Page:Philochristus, Abbott, 1878.djvu/182

174 and we hear the sound thereof, but know not whence it cometh nor whither it goeth, even so it is with the spirit of our souls, the spirit of goodness, which is the Holy Spirit of God."

Then I said, "But how shall we obtain this Holy Spirit? Or is it indeed needful that we should obtain it, seeing that we have it already? Or do some have it, but others have it not?" Nathaniel answered and said, "All have it. But some have little, and none much; and Jesus hath come that we may have it abundantly. But how we shall obtain it, this I know not now. But this I know, that Jesus hath the Holy Spirit in himself, and that he will impart it to us. For I heard him say that no man can enter into the Kingdom of God unless he is born again of the Holy Spirit."

Then he paused, and said, "Is there not, O Joseph, a certain saying touching the Shekinah, how that it dwelleth not with one man, but with many?" And I replied, "Yea, but with one also; for it is said, 'When ten sit and are occupied in words of the Law, the Shekinah is among them, for it is said, God standeth in the congregation of the mighty. And whence dwelleth it even with two? Because it is said, Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another. And whence even with one? Because it is said, In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee and bless thee.'" Nathaniel smiled and said, "Our Master also teacheth that the presence of the Holy Spirit is with two or three, whensoever they are gathered together in his name. But this doctrine he foundeth not on words of Scripture; but methinks he seeth that there is a certain Spirit of Goodness or Kindness which passeth from one man to his neighbor and gathereth strength as it passeth. But when a man is alone and without neighbors, it cannot in this way gather strength. For it is a Spirit of