From the scriptures mentioned, together with many others of like character, we may conclude that Christ's true apostles have power over unclean spirits and over diseases. They also have authority to act in His name. We can as well conclude that those who think it unnecessary to be authorized to minister in the ordinances of the Gospel are in error. Men may without authority attempt to teach the same doctrines as Jesus taught; they may organize a church after the same pattern; and some may even perform miracles by the power of the evil one, as did the magicians before Pharaoh in the days of Moses; but without authority from heaven to do so their pretensions are vain. We may justly reject any who may have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof.
ALL TRUE DISCIPLES PERSECUTED.
The disciples of Christ were told that they would have to suffer persecution. The Savior informed them that this should be the case, and led them to expect it.
"If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. . . If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you." (John 15: 19, 20).
"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you: for so did their fathers to the false prophets." (Luke 6: 26).
The Apostle Paul says, "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (II Timothy 3: 12).
OUTWARD SIGNS OF THE TRUE CHURCH.
Most of the marks pointed out herein are outward signs by which the true Gospel and church of Christ may be known. The disciples of Jesus may always be recognized by the following signs which have already been pointed out:
They will Obey and Teach the Ordinances that Christ has said Must be Obeyed.
Those Ordinances are:
First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ;