The result was that new services were compiled in English out of the old Latin books, which the people had been unable to understand; and much that was superstitious was omitted. But the changes were introduced gradually, and as the people were prepared to accept them. The same Parish Clergy, in most cases, ministered as before, only according to the new forms; the Churches were used by the same worshippers; the same Creeds were repeated. For the Reformation touched not the ancient Catholic Faith. It only removed the modern ceremonies and superstitious beliefs which had been added to it. Like all great human efforts, the Reformation was not unmixed with evil; but, at the same time, the blessings gained by our country were very great. And if other countries had succeeded in reforming abuses, in a similar manner, no doubt the Church of Christ would have gained great influence for good, not only in Europe, but also throughout the world. But the power, which the Church of Rome had usurped to herself, was too valuable to be parted with. The Pope denounced the Reformation, and broke off all communion with our Church and nation. What then became the position of the Church of England? We have seen how the unity of the various branches of the Church was provided for by our Lord, through the Apostles and Bishops, to whom He entrusted His commission to extend His Kingdom. And by the Providence of God the unity of the Church of England with the Holy Catholic Church has been maintained, notwithstanding this unhappy schism between us and the Church of Rome[28]. Our Archbishops and Bishops still exert as before an indisputable authority, as the officers of the King of "The Kingdom of Heaven;" and having fellowship with them, we know that we are in the same position as the first members of the Church, who "continued stedfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship" (Acts ii. 42). Nothing but time separates us from the Apostles and the early Church of Christ. What was necessary for the first subjects of "The Kingdom of Heaven" we enjoy. What they were taught to believe, we believe. What they were led to hope for, we hope for likewise. The promise of our Lord to His Apostles, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (S. Matt. xxviii. 20), includes our Bishops, with all the other successors of the Apostles from that day until now.