Patriarchs and Prophets

God. 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11. Yet these gifts are said to be “set in the Church,” and
if a gift is bestowed upon even one member of the Church, it may be said that that gift
is “in the Church,” or that the Church “has” it. So the last generation was to have, and
it is believed does now have, the testimony of Jesus, or the gift of prophecy.
Another portion of scripture evidently written with reference to the last days,
brings the same fact plainly to view. 1 Thessalonians 5. The apostle opens the chapter
with these words: “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I
write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a
thief in the night.” In Verse 4 he adds, “but ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that
day should overtake you as a thief.” Then he gives them sundry admonitions in view
of that event, among which are these (Verses 19-21): “Quench not the spirit. Despise
not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” And in Verse 23 he
prays that these very ones who were thus to have to do with “prophesyings” may be
preserved blameless unto the Coming of the Lord.
On the strength of these considerations are we not justified in believing that the
gift of prophecy will be manifested in the Church in the last days, and that through it
much light will be imparted, and much timely instruction given?
All things are to be treated according to the apostle’s rule: “Prove all things; hold
fast that which is good;” and to be tested by the saviour’s standard: “By their fruits
ye shall know them.” Appealing to this standard in behalf of what claims to be a
manifestation of the gift of prophecy, we commend this volume to the consideration
of those who believe that the Bible is the word of God, and that the Church is the body
of which Christ is head.
U. Smith.