The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-10-05
vsnd their own wavs in time and susce

or like the unity OF the glad free for
est, in autumn season. with its wealth
OF gardens coloiipg each part 20 dis
tinct, so individual; yet the poet gazing
on its beauties hears its voices MUIR
muring. I'VE are one"
This unity we churches will never
have Till we learn the meaning OF the
Cross, the law OF sacrifice. / do be-
lieve that to-day, all over the Christian
world, there are muItitudes OF noble
souls who. like the apostles. recognize
the spirit of Jesus breathing and burn
ing under various forms and professions
which differ from their own. Men who
see that without yielding one real ques-
ton of principle. without iDjuring one
article of the primitive Christian faith.
if churches and sects would abandon
their selfish and unnecessary accretions,
that the army of Christ might once
more present an uDbroken front against
the foe: but Just as in Jerusalem.
while the apostles sought under outer
variance of form-unity-they were
thwarted ny their followers creating
scisn on the pleas of uniformity.
Sd has it been Ia history. So is
it now. The real enemies Of
unity are the so-caIed religious par
ties which flourish in churches and
sects. The founders of great sys-
TENS Of Cnristian thought are seldom
themselves schismatic. Ii is their too
jealous followers who create the
schism. Wesley lived and died men,
Der of the Church of England. Un-
ha,py L'Jeror,J Irv,pn IL moi IN ha
charged with The extravaganza and
sepsationalisms that mark tue self
styled, the Catholic and Apostolic
Church. The Hebraic apostles were
not guilty Of the errors of Judaism, nor
was st Paul the founder Of the systems
taught by MARGIN and his followers,
though gifted by them with that title.
The selfishness of the world has con-
taminated the Church. and in proper
ton as it's influence is felt therein Is
the strength of bigotry and party spirit.
Now, the only cure for our unhappy di-
visions is the unity of the spirit. and that
can only be obtained by mutual obedl-
ence and sacrifice. Yes, you answer
fine words, but who is to begin ! An
objection which may sound sensible IN
the mouth of worldly protec-
zionist politician pleading against
free trade, but which in the mouth
of one who bears the name OF
Christ betrays complete ignorance OF
his Masters teaching. Who is to
beginp You and |, my brothers, begin
by yielding up our prejudices, by tramp.
ling on our pride. by casting away what
oal a
dear. If God call upon us to do so. by
praying God right heartily. that he may
inhame our hearts with that pentecos.
cal spirit which will fill us with love of
man rather than love of sect. party, OF
individual. But where draw the line,
you object, and rightly. The line must
be drawn. Where? s.. Paul answers.
In any matter where the question oil
moral principle is concerned, where
right is in danger of being confused
with wrong, yield not: no, not for al
hour. But where there is no such dan
ger, where the great moral truths cal
be better developed, where unity can bt
promoted. By mutual concession Of
what in comparison with such grea
principles are trifles. although to many
dear and cherished, ia God IS name lei
them 60. But o. my brethren. avoid
religious controversy. Do not be blinded
into thinking that you are bound tt
engage in it in defense of the truth oil
in antagonlsm to error. What IS truth
What is errorY Shall you decide
Are you the infallible judge
Contend earnestly for the faith
once delivered to the saints is good
advice. But, pray you, remember, what
that faith was, to whom the Popter
addressed those words. That faith was
moral practice, and others who were
told to contend for it were men who
were surrounded by a corrupt and evil
living society, which called itself Chris
tan. For that faith, for purity OF life
contend as long as you have breath
but the faith that is but another name
for selfish individual opinions
bigoted prejudice-contend not for 1t,
| for to do so Is TO side with evil against
the will of your Father God.