said, reverently, "Are you the Divine Spirit?" He responded, "I am." I was then impressed with the idea that I should prove him by acting as he had directed. I acted promptly and was fully satisfied with the result. It was a great victory. I had been carried through something that I did not at first understand but saw clearly afterward. This was something new to me. I had heard the Holy Spirit speak. Could it be possible? If so, how amazing; how valuable was my discovery. Could I now inquire of the Lord as men did in ancient times and get his thoughts in more definite form? It |