to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace q." This is necessary to the enjoyment of God's presence here : for then only, " when we are of one mind, and live in peace, will the God of love and peace be with usr." It is necessary, also, for our acceptance with him in a better world ; according as it is written, " Folloto peace with all men, and holiness, with- out which no man shall see the Lords." Remember, brethren, this is essentia] to your character, as " living sacrifices * :" and without this ye will in vain hope to be " acceptable offerings before Godu." What then God has joined together, let no man put asunder;" but seek first to " have salt in yourselves, and then to live in peace and love one with another."]
i Eph. iv. 1—3. r 2 Cor. xhi. 11. s Heb. xii. 14.
1 Rom. xii. 1. u Rom. xv. 16.
Mark x. 13 — 16. And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them : and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not : for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the king- dom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
IT is common with men to shew partiality to the failings of their friends, at the time that they are leaning rather to the side of severity in their judg- ment of others. But our blessed Lord shewed no favour to his Disciples in that respect ; but was as observant of smaller errors in them, as of the more flagrant transgressions of his enemies. He ever pro- ceeded upon that principle, " You only have I known of all the families of the earth ; therefore I will punish you for your iniquities." His Disciples had interposed to prevent him from being troubled with a multitude of children, whom their fond parents foolishly, as the Disciples thought, were bringing to him : but he was very angry with them, and gave them a severe rebuke : for however they might take credit to themselves for