The Great Father revealed himself to believers long before his Son came. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob knew him as God Almighty. Then Jesus came, and the ever-blessed Son, in his own proper person, was the delight of his people's eyes. When the Redeemer ascended, the Holy Spirit became the head of the present dispensation. His power burst forth gloriously at Pentecost and after.

And he remains at this hour—this very hour!—the present Immanuel, God with us. He dwells in and with his people, quickening, guiding, ruling in our midst.

But is his presence recognized as it ought to be? We cannot control his working—he is most sovereign in all his operations. But are we sufficiently anxious to obtain his help? Are we watchful enough lest we provoke him to withdraw his aid? Without him we can do nothing. Nothing! But by his almighty energy, the most extraordinary results can be produced. Everything depends upon his manifesting or concealing his power.

Do we always look up to him, both for our inner life and our outward service, with the respectful dependence which is fitting? Do we not too often run before his call? Act independently of his aid?

Let us humble ourselves this evening for past neglects. Now—right now!—entreat the heavenly dew to rest upon us, the sacred oil to anoint us, the celestial flame to burn within us.

The Holy Ghost is no temporary gift—he abides with the saints. We have but to seek him aright, and he will be found of us. He is jealous, yes, but he is pitiful. If he leaves in anger, he returns in mercy. Condescending and tender, he does not weary of us, but awaits to be gracious still.

Sin has been hammering my heart Into a hardness, void of love— Let supplying grace to cross his art Drop from above!