The sin at Corinth was their not tarrying one for another. This appears from the exhortation with which the apostle sums up the whole question (I Cor. xi.), "Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another." Why were they to tarry one for another? Surely, in order that they might the more clearly express their unity. But what would the apostle have said, if, instead of coming together, into one place, they had gone to different places, according to their different views of truth? He might then say with, if possible, greater force, "Ye cannot eat the Lord's Supper." (See _margin_.)
It may, however, be asked, "How could all the believers in London meet in one place?" I reply, if they could not meet in one place, they could, at least, meet on one principle. But how did the believers at Jerusalem meet together? The answer is, they were "_of one accord_." This being so, they had little difficulty about the question of a meeting-room. "Solomon's porch," or anywhere else, would suit their purpose. They gave expression to their unity, and that, too, in a way not to be mistaken. Neither various localities, nor various measures of knowledge and attainment, could, in the least, interfere with their unity. There was "one body and one Spirit."
Finally, I would say, the Lord will assuredly honor those who have faith to believe and confess the unity of the Church on earth; and the greater the difficulty in the way of doing so, the greater will be the honor. The Lord grant to all His people a single eye, and a humble and honest spirit.
Thy broken body, gracious Lord, Is shadowed by this broken bread; The wine which in this cup is poured Points to the blood which Thou hast shed.
And while we meet together thus, We show that we are one in Thee; Thy precious blood was shed for us-- Thy death, O Lord, has set us free.
Brethren in Thee, in union sweet-- Forever be Thy grace adored-- 'Tis in Thy name, that now we meet, And know Thou'rt with us, gracious Lord.
We have one hope--that Thou wilt come; Thee in the air we wait to see, When Thou wilt take Thy people home, And we shall ever reign with Thee.