Philippiens 2:14-16

Do all things without murmurings and disputings--Here is

I. An important admonition.

II. A potent argument--for the sake of your own character, position, comfort--for the sake of the world which must be reproved, enlightened, saved. (J. Lyth, D. D.)

I. The exhortation.

1. The apostle dissuadeth against murmuring, of which there are two sorts.

(1) Against God (Nombres 11:5). The successors of these complaining Israelites are those who in time of scarcity either

(a) break out into impatient speeches, such as “What means the Lord to kill us with famine? What greater sinners are we than such and such? Would God He would either mend these things or make an end of us.” Or

(b) through malcontent seek to raise up seditions and rebellions in the commonwealth, so to procure a remedy by a worse mischief. But what was the end of the ancient murmurers? Let the modern ones read for their warning 1 Corinthiens 10:1.

(2) Those who murmur at their brethren: grudging their wealth, popularity, or preferment, and seeking their discredit and downfall. So the Pharisees, etc., against Christ, and the Grecians against the disciples (Actes 6:1). And this is what the apostle here condemns. To murmur against our neighbour is

(a) a common fault. If he be our superior we murmur against him as too great to dwell so near us, be he never so kind to us; if he be our equal we grudge that he should come forward as well as ourselves, or be equally honoured with ourselves; if he be our inferior we disdain him, and his livelihood we wish for ourselves.

(b) The vile malice of this disease is that if there be some cause for our murmuring we make it not a matter of friendly expostulation, but of heart rankling and backbiting.

(c) The root from whence this springs is an evil and jealous mind, which it behoves us to weed out, and to cultivate an opposite temper, candid, open, generous.

2. Against disputings. That we should not fall into open brawlings or quarrellings (Genèse 13:7).

(1) Imitate Abraham’s example. He was Lot’s elder and uncle, but he did not stand on that, but goes to Lot kindly and yields his right rather than contend with him.

(2) See whence these rise and what are their companions (Galates 5:20; 2 Corinthiens 12:20).

(3) Note again the counsel of the wise man (Proverbes 25:8; Proverbes 17:14).

(4) This becomes not them who have given their names to Christ (verse 5), but rather love, peace, courtesy, gentleness.

II. The reason of this exhortation.

1. That ye may be blameless. Is this possible?

(1) We cannot escape blame even as Christ could not.

(2) But we can avoid occasions of blame as Christ (Jean 15:25), and Zacharias and Elisabeth (Luc 1:6).

(3) And then when it comes causeless through our reproof of the blameworthy, who will turn upon us, we need not be afraid of it.

2. Pure. If we hit this mark we shall not miss the other. If pure, then blameless. So we should study to avoid the contagion of sin (Matthieu 10:16; Éphésiens 6:5; Jaques 1:8).

3. The sons of God in the midst, etc., i.e., that it may be known that we are such (2 Pierre 1:10, etc.).

(1) How shall this appear? By walking without rebuke (Romains 8:14). This is the undoubted stamp of our adoption being the fruit of the spirit.

(2) How can we thus live? Is it not a crooked and perverse nation? True, there is danger that if we touch pitch we shall be defiled, and if we walk amongst thorns be pricked by them. Whereupon there are many warnings against the company and enticements of the world (Proverbes 1:10; Proverbes 4:14; Psaume 26:4; Psaume 1:1). What then? must we adopt monasticism? No (Genèse 19:1; 2 Pierre 2:8)! but rather think of these precepts.

(a) That we fashion not ourselves like unto the world (Romains 12:2; 1 Jean 2:16).

(b) That we, like just Lot, be vexed in our souls when we see and hear the words and deeds of the wicked (2 Pierre 2:8; Psaume 119:158; Psaume 119:136; Psaume 119:53; Psaume 119:139).

(c) That we, like Noah, admonish the wicked.

(d) That we try to win them to the ways of Christ. (H. Airay, D. D.)

The cultivation of a Christian deportment

Conversion is a great change; but the converted need frequent caution lest they should return to pollution in consequence of their surroundings and temptations, and constant exhortations to follow holiness. Hence the rules before us.

I. The Christian deportment, the cultivation of which is commanded.

1. The spirit which Christians are to cherish towards God--“without murmuring,” i.e., impatient discontent with God as have imposed harsh laws, and required difficult obedience. This is the temper of unconverted men, but many professors are in danger of cherishing it. Reflect then--

(1) That Christ’s burden is easy, and that His commandments are not grievous.

