FATHER, and of the SON, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world. p. 7, Para. 1, [1SG].
That the preaching of the gospel under this commission did not end with the primitive church is evident from the promise, "I am with you alway, even to the end of the world." He does not say, I am with you, apostles, everywhere, even to the ends of the earth; but it is always, to the end of the world, or age. It will not do to say that the Jewish age is meant, for that had already ended at the cross. I conclude then that the preaching and the belief of the primitive gospel will be attended with the same spiritual aid. The apostles' commission belonged to the Christian age, and embraced the whole of it. Consequently the gifts were only lost through apostasy, and will be revived with the revival of primitive faith and practice. p. 7, Para. 2, [1SG].
In 1 Cor. xii, 28, we are informed that GOD hath set, placed or fixed, certain spiritual gifts in the church. In the absence of any scriptural proof that he has removed or abolished them, we must think they were intended to remain. Where is the proof then that they were abolished? In the same chapter where the Jewish Sabbath is abolished, and the Christian Sabbath instituted--a chapter in the Acts of Mystery of Iniquity, and the Man of Sin. But the objector claims Bible proof that the gifts were to cease contained in the following text: Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; 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. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass darkly: but then face to face; now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Cor. xiii, 8-13. p. 7, Para. 3, [1SG].
Well, this text does foretell the cessation of spiritual gifts, also of faith and hope. But when were they to cease? We still look forward to the time when p. 8, Para. 1, [1SG].