13. But since concerning spirit in general
many diverse things are written in the divine Scriptures, and there is
fear lest some out of ignorance fall into confusion, not knowing to
what sort of spirit the writing refers; it will be well now to certify
you, of what kind the Scripture declares the Holy Spirit to be.
For as Aaron is called Christ, and David and Saul and others are called
Christs See Cat. x. 11; xi.
1., but there is only
one true Christ, so likewise since the name of spirit is given to
different things, it is right to see what is that which is
distinctively called the Holy Spirit. For many things are called
spirits. Thus an Angel is called spirit, our soul is called
spirit, and this wind which is blowing is called spirit; great virtue
also is spoken of as spirit; and impure practice is called spirit; and
a devil our adversary is called spirit. Beware therefore when
thou hearest these things, lest from their having a common name thou
mistake one for another. For concerning our soul the Scripture
says, His spirit shall go forth, and he shall return to his
earth Ps. cxlvi. 4.: and of the
same soul it says again, Which formeth the spirit of man within
him Zech. xii. 1.. And of the
Angels it is said in the Psalms, Who maketh His Angels spirits, and
His ministers a flame of fire Ps. civ. 4.. And of
the wind it saith, Thou shalt break the ships of Tarshish with a
violent spirit Ps. xlviii. 7.; and, As the
tree in the wood is shaken by the spirit Is. vii. 2.;
and, Fire, hail, snow, ice, spirit of storm Ps. cxlviii. 8.. And of good doctrine the Lord Himself
says, The words that I have spoken unto you, they are
spirit John vi. 63., and they are
life; instead of, “are spiritual.” But the Holy
Spirit is not pronounced by the tongue; but He is a Living Spirit, who
gives wisdom of speech, Himself speaking and discoursing.