"If you will take pains to read the two verses following, you will see that '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.' My friend, instead of this quotation proving that these things are done away, it establishes the assertion that they shall remain until perfection shall come. Surely no sane man will say that we have come to perfection." "I have understood that these gifts were no longer needed. This certainly is the conclusion the ministers of the day have come to." "But this is not surprising to me, for this good old Bible declares that the time will come when the people will turn from sound doctrine to fables." (II. Tim. iv: 4.) "I must admit that you have convinced me that baptism is a necessity, and when I am baptized, the ordinance will be performed in the proper manner," said the doctor. "I am pleased to learn that, but I may have another surprise for you yet. May I ask, who do you intend shall baptize you?" "My minister, I suppose; why?" "If the words of the Bible be true, there may be a doubt as to whether your minister is authorized to baptize you." "Do you mean to prove that these men, ministers of the gospel, have no authority to officiate in that ordinance? I wonder what you will undertake next, but proceed, for I am now prepared for surprises." "I assure you, my dear sir, I only wish to refer to a few doctrines from the Bible which are necessary to be understood by you in order that you may obtain eternal life. Thus far we have only examined the first principles of the gospel, but now we will speak of the officers whom Christ placed in His Church, and learn by what means men receive authority to act in the name of God. Paul tells us that God has placed 'first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after which gifts of healing,' etc. (I. Cor. xii: 28), and says the work is built upon the foundation of apostles. (Eph. ii: 20.) He furthermore declares that these officers have been placed in the Church for the work of the ministry, and to remain until we all come to a knowledge of the truth. (Eph. iv: 11-13). Have all mankind come to a knowledge of the truth? If not, why has the church dispensed with the officers that God placed in it for the purpose of bringing all to a unity of the faith? Paul tells us that these officers were placed in the Church to keep us from being tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine which is taught by man. (Eph. iv: 12-14.) At the present time, when men declare that they have no need of apostles or prophets, they are divided, and subdivided, and in fact carried about by every doctrine that is promulgated--as Paul saw that they would be, if inspired apostles and prophets were not found to lead them. In losing these officers, the Church lost her authority, together with all her gifts and graces, and the so-called Christian churches today are disrobed of all her