The permanent continuance of this One CHURCH on earth we see to have been, in point of fact, connected, from the beginning, with One permanent Ministry or Priesthood, with which, at the first, CHRIST the great High Priest promised to be virtually present “to the end of the world.” So that, as it was promised that the CHURCH should never be prevailed against; so also that Ministry which was essential to it, should never cease. To the CHURCH we know the New Testament was addressed: and by the CHURCH (with all other means of grace) it was preserved. By the CHURCH’S instrumentality we, individually, are brought to that Font where the “stewards of GOD’S mysteries” received us to the mystic body of the faithful. By the CHURCH we really are taught in the truth; for notwithstanding every boast of independent thinking, the CHURCH is practically to us, what it was to the first Christians, “the pillar and ground of truth.” (1 Tim. iii. 15.) From the CHURCH’S voice we learn even the lessons of Holy Scripture. And not only the transmitted Wisdom, but the transmitted Grace of Christ is thus ours; for the CHURCH is the “fulness of Him that filleth all in all!” (Eph. i. 23.)—On our head the CHURCH directs that holy hands be laid. In the CHURCH we obtain that grace, whereby we go on “from strength to strength:” and in our partaking of the mysterious Sacrifice which “showeth forth the LORD’S death,” glory is given “unto GOD in the CHURCH, by CHRIST JESUS, throughout all ages.” Nay we doubt not, that even “unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places there is made known by the CHURCH the manifold wisdom of GOD!”