Christ's instructions to the apostles comprise repeated promises concerning the coming of the Comforter, and the Spirit of Truth,* by which expressive terms the Holy Ghost is designated. In His last interview with the apostles, at the close of which He ascended into heaven, the Lord repeated these assurances of a spiritual baptism, which was then soon to take place.* The fulfilment of this great prediction was realized at the succeeding Pentecost, when the apostles, having assembled together, were endowed with great power from heaven,* they being filled with the Holy Ghost so that they spoke in tongues other than their own as the Spirit gave them utterance. Among other manifestations of this spiritual endowment may be mentioned the appearance of flames of fire like unto tongues, which rested upon each of them. The promise so miraculously fulfilled upon themselves was repeated by the apostles to those who sought their instruction. Peter, addressing the Jews on that same day, declared, on the condition of their acceptable repentance and baptism, "Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."*

Personality and Powers of the Holy Ghost --

The Holy Ghost is associated with the Father and the Son in the Godhead. In the light of revelation, we are instructed as to the distinct personality of the Holy Ghost. He is a being endowed with the attributes and powers of Deity, and not a mere force, or essence. The term Holy Ghost and its common synonyms, Spirit of God,* Spirit of the Lord, or simply, Spirit,* Comforter,* and Spirit of Truth,* occur in the scriptures with plainly different meanings, referring in some cases to the person of God the Holy Ghost, and in other instances to the power or authority of this great Personage, or to the agencies through which He ministers. The context of such passages show which of these significations applies.

The Holy Ghost undoubtedly possesses personal powers and affections; these attributes exist in Him in perfection. Thus, He teaches and guides,* testifies of the Father and the Son,* reproves for sin,* speaks, commands, and commissions,* makes intercession for sinners,* is grieved,* searches and investigates,* entices,* and knows all things.* These are not figurative expressions, but plain statements of the attributes and characteristics of the Holy Ghost. That the Spirit of the Lord is capable of manifesting Himself in the form and figure of man, is indicated by the wonderful interview between the Spirit and Nephi, in which He revealed Himself to the prophet, questioned him concerning his desires and belief, instructed him in the things of God, speaking face to face with the man. "I spake unto him," says Nephi,"as a man speaketh; for I beheld that he was in the form of a man; yet nevertheless, I knew that it was the Spirit of the Lord; and he spake unto me as a man speaketh with another."* However, the Holy Ghost does not possess a body of flesh and bones, as do both the Father and the Son, but is a personage of spirit.*

Much of the confusion existing in human conceptions concerning the nature of the Holy Ghost arises from the common failure to segregate His person and powers. Plainly, such expressions as being filled with the Holy Ghost,* and His falling upon persons, having reference to the powers and influences that emanate from God, and which are characteristic of Him; for the Holy Ghost may in this way operate simultaneously upon many persons even though they be widely separated, whereas the actual person of the Holy Ghost cannot be in more than one place at a time. Yet we read that through the power of the Spirit, the Father and the Son operate in their creative acts and in their general dealings with the human family.* The Holy Ghost may be regarded as the minister of the Godhead, carrying into effect the decision of the Supreme Council.

he Office of the Holy Ghost in His ministrations among men is described in scripture. He is a teacher sent from the Father;* and unto those who are entitled to His tuition He will reveal all things necessary for the soul's advancement. Through the influences of the Holy Spirit the powers of the human mind may be quickened and increased, so that things past may be brought to remembrance. He will serve as a guide in things divine unto all who will obey Him,* enlightening every man,* in the measure of his humility and obedience;* unfolding the mysteries of God,* as the knowledge thus revealed may effect greater spiritual growth; conveying knowledge from God to man;* sanctifying those who have been cleansed through obedience to the requirements of the Gospel;* manifesting all things;* and bearing witness unto men concerning the existence and infallibility of the Father and the Son.*

Not alone does the Holy Ghost bring to mind the past and explain the things of the present, but His power is manifested in prophecy concerning the future. "He will shew you things to come," declared the Savior to the apostles in promising the advent of the Comforter. Adam, the first prophet of earth, under the influence of the Holy Ghost "predicted whatsoever should befall his posterity unto the latest generation."* The power of the Holy Ghost then, is the spirit of prophecy and revelation; His office is that of enlightenment of the mind, quickening of the intellect, and sanctification of the soul.

To Whom is the Holy Spirit Given? Not to all indiscriminately. Jesus Christ declared to the apostles of old: "I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him."* Clearly, then, a certain condition of the candidate is requisite before the Holy Spirit can be bestowed, that is to say, before the person can receive title to the companionship and ministrations of the Holy Ghost. God grants the gift of the Holy Ghost unto the obedient, and the bestowal of this gift follows faith, repentance, and baptism by water.

The Holy Spirit dwells not in tabernacles unfit and unworthy. Paul makes the sublime declaration that man may become the temple of God, with the Spirit of God dwelling within him; and the apostle specifies the penalty prescribed for defiling a structure sanctified by so holy a presence.* Faith in God leads to repentance of sin; this is followed by baptism in water for the remission of sins, and this in turn by the bestowal of the Holy Spirit, or the right and title to the personal association and inspiring ministration of the Holy Ghost, through whose power come sanctification and the specific gifts of God.

In the current dispensation it has been made a duty of the Priesthood "to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost."* The Lord has promised that the Holy Ghost shall follow these authoritative acts of His servants.* The ordinance of laying on of hands for the bestowal of the Holy Ghost is associated with that of confirmation into the Church. The officiating elder, acting in the name and by the authority of Jesus Christ, says: "Receive the Holy Ghost;" and "I confirm you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." Even these words are not prescribed, but their meaning should be expressed; and to such may be added other words of blessing and invocation as the Spirit of the Lord may dictate to the officiating elder.

Gifts of the Spirit -- As already pointed out, the special office of the Holy Ghost is to enlighten and ennoble the mind, to purify and sanctify the soul, to incite to good works, and to reveal the things of God. But, beside these general blessings, there are certain specific endowments promised in connection with the gifts of the Holy Ghost. The Savior said: "These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."*

These gifts of the Spirit are distributed in the wisdom of God for the salvation of His children. Paul thus discourses upon them: "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. * * * Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. * * * But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kind of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."*