(2) That they are given to prevent injury to the soul.

(3) That obedience is claimed as a testimony of gratitude.

(4) That there is a heavenly recompense. If these weigh with you, so far from murmuring you will love the law of your God and rejoice in His testimonies.

2. The spirit which Christians are to cherish towards men--“without disputings.”

(1) The spirit of contention is most injurious to the individual and the Church, and is everywhere condemned.

(2) It is to be feared that this consideration is largely disregarded, witness our internal disputes and the strife of sects.

(3) As the reasons for unity are most cogent, Christians and Churches should love one another.

3. The spirit Christians are to cherish in relation to the public interests and extension of the truth. “Shine … word of life.”

(1) The advocacy of the truth is not to be confined to the ministry; these words were addressed to saints as well as bishops. How can Christians better shine as lights than by exhibiting the lamp of truth either by preaching, Sunday school teaching, Bible or tract circulation, family instruction, etc. To this end we need the Pentecostal fire.

II. The motives by which the cultivation of this deportment is commanded.

1. The just vindication of the Christian character in the presence of the ungodly world. As they exhibited the elements of the Christian character indicated they would be “blameless,” etc., and compel adversaries to render the gospel the tribute of their homage. The importance of this motive is seen--

(1) In the constancy and energy with which it is urged.

(2) The damage inflicted on Christianity by inconsistent Christians.

2. The joy which this exhibition will produce to the minister of the gospel in the day of Christ. Then--

(1) The holy deportment of believers will be made the subject of public acknowledgment at the last day (Matthieu 25:1). What an inspiring thought!

(2) It will then be the cause of ministerial joy. There is joy in conversion, progress, usefulness, triumphant death, but no joy can equal the last of all.

(3) This, then, should prove a powerful argument for the cultivation of this deportment. The benefits received from the ministry demand this grateful return. Conclusion: A revival of religion, in the way indicated by the text, would speedily inaugurate the triumph of Christianity. (J. Parsons.)

The duties of Church members

As a Christian Church you profess to be a society of believing and faithful men. Without piety you have no place in the Church. Your disqualifications may not appear to men, but they are marked by God.

I. Your duty to your minister, or rather to God in relation to Him. “Do all things without murmurings,” etc., readily, cheerfully, consistently.

1. Love him, as the man who devotes himself to your welfare, as the man who loves you. Where this is wanting outward attention is a worthless form; when this is cultivated all necessary for his happiness will follow.

2. Hear him--

(1) Candidly. His office is no easy one. Make allowances for ill health and a jaded mind.

(2) Regularly, or his instructions will be impaired and he discouraged.

(3) Prayerfully, before you come; as you hear. His comfort and usefulness depend largely upon this.

3. Respect his official authority. Some exaggerate this by sacerdotal superstitions; others unduly and unscripturally depreciate it.

4. Supply his temporal wants. This is a matter of right, not charity. It is not to be doled out “murmuringly,” but given generously, so that he may be honest and given to hospitality.

II. Your duty to the church.

1. Unity: the negative “without murmurings” implies the positive. There may be no murmurings because no life--a calmness of death. The only union of worth is that which is quickened by the Spirit. This does not exclude variety. There is beauty, strength, perfection, in harmonious diversity: John’s, Peter’s, Thomas’s.

2. Consistency--“blameless,” etc. Not giving the lie to profession by unchristian tempers, and affording the enemies of the Cross occasion for rebuke. Members of the Church may be divided into--

(1) Those who do good.

(2) Those who do harm.

(3) Those who do both.

(4) Those who do neither.

Now at least belong to the last. It will be but a poor consistency, but it will be harmless, while the positive in consistency, seen in outbreaks of wicked temper, in the violation of truth and justice, in malicious speaking and cruel slander, such brings a stigma on the member and the Church. Consistency, however, requires

(1) That you take an interest in the affairs of the Church;

(2) that you attend its meetings;

(3) that you maintain its discipline;

(4) that you are jealous for its reputation;

(5) that you tell your brother of his fault before you tell it to the Church;

(6) that you contribute to its support.

And all this you have to exhibit before a crooked and perverse nation, and there is a good deal of crookedness in our times, in legislation, trade and commerce, habits of society. You are by your consistency to draw out the straight lines of Christianity and make the crooked straight.

III. Your duty to the world. “Shine as lights.” Divine light is to be conveyed through your medium. This position is most honourable. It makes you God’s agents. It is not entrusted to philosophers, statesmen, or official people, but to believers as such. Around us is darkness; but in the Church there should be light--the contrast should be visible--in the family, social circle, market, everywhere.

