PREFACE

Many good thoughts have been presented of late years on the subject of the Gifts of the Spirit, and yet the whole amount that has been written on the perpetuity of the Gifts in the church is very small indeed, considering the great importance of the doctrine.SGOM 3.1

In adding to what has already been published we have made no attempt to exhaust the evidences, for on some points our remarks are exceedingly brief; but we have endeavored to point out what we consider the clearest and weightiest arguments, and to show the relation of this doctrine to other parts of the gospel.SGOM 3.2

We call especial attention to the connection existing between obedience to the Law of God and the presence of the Gifts of his Spirit. For a long time the churches seem to have lost sight of this important relation; and consequently antinomianism, and its constant attendant, vainglorious formality, have been greatly strengthened. Fortunately the Scriptures give a clear and decided testimony on this subject. We have also tried to bring out the whole truth presented in Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, and to show that the perpetuity of the Law of God, and of the Gifts in the church, is as firmly established by this sermon as is the continuance of the ordinance of baptism.SGOM 3.3

As we are living in the time of the fulfillment of some important prophecies, both on this and on other subjects,-in a time when a special work of preparation is needed to meet the Lord Jesus at his coming, the question of the restoration of the Spirit’s power in the church becomes of unusual interest. Were it not for this power, for the promised refreshing from the presence of the Lord, no flesh could stand in that time when Jesus ceases to plead for fallen man, when the sinner can no more find a mediator whereby to come unto the Father.SGOM 3.4

Our earnest prayer is that this feeble effort may be the means of increasing the respect of some at least for the Gifts of the Spirit, and of awakening an interest in those scriptures which teach us our dependence on the means appointed for our sanctification. We strongly desire that the waiting ones may, by the Spirit’s presence and power, be strengthened to cultivate all the graces of the divine life, and soon be brought into the unity of the faith of the Present Truth, that the testimony of Jesus may be confirmed in them so that they shall come behind in no gift, waiting for the coming of our blessed Redeemer. 1 Corinthians 1:6, 7.SGOM 4.1

J. H. W.