The Rev. Thomas M'Crie (Two Discourses on the Unity of the Church, pp. 21-22):
A vague and erratic charity, which soars above fixed principles of belief, looks down with neglect on external ordinances, and spurns the restraint of ordinary rules, whether it seeks to include all Christians within its catholic embrace, or confines itself to those of a favourite class, is a very feeble and precarious bond of union. True Christian Charity is the daughter of Truth, and fixes on her objects "for the truth's sake which dwelleth in them." On the other hand, a care and cold agreement in the articles of a common faith, and external uniformity in the acts of worship and discipline, will not preserve the unity of the church.
To "be perfectly jointed together," Christians must be "of the same mind," or affection, as well as of "the same judgment." It is by "speaking the truth in love," that they "grow up in all things to their head, even Christ." Love must cement the union which faith has formed; and it is by the joint influence of both that Christians "cleave to the Lord, " and to one another in him, "with purpose of heart." Without mutual affection, and its kindred graces, mutual consideration and condescension and compassion, forgiveness will not be extended towards injuries, forbearance will not be exercised towards unavoidable infirmities, offences will arise, alienations will be produced, and "the brotherly covenant will not be remembered." Hence, the frequency and the fervour with which the cultivation of a loving and peaceful temper is enjoined upon Christians:
To "be perfectly jointed together," Christians must be "of the same mind," or affection, as well as of "the same judgment." It is by "speaking the truth in love," that they "grow up in all things to their head, even Christ." Love must cement the union which faith has formed; and it is by the joint influence of both that Christians "cleave to the Lord, " and to one another in him, "with purpose of heart." Without mutual affection, and its kindred graces, mutual consideration and condescension and compassion, forgiveness will not be extended towards injuries, forbearance will not be exercised towards unavoidable infirmities, offences will arise, alienations will be produced, and "the brotherly covenant will not be remembered." Hence, the frequency and the fervour with which the cultivation of a loving and peaceful temper is enjoined upon Christians:
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." - Colossians 3.12, 13
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." - Ephesians 4.31, 32
"Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." - Philippians 2.3, 4
"Finally brethren, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." - 2 Corinthians 13.11
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." - Ephesians 4.31, 32
"Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." - Philippians 2.3, 4
"Finally brethren, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." - 2 Corinthians 13.11