1. Let your characters shine; individually like stars; collectively like constellations.

2. Shine by your voluntary, combined, and well-organized efforts. You are to hold up the Word of life through home and foreign missions, thus resembling Eddystone: “To give light and to save life.” Through your neglect to do this souls may be wrecked.

3. All must join in this dispensation of light, and blend together in one radiance. Unfortunately some never find this out, and others neglect it.

IV. The motive constraining to these various duties. “That I may rejoice,” etc.

1. At that day the relation between pastor and people will be recognized. Nothing is said about other meetings.

2. You can contribute to your pastor’s joy. If you are consistent it will be reckoned to his honour then. (J. Stoughton, D. D.)

The duties of a Church towards its neighbourhood

The relation of a Church to its vicinity is that of--

I. Salt to the land. A Church owes it to the peoples around to destroy prejudice and to dispose men’s minds to the reception of the truth. You live in an age hard to please, etc.; then, be blameless and harmless. The Saviour urged the same duty (Matthieu 5:13). Salt was used for manure, to destroy weeds and insects, and to moisten and nourish the soil. Christian characters must remove erroneous notions respecting Christ and His kingdom, awaken attention, and keep from barrenness the field of Christian effort. How?

1. By the irreproachable character of the individual members of a Church. Every true Christian professes to be in training for perfect holiness. Consistency, therefore, requires that he should not allow sin. And men may claim thus much from professors. Now, if any professor have the reputation of being an unkind husband, a disobedient child, a tyrannical master, or a slothful servant, a busybody, a cheat, he creates prejudices and closes men’s hearts against the gospel. Call not these little things. Dead flies cause the ointment to stink, especially to those who want to condemn the ointment. A mote in the Christian’s eye attracts more attention than a beam in the worldling’s.

2. By the peace, harmony, and brotherly love of a Church. Diversities will be found, but as in music, distinct melodies breathed by different voices constitute full harmony. And a neighbourhood knows whether a Church meets in bitterness or in love (Ecclésiaste 10:20). The stormy wind of strife cannot be confined, nor the balmy breeze of charity.

3. By the inviting aspect of the public worship of a Church.

(1) The building should accord in style and dimensions with the character and population of a neighbourhood. It should say, “Come in: there is room.”

(2) Sufficient light and air, and all that can make them attractive should be provided. The theatre and gin shop are attractive.

(3) The mode of worship, too, is of importance--the best music, reading, preaching.

4. By Churches forming benevolent institutions in their neighbourhood, and having their representatives in institutions of a more general character: such as hospitals, societies for the relief of the poor, day schools, etc. The multitude cannot appreciate the man who is a martyr to religious opinions, but they can self-denial and kindness.

II. Light to the world.

1. By providing and sustaining an efficient ministry, adapted to the people, and receiving the Churches’ sympathy, support, and cooperation. By this means a minister is advertised. Let a Church give its ministry a good character, and let it be really good, and hearers will be gathered and souls saved.

2. By every member ministering as he hath received the gift. Is one member qualified for business? Let him serve tables. Is another capable of instructing children? Let him teach the young. Is another gifted with conversational powers? Let him visit, etc. Let every one do something. The deficiency of power in our Churches is the loss of single talents.

3. By cherishing and exercising in all things a spirit worthy of its vocation. Appear as God’s children, separate in character and conduct from the world.

III. As separate stars in a constellation, many golden candlesticks in one holy place, exhibiting real and essential unity. How is this to be developed?

1. By ministers and Churches guarding most carefully each other’s reputation. Let not the unsuccessful be jealous of the prosperous, or the prosperous be cold towards the less favoured. Let none be ready to take up an evil report against his neighbour.

2. By cooperation for common ends. Some objects are pursued most successfully alone; but in circulation of the Scriptures, educational movements, etc., there should be association. To the tents of your tribe for fellowship, etc., but to the open camp for home and foreign missions. This will make our tents as separate dwelling places of one spiritual army.

3. By the universal expression of pleasure in the prosperity of the successful, and of regret in the adversity of the unprosperous (1 Corinthiens 12:14).

4. By the contribution of assistance to all that need it (Éphésiens 4:4). (S. Martin.)

Believers’ lights in the world

1. Christian precepts have not suffered any degeneration of meaning. They would naturally be of the gentlest to those emerging from heathenism. If, then, such exhortations were delivered to the newly converted Philippians, we ought to arrive at a high stage of Christian perfection.

