tices, no matter under what pretence, were adopted, even by those who called themselves his enemies. It is true that this, as well as the other wickedness of persecuting people on account of their religious opinions, is not now practised or defended in this country: but we have still amongst us some evils arising out of the same source,-the mistaking a false unity for the true one, a unity of form and opinion, for the union of spirit and faith. There are many persons, for instance, in our own Church, who dwell much more on the differences of form and opinion which exist between them and good dissenters, than on the unity of spirit between all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. It is, certainly, natural and proper, that one should feel more closely united towards those whose principles, and feelings, and opinions, are quite like our own; if, indeed, such a marvellous agreement is any where to be found; and, therefore, one may feel more closely drawn towards a very good and enlightened churchman, than towards a very good and enlightened dissenter. But the evil is, that many persons feel more friendly disposed, I do not say to absolutely wicked, but to careless and unspiritual churchmen, than to zealous and holy dissenters; and this is to undo Christ's work, to put an earthly and unimportant bond of union, in the place of that union of goodness and holiness, which was to bind men to one another in Him, and in his Father. Again, persons are spoken of as friends to the Church, and are as such often regarded as having a common interest, as being on our side, if I may use the expression; because they are zealous for the worldly establishment of the Church, while their whole lives and principles are so unchristian, that really to a thoughtful mind, the feeling towards them instead of that of union, is rather, "what concord hath Christ with Belial?" On the other hand, people often indulge themselves in using the word Methodist as a term of reproach or censure, as if they might justly speak unfavourably of those who were dissenters from the Church; while in fact, they do speak against them from the very same feeling which has made worldly and careless persons always dislike a strict profession of life, because it naturally condemns themselves. But Christ himself has taught us with whom we should feel united, and whom we should regard as not of our side. His disciples told him once that they had seen a man casting out devils in his name, and they forbade him, because he followed not with them. But what was our Lord's answer?-"Forbid him not, for there is no man that can do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me for, he that is not against us is on our part." So, then, he who worked by theSpirit of Christ, he was to be considered as one of us; and so it is now. They who work by the Spirit the fruits of a changed heart and of love towards Christ and to their brethren, they are indeed with us; and to them should we feel bound in the ties of Christian unity, whether they follow with us outwardly or no; whether they belong to the Church, or are dissenters. On the other side, Christ has said also, that many shall say unto him at the last day, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name done many wondrous works? and that he will reply to them, "I never knew youdepart from me you that work iniquity." They are not Christ's then, whether they be with us in the Church or no; no, not though they are ever so zealous in what they call its interest, nor though their words and opinions may be in every point the same as our own, whose hearts and spirits are not renewed, who have not died to the world and the flesh, and bear upon them Christ's true mark, "Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from ini * Such, quity." I would that all spake with tongues, said the Apostle, but rather that ye all prophesied; even so I may say, "I would that all of us held the same opinions in all matters relating to Christ's Gospel; but far rather that we all had the same principles, and lived in the same spirit;" and, if we did this, our differences of opinion would be of small concern. indeed, there must ever be among men from this very place, in this very church, it may happen, perhaps, that different sentiments and different feelings are expressed by the different ministers who preach here; but what matters this, if in our principles and spirit we are united; if we preach Christ crucified, and the renewal of our evil natures by Christ's Holy Spirit? Every one hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that manner; but in those who are really Christ's, all these worketh that one and the same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For, there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord; and there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God that worketh all, and in all: and to that God who has *This was preached in a parish in which four different clergymen often performed the duty. |