This  was  the  state  of  preparation  into  which  the  disciples
were  brought  for  the  reception  of  the  richest  blessings  from
on  high. .  ATid  these  blessings  were  not  withheld.  Por  while
they  were  with  one  accord  in  one  place,  "  suddenly  there
came  a  sound  from  heaven  as  of  a  rushing,  mighty  wind,
and  it  filled  all  the  house  where  they  were  sitting.  And
there  appeared  unto  them  cloven  tongues  as  of  fire,  and  it
sat  upon  each  of  them.  And  they  were  all  filled  with  tlie
Holy  Ghost,  and  began  to  speak  with  other  tongues  as  the
Spirit  gave  them  utterance."  From  that  hour,  the  apostles
clearly  perceived,  and  boldly  proclaimed,  the  true  glory  of
Christ,  and  the  spiritual  nature  of  the  salvation  to  be  found
in  Him.  The  views  of  Christ  and  of  His  salvation,  how-
ever, that  now  and  henceforth  filled  their  minds,  as  this
chapter  shows,  and  as  we  shall  immediately  and  more  par-
ticularly notice,  were  owing,  in  reality,  not  to  the  miraculous
gifts  of  the  Spirit,  but  to  the  inwardly  illuminating  power
with  which  He  accompanied  His  gifts.  At  the  same  time,
so  remarkably  did  the  Holy  Spirit  of  Christ  then  work  in
their  minds,  and  in  the  minds  of  those  who  crowded  to  hear
tjiem,  that  multitudes  trembled  and  cried  out  under  convic-
tions of  their  sin  and  danger,  and  as  many  as  three  thousand
were  actually  and  savingly  converted  to  Christ.
Y


Work  of  the  Spirit  of  Christ.
II.  The  threefold  manner  in  which  the  Spirit  came  down
on  that  day.