2. The apostle says--

(1) “Do all things.” Christianity is not mere thinking or feeling, but working.

(2) Without murmurings--

(a) Against God’s providence.

(b) Against one another. Let there be no whisperings against those who ought to be esteemed among you.

(c) Against the ungodly world; rather suffer in silence.

(3) Without disputings. Raise not knotty points of controversy. Turn your swords against your adversaries, not against yourselves.

(4) That ye may be blameless. There will be those who will blame you, but don’t give them occasion to.

(5) Harmless, or hornless, creatures that not only do no harm, but are incapable of any.

(6) As sons of God. Dignity of relationship should beget dignity of deportment,

(7) Without rebuke, whom men cannot rebuke.

3. All this is as means to an end--“that ye may shine,” etc.

I. Publicity required. Christians are to be “lights” and to “shine” and that not in the house, but in the “world”; hence secrecy is impossible. Beware, however, of ostentatious Phariseeism, but do not make it an excuse for cowardice. The Christian--

1. Should make a public avowal of his faith, by coming out from among the world and declaring himself on the Lord’s side.

2. Should be associated constantly with Christian people. One act of profession is not enough; it should be continued by union with the visible Church. The man that was healed stood with Peter and John.

3. Should daily carry out their Christianity in their life. Do not be a display of fireworks. Let the servant outshine others by being more attentive, and the master by being more generous.

4. Should add the open testimony of words.

5. There are times when there must be a very bold and stern decision for Christ. When the old Roman senator was told by Vespasian that he might go to the senate house, but he must hold his tongue, he answered, “I, being a senator, feel impelled to go into the Senate house, and being in the Senate, it is the part of a senator to speak what his conscience dictates.” “Then,” said the Emperor, “if you speak you will die.” “Be it known unto thee, O Emperor,” said he, “that I never hoped to be immortal, nor did I ever wish to live when I might not speak my mind.” This publicity may be further urged from the fact that Christians are runners and soldiers; but who runs or fights in secret?

II. Usefulness intended. We are lights--

1. To make manifest. A Christian should so shine that those who come near him are able to see their own character in his life, and to know the gospel.

2. To guide. The mariner understands this. Every Christian should light some part of the voyage of life, and there should not be a channel without its light.

3. For warning. On our rocks and shoals a lighthouse is erected. There are plenty of false lights. Satan’s wreckers are always abroad tempting under the name of pleasure. Let us put up the true light on every dangerous rock, and so be clear of the blood of all men.

4. For comfort.

5. For rebuking sin. The gas lamps are the best police we have. Thieves do not like the light. So Christians, when they are in sufficient numbers to act on the commonwealth, make crime less common.

6. The Christian’s light, unlike the others, gives light.

III. Position indicated. “Crooked,” etc. This should--

1. Be an incentive. The worse people are, the more need they have of your exertions. If crooked, then make them straight.

2. Administer a caution. Do not wonder if they hate your light, and try to blow it out. Be the more anxious not to give unnecessary offence. Ask Christ to keep you straight and your light burning.

3. Console you. Are you in the midst of a crooked people? So were Paul and the Philippians.

IV. Argument suggested. “That I may not run,” etc. (C. H. Spurgeon.)

Christianity

1. Is not a mere set of opinions which may lie dormant in the mind; but

2. a system of principles which, taking hold of the innermost springs of feeling and action, gives its own colour and character to all that proceeds therefrom. The apostle enjoins--

I. Negatively, abstinence from those tempers by which Christian graces must be withered and the Christian profession dishonoured.

1. Two blades of grass cannot be found in all respects alike, so we cannot find two men alike in character and temperament. So there must be about the Christian that which distinguishes him not only from the worst, but the best, samples of unrenewed humanity.

(2) With worldly persons it is enough to be irreproachable in those habits and duties which regard their fellow men. The Christian’s aim is to conform to the will of God. The Christian is anxious not only to act well, but to act on Christian principles and from Christian motives.

(1) A worldly person may discover many reasons for checking a murmuring habit of mind; he may see its inutility and folly, and so determine to play the philosopher and endure what he cannot avoid. The Christian stifles every rising murmur, because he recognizes the goodness of God in all His appointments, and fulfils the hardest duties and bears the heaviest burdens, not because they are not grievous, but because he has that heaven-born faith which these trials call into exercise, and which blunts their edge and sweetens their bitterness.

