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Spiritual Gifts. Volume 1
Jesus remained with his disciples forty days, causing them joy
and gladness of heart, and opening to them more fully the realities
of the kingdom of God. He commissioned them to bear testimony to
the things which they had seen and heard, concerning his sufferings,
death and resurrection; that he had made a sacrifice for sin, that all
who would, might come unto him and find life. He with faithful
tenderness told them that they would be persecuted and distressed; but
they would find relief in referring to their experience, and remembering
the words he had spoken to them. He told them that he had overcome
the temptations of the Devil, and maintained the victory through trials
and suffering, that Satan could have no more power over him, but
would more directly bring his temptations and power to bear upon
them, and upon all who should believe in his name. He told them
that they could overcome, as he had overcome. Jesus endowed his
disciples with power to do miracles, and he told them that although
wicked men should have power over their bodies, he would at certain
times send his angels and deliver them; that their lives could not be
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taken from them until their mission should be accomplished. And
when their testimony should be finished, their lives might be required
to seal the testimonies which they had borne. His anxious followers
gladly listened to his teachings. They eagerly feasted upon every word
which fell from his holy lips. Then they certainly knew that he was
the Saviour of the world. Every word sunk with deep weight into
their hearts, and they sorrowed that they must be parted from their
blessed, heavenly teacher; that after a little they should no more hear
comforting, gracious words from his lips. But again their hearts were
warmed with love and exceeding joy, as Jesus told them that he would
go and prepare mansions for them, and come again and receive them,
that they might ever be with him. He told them that he would send
them the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to guide, bless and lead them into
all truth; and he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
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