and if it is necessary that we should be taught by him the plainer truths of redemption, certainly those things also, which are deeper and more mysterious. Some of these, we may not perhaps be enabled to comprehend on this side eternity; let us therefore learn to adore where we cannot fathom, and shut up what might be a presumptuous inquiry, with a devout and truly humble acknowledgment of the Apostle, "O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"

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But there are vital truths, which contain the very marrow and essence of true religion, the taking away or denial of any of which, would be like inflicting a mortal wound: these constitute "the faith which was once delivered to the saints," and for these we are solemnly bound "earnestly to contend." In these points we must not yield or give up one jot or tittle;" for, by doing so, we should give way, and admit the enemy at once into our camp; our church would become "a house divided against itself," and it" could not stand." But while the Church of England is true to herself, while she continues honest in maintaining her first principles, and rallies round those Scripture standards of sound doctrine, her Articles, her Homilies, Note (t), and her Creeds, she may defy all the enemies of her peace, who would willingly divide, in order

to destroy; nay, she may do more, for, while she endeavours to maintain peace with other denominations in the Church of Christ, without in the least departing from her own principles, it may come to pass, that many who do not now belong to her communion, observing her piety founded on Scripture doctrine, her moderation, her charity towards those who differ from her, her zeal in promoting the cause and spread of divine truth, the wisdom of her constitution, and above all, the spirit of pure devotion and fervent charity which is breathed throughout her services, may feel themselves constrained to say, "We will go with you,

for we have heard that God

From what has been advanced, I trust we have seen how very valuable a blessing peace is in every respect; but especially as it relates to the Christian church. We have seen, that, circumstanced as the church of Christ is, as "an ark in the midst of the waves of a troublesome world," she is continually exposed to dangers, and trials, and tribulations, which may disturb her peace: from whence we have seen the necessity that exists, not only of praying for the peace of Jerusalem, but also as professed members of that universal church, doing every thing that lies in our power, to promote and preserve her peace. We have briefly considered the church of England, to which we have the privilege of belonging, as

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properly forming a branch or member of the Catholic church; and have taken a brief view of all that has been effected, under "the good hand of our God upon us," to provide for the peace and safety of that part of his church, that there may be no schism among her members, occasioned by diversities of opinions respecting doctrines or worship. I trust we have long since seen and acknowledged the great blessing which our church enjoys in this respect, and that we are all anxious to improve that blessing; that, being sensible of the vantage-ground we possess above other Christian communions, we use it with charity, endeavouring to conciliate those who conscientiously, though perhaps we may think, without sufficient reason, differ from us; and to win back those, who may, in an honest but mistaken zeal, have departed from us. And while we must strongly censure whatever tends to rend the seamless vesture of Christ, and may afford his enemies a hope that they may yet part his garments among them; let us not make that rent worse, by any angry accusations or uncharitable feelings towards those over whom we should sorrow with tenderness, while we disapprove their conduct; let us remember the affectionate admonition of the Apostle, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness ; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."

Perhaps the best way in which we could try our spirits, respecting those who differ or dissent from us, would be by inquiring, whether, while we condemn them for so doing, "we have found it in our heart to pray for them." Indeed, while it is to be feared, that some of us, in zeal for the cause of our own church, take not time to examine "what manner of spirits we are of," it would be well to make this inquiry, remembering another apostolic injunction, " Pray one for another, that ye may be healed ;" and the gracious declaration annexed, "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him, let him know, that he which converteth a sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."

While the members of the Church of England, in their various situations, and especially her ministers, who are called to be ministers of peace, seek to promote unity, according to the great privileges and opportunities they enjoy, I do humbly trust, that our Church may yet become a rallying point for all sincere Christians; a point of union for the various contending parties in the present day: yes, I do trust, that there is a spirit of Christian charity, a leaven of brotherly love, working among the several members of Christ's church in the present day, which is softening down prejudices, removing obstacles, and, under God, preparing the way for that happy period

when all believers shall again be "of one heart and one soul;" so that "Ephraim shall not envy Judah, neither shall Judah vex Ephraim," but all shall be so united in heart and spirit, that Jerusalem shall again be called "a city at unity in itself." With such a glorious prospect in view, let all who love Zion, continually pray for the peace of Jerusalem; and while we do so, let us all learn to say from our hearts respecting the universal church, "Peace be within thy walls, and plenteousness within thy palaces; for my brethren and companions' sakes I will wish thee prosperity: yea, because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek to do thee good."