(2) A merely moral person may see the expediency of setting aside a spirit of contention, viz., that it disturbs social enjoyment and deadens the sympathies of friendship. Nor is a Christian wholly unbiassed by such considerations, but he cultivates a pacific spirit, because he is a follower of the Prince of Peace, and because contention cannot consist with a healthy Christian experience, and mars usefulness.

II. Positively. The exhibition of Christian light.

1. Where?

(1) In the sphere in which he personally moves.

(2) In the sphere over which his influence extends.

(a) How wide these are in the narrowest life.

(b) How dark and needing illumination.

2. How?

(1) By his good works.

(2) By holding forth the word of life.

3. Let the millions perishing at home and abroad for lack of Christian light and influence stimulate the Christian. (T. Page, M. A.)

The inward principle and outward forth of Christianity

Its spirit takes up and incorporates surrounding materials as a plant clothes itself with soil and climate, whilst it exhibits the workings of a vital principle within, independent of all accidental circumstances. (S. T. Coleridge.)

Negative and positive Christianity

He must be not only blameless, but didactic in his life; he must not only be innocent, but “zealous of good works”; he must not only be pure, but shining. (Jeremy Taylor.)

Inquire--

I. How things are commonly done?

II. How they ought to be done?

III. How they can be so done? (J. Lyth, D. D.)

I. The course condemned is common, humiliating, unsatisfactory.

II. The course commended is possible, wise, pleasant, Christian. (J. Lyth, D. D.)

Murmurings and disputings

I. Murmurings.

1. The kinds of murmuring.

(1) Against God (Romains 9:20).

(2) Against God’s providence in doing better to some than to others. This sin is many times found in David, Job, Habakkuk--“Why doth the wicked prosper?”--until they went into the sanctuary of God and under stood their end (Psaume 73:17).

(3) Against God’s ordinance in magistracy and ministry (1 Samuel 8:7; Tite 2:5; Tite 2:9).

2. Causes.

(1) Ignorance of God’s particular providence (Job 42:6).

(2) Self-love (Nombres 16:3).

3. Cures.

(1) Labour to have a right understanding of God’s justice without all exception.

(2) Of His infinite goodness to all, and particularly to His own children (Matthieu 10:29). This will lead us to--

(a) Justify God (Psaume 119:137; 1 Samuel 3:18; 1Co 20:19; Psaume 39:1).

(b) Learn a holy silence (Psaume 62:1; Lévitique 10:3).

(c) Practice resignation (Luc 22:42).

(d) Exercise gratitude.

II. Disputings--

1. Issue from murmurings. Murmuring requires vindication; and men are never at a loss for reasons in favour of the worst cause. This extends to duties.

2. Is a great sin. Where theology is disputed it is least practised. (R. Sibbes, D. D.)

Things best dropped

(Children’s sermon.) Did you ever get nervous before a painted portrait? When I was a boy, there was a great oil painting hung over the fireplace of an old gentleman, with a little, sharp, cold, cruel face. But what used to frighten me most were the cold, cruel eyes. They seemed to be everywhere. If I went to the one end of the room, they followed me there; if I went to the other, they followed me. If I did anything that was wrong, they seemed to be sneering, “That is just what I expected from a boy like you!” and if I did anything right, they seemed to sneer still more, “Pah, you will very soon be doing something wrong again!” I was glad when it became too dark to see these eyes, but when the morning came, there were those eyes as unpleasant as ever! I would have been very glad to have turned that picture with its face to the wall! And would you not sometimes like to do that with this text, if it was hung up opposite you? When you are grumbling because your brother or sister got a larger piece of cake than you, or a toy bigger than yours, or when it is not your turn to be taken out, you would not like to see what God is saying to you when you are murmuring and grisling and grudging and disputing. Yet that is what God is saying to you when you are peevish and discontented. He is saying it to make you happy. There was once a little lady who was very unhappy. She lived in a fine house, and had lots of toys and a watch, yet nothing could please her. Even the weather was never just what she wanted. It was sure to rain when she wanted it to be fine, or fine when she took out her new umbrella. From morning to night she murmured and grumbled, and was very unhappy. One day she came upon two poor children playing and having such a hearty game. “These children,” she said, “are very happy. I will ask them what makes them so.” So she asked the eldest boy. “I don’t know, miss, what you mean,” said the boy; “what’s happy?” “Why,” she replied, “it means bright, glad, fond of things.” “Oh!” said the boy, “Jim and I are always glad; ain’t we, Jim?” And the eyes of the little brother danced like sunshine upon ripples as he said, “Yes, always glad.” “But what makes you so glad?” “I don’t know, I’m sure, miss, except that when I try to make Jim glad I get glad myself.” And that was all that he knew about the matter. But as the little lady went home she thought about it, and said to herself, “What the little boy means is this--the way to be happy is by trying to make other people happy.” So she thought she would try, and all that day, instead of grumbling and murmuring and finding fault, she said, “Thank you!” with a pleasant smile; and “Don’t you trouble, let me do it!” in a nice spirit; and, “Well, this task is a little difficult, but I shall manage it!” And she found that everybody got pleasanter to her, and instead of always scolding her, everybody had a kind word for her, and people who used to dislike her came to love her. So she learnt the secret of happiness. And now she has grown into a great woman, people feel better for looking at her. She has such a happy, kindly face. Try to be the same; and instead of grumbling try to make people happy. (J. R. Howat.)

