Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1915-06-18


be pointed out
that during the middle ages the ideal
of outward unity was almost realized,
yet the results which our Lord said
would flow from real oneness were
far from being attained. We conclude.
therefore, that Christ spoke of a unity
of another kind, and believe it is set
forth in our text as "the unity of the
Spirit" Furthermore, this is a con-
dition which does not have to be pro-
duced, but which we are to keep"
Already, the truly regenerate are one
in Christ, being baptized by the Spirit
into the body of which our Lord is the
head. But this is to be
realized in a community of feeling
and purpose. This realization would
certainly do away with some of the
outward divisions among Christians,
but the point of insistence is the in
ward unity.
Needful Graces.
Several graces are mentioned in
the text which will greatly assist to-
WdrQS the goal OF unity.
"Lowliness" comes first. This is a
distinctively Christian grace, for
while the pagans recognized it as right
when necessary, they felt it was not
good in itself. But our very exalta-
ton in Christ is to beget in US the
lowly spirit: tie apostle has just been
speaking of our high calling when
he turns to eXhort US to lowliness.
Drummond says that LONELINESS is
conceit with a hair trigger" What
a stepping-stone to unity, then, is low
illness.
Next comes "nIeekness." This is
submission both to God and men,
grounded in humility of spirit. Meek
a most powerful grace. Pounding an
iceberg with mighty hammers leaves
it undisturbed, bu.. a warm current
surely d~issolves it; so the soft an
swer turns away wrath. What a lu-
bricant for the wheels of church life
is meekness!
But meekness is to be not only meek
but ''long-suffering." This is long
m~indedness, as opposed to short
temper" 1t is akin to the unweary-
ing patience of God.
'~Forbearing one another in love-"
This is an active manifestation of long
suffering, allowing for the frailties and
mistakes of others, ven when they
wound us. This can be, done because
we wish them well and love them.
This grace enables us to take sides.
even against ourselves, n we shall
need it, ven in dealing with Chris
tians, for not all of these are per
feet!
The Quaker and the Organ.
The value of this grace in the
preservation. of unity is exhibited in
a quaint incident. Some years ago it
was proposed to purchase an organ
Cor a Friends meeting house in a GER
tain town in Ohio. This was strongly
opposed by an aged Quaker, for the
use of musical instruments was not
so common among the Friends as il
is today. In spite of his opposition,
however, the organ was installed. The
old man did not stay away from meet.
ing, but the organ was evidently a
great cross to him. Finally, the min
lister called upon him and the follow.
ing conversation took place:
Friend said the minister, thee
seems grieved at the organ in the
meeting"
q cannot tell thee how grieved ]
am" was the reply.
Well" continued the minister, I'll
thee feels that way about it, l will
AXE the organ out of the meeting
house with my W hands,"
No, no." demurred the old man. I'll
thee feels that way about it, let il
stay"
Workers Under George Mueller.
The proper maintenance of unity is
well illustrated in the work of George
Mueller, founder of the orphanage al
Bristol, England. Representatives O.
all the evangelical churches were
found in his large force of teachers
YET d pOoutilul SplIlI VI unity PIC
vailed. Mr.. Mueller tells US that wher
he first saw certain truths he was
disposed to stand aloof from those
who saw them not. But this did MOI
result in peace and joy, and he soor
came to a bett, IT mind, for he recalled
that only by Gods grace was he giver
to see truth. He felt that true Chris
tians should walk in love, and the
only point upon which he insisted al
a ground of fellowship was that they
should belong to the head, holding
fast the Son of God. He felt tina
more study of the word, more humil
ity, more obedience, would lead t;
fuller agreement, and that the onenes!
of mind which will obtain in HEAVIER
may be anticipated even now Mean
while, we would not make agreemen
upon particular points of truth th,
basis of union, although it is to b,
emphasized that he was unbending i,
his insistence upon truth as God CAV
him to see it. He neither sacrifices
truth for unity nor unnecessarily sac
rif1ced unity in fidelity to truth. Ma.
his spirit of wisdom and love be ours
Meeting In Heaven.
VIII not our own lamented and be
= - J. 49,