Mankind are moved to action and guided in it by reason, which proceeds by the way of knowledge and judgment; also by faith which furnishes a totally new knowledge and illumination; and thirdly, by the Holy Ghost, who further inspires good thoughts, and affords direction and strength to carry them into effect. The movements of the Holy Spirit act immediately on the two master faculties, the intelligence and the will. God adapts these faculties so that they may correspond to the influence from without; and He confers on them spiritual aids, which are distinguished in Holy Scripture and in our estimation according to the different operations of our minds when so inspired. The Prophet enumerates seven species of infused grace which are attributed to the Holy Ghost as His gifts. These are "the spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the spirit of counsel and of fortitude, the spirit of knowledge and of godliness, and . . . the spirit of the fear of the Lord" (Isa. xi. 2, 3). They are the peculiar endowments of the Messias; and, on account of our participation in Him and in His Spirit, these same gifts become part of our inheritance also. These represent the graces which guide the intellect both as speculative and as practical, and they aid the will as to the accomplishment of its duties courage under difficulties, and resistance to temptation. Such are some of the favours accorded to the faithful soul; they are manifested especially in the saints, but also in every one who maintains himself in the grace of God. Continue Reading.
