The Great Second Advent Movement: Its Rise and Progress

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Opening of the California Mission

One thing I wish to notice in connection with the opening of the California mission, which well illustrates the practical utility of the gift of prophecy. Paul, in speaking of spiritual gifts, including the gift of prophecy, says they are “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” 3 Surely the most feasible way to perfect saints is to point out to them their errors, so that they may put them away, and be washed from their sins in the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. To this end, aid through the gift of prophecy in the work of the ministry has all the way along been manifested in connection with the cause of present truth, pointing out to the servants of the Lord the defects in their manner of labor, and how, by a different mode, they could be more efficient in the conversion of souls. GSAM 384.4