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AND why do you wonder that those duties enumerated above will cease,
when the holy Apostle tells us that even the higher gifts of the Holy
Spirit will pass away: and points out that charity alone will abide without
end, saying "whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be
tongues, they shall cease: whether there be knowledge, it will Come to an
end," but of this he says "Charity never faileth." For all gifts are given
for a time as use and need require, but when the dispensation is ended they
will without doubt presently pass away: but love will never be destroyed.
For not only does it work usefully in us in this world; but also in that to
come, when the burden of bodily needs is cast off, it will continue in far
greater vigour and excellence, and will never be weakened by any defect,
but by means of its perpetual incorruption will cling to God more intently
and earnestly.
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