Its persistence, century after century, in
spite of fire and sword; of persecution from without, and of treachery
from within; in prosperity, and in adversity; in honour and dishonour;
while kingdoms rise and fall; and while one civilisation yields to a
higher, and the very conditions of society shift and change, is deeply
significative, and betokens an inherent strength and vitality that is
more than natural and that must be referred to some source greater
than itself, yea, to a power far mightier than anything in this
world,--_viz._, to the abiding presence and divine support of Christ
the Man-God.
Verily, there is but one possible explanation, and that explanation is
furnished us, by the words of the promise made by God-incarnate,
_viz._, "Behold, I am with you all days, even unto the consummation of
the world" (Matt, xxviii. 20). Yes, I, Who am "the true light which
enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world" (John i. 9), "will
abide with you for ever, and will lead you into all truth" (John xvi. 13).
If but few persons, outside the Catholic Church, realise the force and
import of these words, it is because few realise the absolute and
irresistible power of Him Who gave them utterance.
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