ringeth not forth good
fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire." The illustration that
follows in each instance is: "He will burn up the chaff in unquenchable
fire." With these forcible illustrations to guard the passage, can any
one fail to understand what is meant by the baptism in fire? The reader
will also observe that neither Mark nor John refers to the baptism in
fire, and neither uses any illustration to explain it, because no
illustration is necessary. Where the baptism of fire is used there was
always something destroyed by fire. This interpretation harmonizes with
the universal use of the word "fire" in the New Testament. (1) _In not a
single instance is it used to denote a spiritual blessing conferred upon
the good_. (2) _In not a single instance does it refer to the work of
the Holy Spirit in purifying sinners_. It is connected with judgments,
punishments, fiery indignation, devouring adversaries, consuming, and
even with hell itself; but in no case does it refer to the power of God
in the scheme of redemption to convert and save men.

Neither does the baptism of the Holy Spirit refer to cleansing men from
sin and saving them. _It was not given for that purpose_. This is a
foolish dream born out of the castaway doctrine of the total depravity
of man and his total disability to hear, believe and obey the truth.
Those who claim the baptism of the Holy Spirit to-day claim that it is
the regenerating, converting, purifying power of God. _But the Bible
does not so teach_. In every instance in which the word "purify" is
found in the New Testament it is an act of personal volition--_something
a man must do for himself._ John 11:55: "Now the passover of the Jews
was at hand: and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the
passover, to purify themselves."

Acts 21:24: "These take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges
for them, that they may shave their heads; and all shall know that there
is no truth in the things whereof they have been informed concerning
thee; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, keeping the law."

Acts 21:26: "Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself
with them went into the temple, declaring the fulfilment of the days of
purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them."

Jas. 4:8: "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your
hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded."

1 Pet. 1:22: "Seeing ye