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I. ITS NATURE. The supernatural power of the Holy Spirit in man.

1. In ordinary Christians: regeneration; Christian energy" moral influence.

2. In extraordinary ministers, as apostles and prophets: miracles; tongues; prophecy. The latter form intermittent; the former permanent.

II. ITS ORIGIN. Divine, and therefore to be distinguished from —

1. The intellectual inspiration of genius.

2. The emotional inspiration of rhapsody.

3. The evil inspiration of imposture.On the lowest possible hypothesis the inspiration of Shakespeare, Mohammed, and Simon Magus must differ not only in degree but in kind from that of St. Paul.

III. ITS MEASURE.

1. Sufficient for

(1)  the age in which it works;

(2)  the purpose for which it is given.

2. According to the capacity of the recipient.

IV. THE MEANS of its enjoyment.

1. Not the works of the law. The folly of this supposition may be seen by the endeavour to work for the inspiration of the poet; but poets are born, not made. So are apostles and Christians.

2. By the hearing of faith. We do not call the genius a deserving man, but a "gifted" man; so is the apostle in working miracles, and the Christian in exerting his influence for good.

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KJV: He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

WEB: He therefore who supplies the Spirit to you, and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?