Complete Works of Rev. Thomas Smyth, D.D, Vol. 4 (Classic Reprint) - Tapa blanda

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Excerpt from Complete Works of Rev. Thomas Smyth, D.D, Vol. 4
In the following work it will appear that while there may be unity, there cannot be - or at least there never has been uniformity of opinion. This arises from the weakness and imperfection of our minds; the many in uences which shape and modify our view of evidence; and the various standing points (as Neander would express it) from which we con template the truth. This variety in the midst of unity is found even in doctrinal sentiment, but much more in matters of ecclesiastical order. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there will be found unity in all that is essential, and liberty to differ in all that is not fundamental. And when we wish to know what is essential and what is not essential to salvation, and therefore to the glory of God and the edification of his people, we have perhaps the best and only guide in the words of the apostle, The letter killeth but the spirit giveth life; We are ministers, therefore, not of the letter but of the spirit. Just in proporition, therefore, as any point bears upon the spirituality of the church, and the spiritual well being of its members, is it essential; while just so far as it is but a means towards this end, and an instrumentality for securing this result, is it unessential, and one therefore about which differences of opinion may be more freely tolerated, and differences of practice allowed. In reference to all such matters, we should act upon the apostolic canon: N everthe less, (that is, notwithstanding ye be otherwise minded whereto we have attained to unity of sentiment, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing, and be one in our affections towards each other.
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