and zeal about mere trifles for zeal about the truth. Nothing justifies separation from a church but the sepa- ration of that church from the Gospel. Let us be ready to concede much, and make many sacrifices for the sake of unity and peace.
We ought to notice, in the second place, what a glori- ous declaration, our Lord makes in these verses about the forgiveness of sins. He says, " all sins shall be forgiven to the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme."
These words fall lightly on the ears of many persons. They see no particular beauty in them. But to the man who is alive to his own sinfulness and deeply sensible of his need of mercy, these words are sweet and precious. " All sins shall be forgiven." The sins of youth and age — the sins of head, and hand, and tongue, and imagination — the sins against all God's commandments — the sins of persecutors, like Saul: — the sins of idolaters, like Ma- nasseh — the sins of open enemies of Christ, like the Jews who crucified Him — the sins of backsliders from Christ, like Peter — all, all may be forgiven. The blood of Christ can cleanse all away. The righteousness of Christ can cover all, and hide all from God's eyes.
The doctrine here laid down is the crown and glory of the Gospel. The very first thing it proposes to man is free pardon, full forgiveness, complete remission, without money and without price. " Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins ; and by Him all that believe are justified from all things." (Acts xiii. 39.)
Let us lay hold on this doctrine without delay, if we never received it before. It is for us, as well as for others. We too, this very day, if we come to Christ, may be