Page:The House of the Lord.djvu/91

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PRESENT NEED OF TEMPLES
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after that recognition, the Baptist fearlessly proclaimed his testimony:

"Behold the Lamb of God * * * This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me * * * And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost."[1]

Jesus repeatedly promised the apostles that the "Comforter" or the "Spirit of Truth"[2] should be given unto them; and this assurance was made specific and final immediately prior to the ascension. He "commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. * * * Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me."[3] The promise was fulfilled at the succeeding Pentecost when the apostles received power never before know to them, the endowment being marked by an outward manifestation of fiery tongues.[4] The apostles thereafter promised the Holy Ghost to those who sought salvation. Peter's exhortation to the multitude, on that same memorable day of Pentecost, is particularly explicit and forceful. In answer to the inquiry, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" the chief of the apostles replied: