=19.= Most of the visions and dreams recorded in scripture have been given to the chosen people through the ministering priesthood; but there are exceptional instances of such manifestations unto some, who, at the time, had not entered the fold. Such, for example, was the case with Saul and Cornelius; but in these instances the Divine manifestations were immediately preliminary to conversion. Dreams with special import were given to Pharaoh,[705] Nebuchadnezzar,[706] and others; but it required a higher power than their own to interpret them; and Joseph and Daniel were called to officiate. The dream given to the Midianite soldier, and its interpretation by his fellow,[707] betokening the victory of Gideon, were true manifestations; as also the dream of Pilate's wife,[708] in which she learned of the innocence of the accused Christ. [705] Gen. xli; see other instances in Gen. xl. [706] Dan. ii. [707] Jud. vii, 13, 14. [708] Matt. xxvii, 19. =20. The Gift of Prophecy= distinguishes its possessor as a prophet,--literally, one who speaks for another; specifically, one who speaks for God,[709] It is distinguished by Paul as one of the most desirable of spiritual endowments, and its pre-eminence over the gift of tongues he discusses at length.[710] To prophesy is to receive and declare the word of God, and the statement of His will to the people. The function of prediction, often regarded as the sole essential of prophecy, is but one among many characteristics of this divinely given power. The prophet may have as much concern with the past as with the present or the future; he may exercise his gift in teaching through the light of, and by the experience of preceding events, as in fore-telling occurrences. The prophets of God have ever been in special favor with Him, being privileged to learn of His will and designs; indeed, the promise is made that the Lord will do nothing except He reveal His secret purposes unto His servants, the prophets.[711] These chosen oracles stand as mediators between God and mortals, pleading for or against the people.[712] [709] See note 2. [710] I Cor. xiv, 1-9. [711] Amos iii, 7. [712] I Kings xviii, 36, 37; Rom. xi, 2, 3; James v, 16-18; Rev. xi, 6. =21.= No special ordination in the priesthood is essential to man's receiving the gift of prophecy; bearers of the Melchizedek order, Adam, Noah, Moses, and a multitude of others were truly prophets, but not more truly so than were many who exercised the Aaronic functions only--as for example most of the Old Testament priests subsequent to the time of Moses, and John the Baptist.[713] The ministrations of the prophetesses Miriam[714] and Deborah[715] show that this gift may be possessed by women also. In the time of Samuel, the prophets were organized into a special order, to aid their purposes of study and improvement.[716] [713] Matt. xi, 8-10. [714] Exo. xv, 20. [715] Jud. iv, 4. [716] See Note 3.