is divided against himself should be driven out by that Spirit, which the Father and the Son
who are not divided in themselves have in common.
28. And thus sins, because they are not forgiven out of the Church, must be forgiven
by that Spirit, by whom the Church is gathered together into one. In fact, if any one out of
the Church repent him of his sins, and for this so great sin whereby he is an alien from the
Church of God, has an heart impenitent, what doth that other repentance profit him? seeing
by this alone he speaketh a word against the Holy Ghost, whereby he is alienated from the
Church, which hath received this gift, that in her remission of sins should be given in the
Holy Ghost? Which remission though it be the work of the Whole Trinity, is yet understood
specially to belong to the Holy Spirit. For He is the Spirit of the adoption of sons, “in whom
we cry Abba, Father;”2445 that we may be able to say to Him, “Forgive us our debts.”2446
And, “Hereby we know” as the Apostle John says, “that Christ dwelleth in us, by His Spirit
which He hath given us.”2447 “The Spirit Itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are
the children of God.”2448 For to Him appertains the fellowship, by which we are made the
one body of the One only Son of God. Whence it is written, “If there be therefore any con-
solation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit.”2449 With a view to
this fellowship they to whom He first came spake with the tongues of all nations. Because
as by tongues the fellowship of mankind is more closely united; so it behoved that this fel-
lowship of the sons of God and members of Christ which was to be among all nations should
be signified by the tongues of all nations; that as at that time he was known to have received
the Holy Ghost, who spake with the tongues of all nations; so now he should acknowledge
that he has received the Holy Ghost, who is held by the bond of the peace of the Church,
which is spread throughout all nations. Whence the Apostle says, “Endeavouring to keep
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”2450
29. Now that He is the Spirit of the Father, the Son Himself saith, “He proceedeth from
the Father.”2451 And in another place, “For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your
Father which speaketh in you.”2452 And that He is the Spirit of the Son also the Apostle
saith, “God hath sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba Father;”2453 that
2445 Rom. viii. 15.
2446 Matt. vi. 12.
2447 1 John iii. 24.
2448 Rom. viii. 16.
2449 Phil. ii. 1.
2450 Eph. iv. 3.
2451 John xv. 26.
2452 Matt. x. 20.
2453 Gal. iv. 6.
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On the words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 32, ‘Whosoever shall speak a word…