IN CHURCH HISTORY. , 141 



saints." It was not begotten at the time of tho 

 Reformation, but was founded by those whom 

 Christ sent into the world as His apostles ; and 

 founded, too, as we think, after the pattern re- 

 ceived from Him. Our duty, as its members, is 

 to transmit the faith to others as we have received 

 it. Nor dare we change it in one essential feature. 

 We are to regard ourselves as custodians from 

 whom future generations are to receive it in its 

 purity and entirety. We are to hand it down to 

 others without corruption or mutilation. We are 

 not to be troubled by reason of the comparative 

 smallness of our numbers now, for the time must 

 come when there will be a return to the old ways, 

 and a desire on the part of all Christians to know 

 the old landmarks. Let us ever offer with great 

 fervency the supplication : "We pray for Thy holy 

 Church universal ; that it may be so guided and 

 governed by Thy Good Spirit, that all who profess 

 and call themselves Christians may be led into 

 the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of 

 spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness 

 of life." 



