the contrary, Matthias passes
into obscurity from this time, his name never again being mentioned.
Some two years subsequent, the Lord calls Saul of Tarsus; he is sealed
with his Spirit, and certified by such evident credentials of the
Divine appointment that he boldly signs himself "Paul, an apostle, _not
of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father_" (Gal.
1: 1).

We believe that the apostolic office has passed away, the qualification
therefor, that of having been a witness of the Lord's resurrection,
being now impossible. But the office of pastor, elder, bishop, or
{137} teacher of the flock still remains. And the divine plan is that
this office should be filled, just as in the beginning, by the
appointment of the Holy Ghost. Nor can we doubt that if there is a
prayerful waiting upon him for guidance, and a sanctified submission to
his will when it is made known, he will now choose pastors and set them
over their appointed flocks just as manifestly as he did in the
beginning. Very beautiful is the picture in Revelation of the
glorified Lord, moving among the candlesticks. There are "seven golden
candlesticks" now, not one only as in the Jewish temple. The Church of
God is manifold, not a unit.[2] He who "walketh in the midst of the
seven golden candlesticks" "holdeth the seven stars in his right hand."
These stars are "the angels of the seven churches"--their ministers or
bishops as generally understood. The Lord holds them in his right
hand. Does he not require us to ask of him alone for their bestowal?
Yes. "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send
forth laborers into his harvest" (Luke 10: 2). There is no intimation
in Scripture that we are to apply anywhere but to him for the ministry
of his church. Does he not give {138} such ministry, and he alone?
Yes. "When he ascended on high . . . he gave some . . . pastors and
teachers." And now, speaking to the church in Ephesus, the elders of
which, chosen by the Holy Ghost, Paul had so affectionately exhorted,
he is seen in the attitude of Chief-shepherd and Bishop--giving pastors
with his own hand; placing them with his own right hand, and warning
the church that though they have tried and rejected false apostles,
they have nevertheless left their "first love." Significant word! On
this love our Lord conditioned the indwelling of the Father and of the
Son through the Holy Spirit (John 14: 23). Losing this the per