Meaning: The quote "I held apostolic succession fully, and the channels of grace to be there only" is attributed to John Darby, a prominent figure in the history of the Christian faith. This statement reflects Darby's belief in the importance of apostolic succession and the transmission of divine grace through the ordained clergy.

John Darby was an influential figure in the development of a religious movement known as the Plymouth Brethren, which emerged in the early 19th century as a reaction against what its members perceived as the institutionalization and corruption of the established church. Darby's theological teachings and his interpretation of the Bible had a significant impact on the beliefs and practices of the Plymouth Brethren and continue to influence various Christian denominations today.

The concept of apostolic succession is central to many traditional Christian denominations, particularly within the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions. It refers to the belief that the authority and spiritual power conferred upon the original apostles by Jesus Christ have been transmitted through an unbroken line of succession to the bishops and clergy of the present day. This lineage is believed to guarantee the continuity and authenticity of the church's teachings and sacraments, ensuring that they remain true to the original message and mission of Jesus.

For John Darby, as indicated in the quote, the notion of apostolic succession was not merely a historical or symbolic tradition but a vital source of divine grace and spiritual authority. In Darby's view, the ordained clergy, who were believed to be the successors of the apostles, served as the exclusive channels through which God's grace and blessings were dispensed to the faithful. This emphasis on the role of clergy in mediating divine grace reflects a belief in the sacramental nature of the church and the significance of ritual and hierarchy in the transmission of spiritual power.

Darby's affirmation of apostolic succession and the channels of grace as being "there only" suggests a firm commitment to the traditional understanding of the church's authority and the sacraments. This stance aligns with the broader theological orientation of the Plymouth Brethren, who emphasized a return to the practices and beliefs of the early Christian community as described in the New Testament. For Darby and his followers, this entailed a rejection of hierarchical structures and formalized rituals that were perceived as having deviated from the simplicity and purity of the apostolic church.

The quote attributed to John Darby reflects his deep-seated convictions regarding the nature of the church, the role of ordained clergy, and the transmission of divine grace. It encapsulates a theological perspective that values continuity with the apostolic tradition and underscores the significance of the clergy as conduits of God's grace. While this viewpoint may diverge from the teachings of other Christian traditions, it offers valuable insights into the diverse interpretations of apostolic succession and the sacramental life of the church.

In conclusion, John Darby's assertion about apostolic succession and the channels of grace encapsulates his firm belief in the significance of the ordained clergy as mediators of divine grace within the Christian tradition. This perspective reflects the theological orientation of the Plymouth Brethren and provides valuable insights into the diverse understandings of apostolic succession within the broader landscape of Christian theology. Darby's affirmation of the exclusive role of clergy in dispensing divine grace underscores the enduring relevance of these theological themes in shaping the beliefs and practices of various Christian denominations.