ON HOSEA XIV.- VERSES 5 -7. 211 11. But if that cannot be attained unto, let us yet all learn the apostle's other lesson, wherein we are otherwise minded, to depend upon God for revealing his will unto us. And whereunto we have attained to walk by the same rule, to mind the same thing, to remember that every difference in opinion doth not, ought not to dissipate or dissolve the unity of God's church. Even in Corinth, where the people were divided into several parties, yet they continued one church, 1 Cor. xi. 18. The body thus constituted and compacted for the in- crease thereof. Here are members severally distinct from one ano ther ; some principal, others ministerial, all concurring differently unto the service of the whole. If the heart should be in the head, or the liver in the shoulder, if there should be any unnatural dislocation of the vital or nutritive parts, the body could not grow, but perish. The way for the church to prosper and flourish, is for every member to keep in his own rank and order, to remember his own measure, to act in his own sphere, to manage his particular condition and relations with spiritual wisdom and humility ; the eye to do the work of an eye, the hand of a hand. Say not as Ab- salom, " If I were a judge, I would do justice," 2 Sam. xv. 4. but consider what state God hath set thee in, and in that walk with God, and adorn the profession of the gospel, Rom. xii. 3. 1 Cor. xii. 8. 11. 29, 30. 2 Cor. x. 13, 14. Eph. iv. 7. Remember Uzzah, it was a good work he did, but because he did it out of order, having no call, God smote him for his error, 2 Sam. vi. 6, 7. There are excellent works, which being done without the call of God, do not edify but disturb the body, Rom. x. 15. Heb. v. 4. Every man must walk in the church as God hath distributed and
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