CONCERNING the work of the gifts of the Spirit, we read, in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive [“a multitude of captives,” margin], and gave gifts unto men....And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measures of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:8-16.HEVI 19.3

The result to be accomplished, in the operation of the gifts of the Spirit of God-perfecting of the saints, and bringing them into the unity of the faith-is the very kind of work that will be needed in the church until the close of probationary time. And so the Lord provided for the accomplishment of the work by sending the “Comforter,” the Holy Spirit, that is to abide with the church “forever,” even to the end.HEVI 19.4

Even those who oppose the idea of the continuance in the church of the gift of prophecy, the gifts of healing, the gift of working miracles, and the gift of tongues, can not dispense with evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Who gave the right to any one to say that some of the gifts are to continue, and that others should cease?HEVI 19.5

The apostle Paul tells just when the gift of prophecy (which some so persistently oppose) shall cease. He says: “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail [not that true prophecies already made will fail in the fulfilment, but there will finally fail to be an exercise of the prophetic gift]; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away”. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. This language is equivalent to saying that the gifts, especially singling out the gift of prophecy, shall remain until the perfect state shall be ushered in. When the time comes that we see God face to face, when we “see as we are seen, and know as we are known,” when angels of God shall be our daily associates, we shall have no need of visions and prophecy.HEVI 19.6

Hast thou, my Master, aught for me to do
To honor thee to-day?
Hast thou a word of love to some poor soul
That I may say?
For, see, this world that thou hast made so fair,
Within its heart is sad;
Thousands are lonely, thousands weep and sigh:
But few are glad. -Mrs. Prentiss.HEVI 19.7

The Review and Herald, May 9, 1899.HEVI 19.8

COVETING GIFTS

THE GIFT OF APOSTLES