whic~ is really ~uch, has its ow~ special work; a!1_d within e~c):i Church every member has his own aptitudes and functions (see Rom. xn. 4-8), ansmg from the diversities of nature, education, grace, and office. 3. Of advantJ\ges and disadvantages. For livelihood, culture, religion. The city, the country town, the village, the mansion and the cottage, all present a mixture of both. Nearness to the houRe of prayer and religious instruction is one of the greatest advantages, and should be more con- sidered than it often is by those who are choosing a residence ; but when duty calls to a different position God can afford compensations for the loss. In like manner, of the various forms of Church order and life, no one monopolises all advantages, no one is without some special function. 4. Of characteristics. Every nation, every class in each, has its own peculiarities ; every kind of employment stamps those engaged in it with some specialty of body or mind ; yea, every individual differs from every other. We need not, then, be surprised that in religion there should be so many varieties; that even the members of the one Church of Christ should differ so widely. Differences in nature, education, social position, the time and manner in which the religious life is awakened, the influences WJder which it comes, the pecu- liarities of the Church, the minister, &c., all have their part in producing and per- petuating diversities of thought, life, &c. But notwithstanding so great diversity- II. There is UNITY. 1. Of race. All Israelites were of one family, descended from common ancestors. So all Christians have one Father, and have been born again by one Spirit. 2. Of faith and life. The Jews, when worthy of the name, were one in their religion, trusting and worshipping the same God, living according to the precepts of the same law. In like manner all true Christians are essentially alike in faith and character. The family featuree may be detected, notwithstanding their unlikeness in many respects. Genuine Christians of very different and possibly opposing Churches are more like each other, and more really WJited, than each is like, or united to; the untrue members of his own Church. 3. Of relationships. Tue Jews in city, town, or village were bound together by their common relation to their civil and religious rulers, their temple and their God, and their mutual relations a'ld dependence as parts of one nation. So Christians are all one in Christ Jesus, having- one God, one Saviour and Lord, living under the same rule and the same system of laws, enjoying the same care and protection, forming, whether they will or not, oae body, the body of Christ, in which every member is joined to and dependent upJn every other. 4. Of end. "This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise." Such was the Divine purpose in respect to Israel ; and such it is in respect to Christians. All are called to accomplish this end, and in their various ways they subserve it (see 1 Pet. ii. 9). Ill. THERE ARE DUTIES ARISING FROM THIS VARIETY IN UNITY. 1. Contentment of each with his own position. Whether in the city or the country, every Israelite might feel himself one of the Divinely-favoured people, a valuable member of the community if honestly doing his duty, and able to attain the great ends of lire. Similarly, Christians may well be content with their various lots within the Church. Not, indeed, with a contentment that forbids inquiry and aspiration after fuller light and higher privilege, or such changes as may result therefrom; but with a content- ment which will prevent repining and restlessness, and secure the fulfilment of tlrn duties and the enjoyment of the advantages within reach. Each should love his own branch of the Church, seek to be a good member of it, and gain all the good he can from it. In respect to locality too, the dwellers in cities and towns and those in the country need not envy each other. God can be found and salvation realised everywhere. God's temple is wherever is the contrite, believing, and praying heart ; and wherever two or three meet in the name of Christ (Isa. !vii. 15 ; Matt. xviii. 20). " While place we seek, or place we shun, The soul finds happiness in none ; But with my God to guide my way, "!'is equal joy to go or stay. Could I be cast where thou art not, That were indeed a dreadful lot ; But regions none remote I call, Secure of finding God in all" 122 THE BOOK OF NJ<;HEMIAH. [err. XI, 1-36.
2. Mutual es~eem and ~ffcction. Christi~n~ sh?uld recognise that they belong to one g·reat society, of which every true Chnstian 1s a member; and learn to detect the essential features of a Christian, llnd honour all who possess them, whatever their tmbordinate peculiarities. He is a poor Christian who cannot say with St. Paul "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." 3. Mutual1 helpfulness. The country is as essential to the town as the town to the country. " The king himself is served by the field." The peasant can even teach the citizen much of which he is ignorant. So Christians (individuals and Churches) can and ought to be helpers of each others' knowledge and faith, holiness and joy ; and none should be above receiving the a-ssistance which others can render. 4. United action. As the people of Israel, from town and country alike, united to build the wall of Jerusalem, and repel the common enemies, so should Christians of every name be ready to unite in all ways possible and expedient, in order to promote the common good, to defend and propagate the common faith, and subdue all that is opposed to it ; and thus to increase the one glorious kingdom to which they all belong, and magnify him whom they all alike adore and love. 5. Willingness of individuals to undertake more than their obvious share in labours or sacrifices for the common good. Like those who "willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem" (ver. 2). 6. Finally, let us each take heed that he really is one of" the Israel of God," to whichever tribe or section he may belong, and wherever his lot may be cast.