It should be established as part of the total state and system of discipline that ought to flourish in the church that those who are judged unworthy should not be admitted. It is confidently commended as an admirable means to heal divisions, and bring into one fold the scattered flock of the Redeemer. The unity of the church is exceedingly desirable. Her broken and enfeebled condition has nearly destroyed her moral influence, and placed those who love our Lord Jesus in a position seemingly hostile to each other. Good men, in all denominations, are weary of the strife.
True religion is reproached.
The sinner and the thoughtless beholding so much jealousy, and even bitterness, among professing Christians, despise religion, regard all professors as hypocrites, and strengthen themselves in their rebellion. The various plans to promote unity should be carefully examined, and whatever tends to unite true believers should be diligently, perseveringly, and believingly, followed by every Christian. Of the various schemes proposed to accomplish this object, that of Ammonius Saccus has been received with the greatest favour, and exercised the most extended influence in the Christian world. He was a very learned man, who flourished in the second century. His scheme was simple.