Christian Unity
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through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also
which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be
one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be
one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.”
That prayer of Christ embraces all His followers to the close of
time. Our Saviour foresaw the trials and dangers of His people; He
is not unmindful of the dissensions and divisions that distract and
weaken His church. He is looking upon us with deeper interest and
more tender compassion than moves an earthly parent’s heart toward
a wayward, afflicted child. He bids us learn of Him. He invites our
confidence. He bids us open our hearts to receive His love. He has
pledged Himself to be our helper.
When Christ ascended to heaven, He left the work on earth in
the hands of His servants, the undershepherds. “And He gave some,
apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors
and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in
the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a
perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
In sending forth His ministers our Saviour gave gifts unto men, for
through them He communicates to the world the words of eternal life.
This is the means which God has ordained for the perfecting of the
saints in knowledge and true holiness. The work of Christ’s servants
is not merely to preach the truth; they are to watch for souls as they
that must render account to God. They are to reprove, rebuke, exhort
with long-suffering and doctrine.
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All who have been benefited by the labors of God’s servant should,
according to their ability, unite with him in working for the salvation
of souls. This is the work of all true believers, ministers and people.
They should keep the grand object ever in view, each seeking to fill
his proper position in the church, and all working together in order,
harmony, and love.
There is nothing selfish or narrow in the religion of Christ. Its
principles are diffusive and aggressive. It is represented by Christ as
the bright light, as the saving salt, as the transforming leaven. With
zeal, earnestness, and devotion the servants of God will seek to spread
far and near the knowledge of the truth; yet they will not neglect to