observe how closely these several propositions are connected with each other.

"There is One Body."-Christ is expressly called "the Head of the Church," and the Church "the body of Christ." No figure of speech can more distinctly represent the necessary and inseparable connection subsisting between them. As whatever is separated from the body ceases, by that separation, to derive any benefit from it ;-and as the head is essential to the life and

energy, the government and direction of the members;—so, every member of Christ, being a portion of His body, the Church, derives from HIM, the head, every thing requisite for his spiritual instruction and control, every thing needful for his growth in grace, and his attainment of salvation.-There is One Spirit also which pervades this body, and which was purchased for us by the blood of Christ.-There is “ One "Hope of our calling;" a hope, common to all true members of the body, and resulting from the same Spirit.-There is One Lord, even our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom we owe this blessing. There is One Faith, by which the members of his body are distinguished, faith in HIM as the Author of salvation, and the Lord whom they are bound to obey.-There is One Baptism, ordained as the means of re

ceiving these benefits, and a pledge to assure us of the fulfilment of His promises.-Finally," there is One God and Father of all, "who is above all, and through all, and in “all.” In HIM all these benefits originate. By HIM, in union with the Son and the Holy Spirit, they were planned and accomplished. To His wisdom and goodness, His justice and mercy, His power and dominion, they owe their existence and their effect. Nothing is left to man's device; no scope is given to human improvement. He only who is Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last," could conceive or execute the vast design.

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On these grounds the Apostle inculcates the duty of "endeavouring to keep the unity "of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Christians in general, however widely scattered over the face of the earth, are called to the profession of the same faith, to a participation of the same privileges, to an acknowledgment of the same hope, to the use of the same means of grace. They are consequently one body. The same duties and obligations devolve upon all: the same terms of acceptance are open to all. The Gospel is the charter declaratory of their rights and privileges, of which one tittle shall not pass away until all be fulfilled. Well, then, may

we ask, How can the injunction in the text be made to consist with that endless diversity of opinions which has found its way into the Church of Christ, and the encouragement of which seems by many to be considered as essential to true Christian liberty? If there be but one body, one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, where is the dispensation to be found for cancelling this bond of unity, and setting up imaginary persuasions in its stead?

Strange, however, are the prevailing notions on this subject. Speak of adherence to one body, one hope, or one faith, as a Christian duty; and instant is the cry of bigotry and intolerance. Press the Apostle's doctrine of "unity of Spirit" as an indispensable obligation; and presently a new " bond of peace” is recommended to our acceptance; a principle of association by which we are to receive as brethren in Christ, men whose faith and hope admit of almost every contrariety of opinion ;—a principle which shall embrace those who virtually "deny the Lord who "bought them," and those who besides Him set up other lords and mediators between God and man; which shall equally countenance them who altogether deny the opera

tion or even the existence of the Holy Spirit, and of them who ascribe to His special influence all the crudities of their own wild imaginations;-which shall call upon us to hold communion with such as turn the sacraments into acts of idolatrous superstition, and with such as acknowledge neither sacraments nor priesthood;-in other words, a principle which, while nominally professing "one God and Father of all," seems to ascribe to him as versatile a character as can be conceived of the most fickle of mankind. Such appears, at least, to be the tendency of some novel schemes of latitudinarianism, countenanced even by well-disposed persons, as constituting a broad and solid basis on which all denominations of Christians may safely and conscientiously unite. Thus a new species of catholic unity is introduced. No longer is the universal Church to be distinguished by uniformity of faith and worship, of doctrine or of discipline; but is to admit every diversity of opinion, and to be amalgamated in one common mass with every device that human imagination can engraft upon the word of God. How far such views of the subject can be reconciled with the authority of Holy Writ, and what are the essential characteristics of that unity and peace

which the Apostle inculcates, it is therefore surely of importance to inquire.

Doubtless it is the distinguishing mark of Christianity, that it opens the door of salvation to every one that is willing to enter; that it regards all mankind as children of one common Parent, who though they have erred and strayed from his ways, may be restored to his paternal love and favour through the redemption and intercession of an allpowerful Saviour. The benefits of this dispensation of grace and mercy are designed to be co-extensive with the penalties incurred by every son of Adam. We cannot therefore form conceptions too enlarged of the salvation here offered; nor can we render it too comprehensive as to the objects to whom it may be extended. It is no wonder, then, that every one who has imbibed the true Christian spirit should be willing to open wide the door of faith, and to welcome within it all who are desirous of admittance. Universal philanthropy, that captivating sound to modern ears, never can have a nobler field of action, than in carrying into effect the vast purpose for which this heavenly gift was imparted to mankind.

But while we are solicitous to enlarge to the utmost the boundaries of our Lord's king