The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-11-17
Sunaay Rrnhiug.
From The Banner c| The Cross.
Society for the Propagation of the Cos
rel in Foreign Parts.

Preached IN 81. Paurs Cutherdral, We'd
mesday, Me l6h Of J"ne, 1852. at The
l5lst Aniuersory Meetiny.* By the
R'qht Rer. SAMUEL McCoshSY, Bi$hop
Of Michigan, U. S.
St. Matt. xiii. s-"Anl all ye are
brethern."
1t is the declaration Of the word of God
that the whole human family are ,lcscen
ded from one common origin. God that
made the world and all things therein,
hath made of one blood all nations of men
for to dwell on all the face of the earth,
and hath determined the times before ap-
pointed, and the bounds of their habitation
that they should seek the Lord, if happily
they might feel after him, and find him
though he be not far from every one Of
US" Acts xvii. 24-27)
Such clear and decided declaration
ought at once to rut 10 rest all the specu-
lation and philosophy of moa. But in
these days Of bold and daring inquiry,
there are to be found some who set at
nought the declaration of God, and vainly
endeavor to divide the human race into
separate and distinct parentages. We
need not, however, stop to show the E,lla.
cy Of such conclusion. Whatever difficult
ties may be in the way, it is enough for
us to know, that God has spoken, and has
clearly declared, that he has "made ofone
blood all nations of men," 1t matters not
what may be their complexion, where
their residence, how great the difference
in mental culture and strength they are
brethren members of the same family.
And were it not for causes which have
long been at work to separate and alien
ate them one from another, We could eas-
lily discern the family resemblance between
all the nations OF the earth. Sin has
brought not only death into the world, but
strife and contention. 1t has separated
the members of one household, bani$heI
from the heart all those kind sympath.c>
and endearmcnts which throw a charm
over life, and made the human race enc
mics instead Of brcthen and friends. But
God be praised, they have not been left in
so sad and hopeless condition. God has
devised and revealed Il way in and by
which they can hc made brethren in II
much Highest sense, than the mere de-
Scendants of one common earthly parent.
lie has given His own Son to be the Ii nd
of new f,mily on the earth, the Icscerl-
dants Of which are bound together by
stronger ties than blood. AS their de-
scent is higher, SO is their relationship
strnogcr. They arc in the highest srnsc
brtheren: neither distant, nor time, nol
ch lrge of circumstances can alter or alb
ridge the union bhtween every member
of this household. They are connected
through the Son Of God.
This family in the aggregate is called
His Church. 1t is ono, and can never be
divided and in it alone is the relation
ship formed which constitutes its members
brethren. 1t is as unwiSc and contrary to !
the word Of Cod to suppose that we could
lie related to each other, rs Christian
brethren, without being connected with the
family Of which Christ is the Head, as to
suppose that we could he bretheren in an
other sense without being the descendants
OF one common parent. 1t becomes an
important matter to inquire, FirSl, In
what manner can we he admitted into this |
family, and thus become Chistian brethe-
rem and, Secondly, what are the conse.
quences which flow from this relationship
These are the points to which we wish to
direct your attention for short time on
this deeply interesting occasion.
l. In what manner are we admitted
into this family, aud thus made brethren
1t will not he necessary for us to prove
that such family exist in the world, and
that it has been divinely constituted. If
it were n mere voluntary association, to
be changed or modified to suit the whims
and caprices of those only who may he
connected with it, it must sooner or later
come to an end. Besides, it could hive
no special claim upon Divine assistance
and care, and would in no respect alter or
Snsnge the nas"ral relationship which ex-
sts among all the people of the earth.
But the family Of God, of which His Son
IS the Head. is ordained to take out ofthe
world all its members, and to change them
INTO new creatures through divine and
holy influence. Their natural duties are
still to exist ; but new and holy motives
are given to guide and excite to their per
formance. They are to he in the world.
but not of IN for thov oro H. - -