VI. To whom and to what extent the Holy Ghost is given.

The Holy Ghost is said to be given to those who receive his gifts and acknowledge him. He is therefore, given differently according to his various gifts. All those who are members of the church, whether they be true Christians or hypocrites, partake of his gifts more or less; but yet in a different manner. For the godly do not only receive those gifts which are common, but those also which are special and pertain to salvation. They have not merely a knowledge of the doctrine of God’s word, but have been regenerated and possess true faith; because the Holy Ghost, besides kindling in them a knowledge of the will and truth of God, also regenerates them, and imparts unto them true faith and conversion. Hence he is given unto them in such a manner that he produces in them his gifts which are unto their salvation, and that they may also be able to know from these gifts that the Spirit dwells in them. Yet he is at the same time given only to such us seek and are willing to receive him; and for this reason increased in those who persevere. Hypocrites, on the other hand, receive nothing more than a mere knowledge of the doctrine of God, and such gifts as are common. “Whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him.” (John 14:17.)

From this it appears what the difference is between the knowledge of tongues, sciences and gifts of a similar character conferred upon the heathen and those which are given to the church; for those who among the heathen excelled in the knowledge of tongues, the arts and other useful things, had indeed the gifts of God, but not the Holy Ghost, whom none receive but those who are sanctified by him, and who acknowledge him as the author of all their gifts.