discourse has a general application to the church throughout the gospel age. False prophets are to be known by their fruits; in other words, by their moral character. The only standard by which to determine whether their fruits are good or bad, is the law of GOD. Hence we are brought to the law and to the testimony. True prophets will not only speak according to this word, but they must live according to it. One who speaks and lives thus I dare not condemn. p. 10, Para. 2, [1SG].
It always has been a characteristic of false prophets that they see visions of peace; and they will be saying peace and safety when sudden destruction comes upon them. The true will boldly reprove sin and warn of coming wrath. p. 11, Para. 1, [1SG].
Prophesying which contradict the plain and positive declarations of the word are to be rejected. An example is given in the manner of CHRIST'S second coming. When JESUS ascended to heaven in the sight of his disciples, it was declared most explicitly by the angels, that this same JESUS should so come in like manner as they had seen him go into heaven. Hence JESUS in predicting the false prophets of the last days, says, If they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: Behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. All true prophesying on that point must recognize his visible coming from heaven. Why did not JESUS say, Reject all prophesying at that time, for there will be no true prophets then? p. 11, Para. 2, [1SG].
Eph. iv, 11-13. "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 measure of the stature of the fullness of CHRIST." p. 12, Para. 1, [1SG].
We learn from a previous verse that when CHRIST ascended up on high, he gave gifts unto men. Of these gifts are enumerated apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. The object for which they were given was the perfecting of the saints in unity and knowledge. Some, who profess to be pastors and teachers, at the present day, hold that these gifts fully accomplished their object some