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.” Appeal-
ing 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
.
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