Page:Three introductory lectures on the study of ecclesiastical history.djvu/89

III] may still be standing ages hence after England shall have passed away; or whether, with distinguished foreigners amongst ourselves, we are to believe that it is steadily advancing year by year to the grave already dug to receive it. Still less need we compose volumes of future Ecclesiastical History out of fancied interpretations of the Apocalypse, in defiance alike of all human experience, all divine warnings. But a serious comparison of the actual contents of the Scriptures with the actual course of ecclesiastical events almost inevitably brings us to the conclusion that the existing materials, principles, and doctrines of the Christian Religion are far greater than have ever yet been employed; that the Christian Church, if it ever be permitted or enabled to use them, has a long lease of new life, and new hope before it, such as has never yet been enjoyed. When we look at the Bible on the one hand and History on the other; when we see what are the points on which the Scriptures lay most emphatic stress; when we think how much of the best blood and life of Christendom has run to leaf, and not to fruit; when we remember how constant is the protest of Scripture, and, we may add, of the best spirits of Christendom also, against preferring any cause of opinion or ceremony to justice, holiness, truth and love; how constantly and steadily all these same intimations point to One Divine Object, and One only, as the life and