"they were henceforth armed and strengthened by the same Spirit, having in themselves the gifts which this same Spirit distributes, and appropriates to the Church, the spouse of Christ, as her ornaments. This is He who places prophets in the Church, instructs teachers, directs tongues, gives powers and healings, does wonderful works, often discrimination of spirits, affords powers of government, suggests counsels, and orders and arranges whatever other gifts there are of charismata; and thus make the Lord’s Church everywhere, and in all, perfected and completed."(Novatian, A Treatise of Novatian Concerning the Trinity, Chapter XXIX, section 251. Post-Nicene Library 10 vols. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1987) |