But as the church on earth is in perpetual conflict with the unbelieving world, and as believers themselves are still encumbered with sin and error, this development of the church is not a regular and quiet process, but a constant struggle. It goes by extremes, through all sorts of obstructions and diseases, through innumerable heresies and schisms. But in the hand of Him, who can bring good even out of evil, these distractions themselves must ultimately serve the cause of truth and piety. History