AND SMOKING FLAX . 97 not find out a more heart-breaking argument to enforce a sacrificing ours~lves to God, than by the mercies of God in Christ. Rom. xii. 1. This mercy of Christ likewise should move US to C0111miserate the state of his church, torn by enemies without, and rending itself by divisions at home. It cannot but work upon any soul that ever felt comfort from Christ, to consider what an affectionate entreaty the Apostle useth to mutual agreeme-nt in judgment and affection, " If any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, any bowels and mercies, fulfil my joy, be like n1inded.'' Phil. ii. 1, 2. As if he should say, unless you will disclaim all consolation in Christ, labour to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. What a joyful spectacle is this to Satan and his faction, to see those that are separated from the world, faH in pieces among themselves ! Our discord is our enemies' melody. 7. The more to blame are those, who for private aims affect differences from others, and will not suffer the wounds of the church to dose and JJ;leet tog-ether. Which must not be understood as if men H
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=