This qualification is introduced here to dep recate any misunderstanding to which the opening statement, if left without compensa tion, would fairly be exposed. It will be time to inquire hereafter in what sense the Chris tian ministry may or may not be called a priesthood. But in attempting to investigate the historical development of this divine insti tution, no better starting-point suggested itself than the characteristic distinction of Christi anity, as declared occasionally by the direct language but more frequently by the eloquent silence of the apostolic writings.