Don’t spoil your portrait

How do you suppose that old gentleman in the picture came to have such an unpleasant look? Because all his life he must have been a grumbling man. Remember that you are now making the features you will have in twenty years’ time. There is nothing that tells on the features so much as grumbling and discontent and fault finding. Why, the moment you look upon some people you say, “What a discontented person that is!” The way to grow beautiful is by trying, in a loving, gentle spirit, to make others happy. That was the way with Jesus. He never murmured. Sometimes He had to go without food, but He knew that His Father would not forget Him. Sometimes people said very hard things of Him, but He never murmured. He just thought, “They don’t know better, poor things! if they did, they would not say such things.” He was always happy, because He was always trying to make other people happy. And once you become busy in that way you won’t have any time to be unhappy yourself. Pray to the dear Lord Jesus to give you His Spirit, to help you to do all things without murmurings and disputings; and the way to keep that spirit when you have got it is--try to be glad when others are glad. (J. R. Howat.)

Evil of disputings

Do all things without “disputings.” Dispute not with God; let Him do what seemeth Him good. Dispute not with your fellow Christians, raise not railing accusations against them. When Calvin was told that Luther had spoken ill of him, he said, “Let Luther call me a devil if he please, I will never say of him but that he is a most dear and valiant servant of the Lord.” Raise not intricate and knotty points by way of controversy. Remember you have adversaries upon whom to use your swords, and therefore there is little need that you should turn their edges by dashing at the armour of your fellows. Dispute not even with the world. The heathen philosophers always sought occasions for debate; be it yours to testify what God has told you, but court not controversy. Be not ashamed to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, but never do it in a spirit of mere debating, never because you wish to gain a victory, but only because you would tell out what God hath bidden you reveal. (C. H. Spurgeon.)

Murmuring the cause of disputings

As fuel is to the fire, so are murmurings to contentions, even as the ground and matter whereout they do spring; and as the fire long covered and smothered is not always kept under, but at length bursteth forth into flame, so those concealed hatreds, howsoever for a time they lie boiling within the heart of him who fostereth them, yet do they at length show themselves in their colours, even breaking out into open strifes. It standeth upon us to strangle both mother and daughter, lest, yielding possession in our hearts to the one, we he strangled with the other. (H. Airay, D. D.)

The folly of contentions on the mission field

Captain Stephens relates this incident illustrative of the unwisdom of different denominations competing in the same community for converts. Of course success among the inhabitants of Hawaii brought other labourers into the field, and this led to the following dialogue, which is not without its instruction and warning:--“Have you different gods?” “Different gods? No, we all worship the same living and true God.” “Do you have different Bibles? Certainly not. There is but one Bible, written by men divinely inspired.” “Have you all the same Saviour?” “Yes, the same.” “Well, then, with the same God the same Saviour, and the same Bible, we cannot understand why you differ.” Why should differing Christians put this stumbling block in the way of recently converted heathens. The world is large, and the idolatrous are yet a great multitude. (J. L. Nye.)

Controversy hushed in the presence of heathenism

What a cause of thankfulness it is to be out of the din of controversy, and to find hundreds of thousands longing for crumbs which are shaken about so roughly in these angry disputes. It isn’t High Church, or Low, or Broad Church, or any other special name, but the longing desire to forget all distinctions, and to return to a simpler state of things, that seems naturally to result from the very sight of heathen people. (Bishop Patteson.)