I2t A CHRISTIAI4 CHURCH. III. Tmight add in the third place, how can it he supposed, that every minister who has determined his own sentiments in these controverted points, should represent the different senses of scripture in just and impartial language, so as not to favour either side ? Will not his own opinion give a warmth of deli- very, or a brightness of expression, while he is representing the reasons of it ? And will he not be tempted with a cold and fan á id faintness, to propose the arguments of those that differ from him ? It is utterly ás unreasònable to expect such an un- biassed indifferency in his explications ofthe important points in the word of God, as it is unrighteous to require it. IV. In the Iast place I reply, that such a practice as this would kindle contentions instead of quenching them : It would raise perpetual strife in the church, instead of composing it ; and by relating theopinions and arguments on all sides, would fur- nish every warm temper with weapons offensive and defensive, to carry on the controversial war, and fight it out at home. This thought naturally leads me to mention the third inconvenience, of forming such a mixed and motley church. SECT. V. Inconvenience III: This sort of communion would be much more lik.ely to tear itself to pieces by perpetual jangles, disputes, and quarrels, than to maintain peace and unity. Norcouldthis pretendedbond of peace, an agreement in express words of scripture, secure it. Our Saviour has already given a fair decision of this matter, when he assures us, that is house divided against itself can never, stand; Mat. xii. 25. 'These persons that entertain so different opinions in religion, might agree well enough in the common affairs of life, if they were not joined in one church, and by that means brought con- stantly to worship together; but when they must hear continu- ally the same sermons, attend the same prayers, and offer thanks to God together in the same words, with different meanings., it is not possible to secure them from awakening their jarring and contrary sentiments, whensoever any thing relating to those :Subjects is mentioned ; and it is most likelytoo it will rouse their anger, their contempt, and their uncharitable censures of those that differ from them in points of importance. Thus the pro- posed band of peace would become a fire-brand of perpetual war, till it ended in divisions and desolation. And this event mayjustly and reasonably be expectedupon the election of every new officer in the church, as often as death, or removal of com- munion, or incapacity, &c. give occasion for a new choice. Will not each party be zealous to elect a person of their own sen- timents ? And the churchby this means be crumbled into many parties, and divided amongst many candidates? Thus the passions of men will have a strong temptation to exert them- selves in wrath and reproaches ; nor can any of them be per-
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