Those fruits

(J. C. Ryle)

The work of the Holy Spirit, though mysterious, will always be known by the fruits He produces in the character and conduct of those in whom He dwells. The presence of the Spirit is like . . . light which can be seen, fire which can be felt, and wind which causes noticeable results.

Where there are no fruits of the Spirit--there is no presence of the Spirit. Those fruits, I need not tell you, are always the same:

conviction of sin,
true repentance,
lively faith in Christ, and
holiness of heart and life.

I am afraid there are myriads of professing Christians throughout the land, who really know nothing about the Holy Spirit. They seem to think that as baptized members of a great ecclesiastical corporation--that they possess the Spirit. But of the work of the Spirit on their own individual hearts--of conversion, repentance, and faith--they know nothing at all. They are spiritually asleep and dead--and unless they awake, are in great danger!