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OI'

CHRISTIAN CONl)U€T.

• .>\^wv>».. .,^,-»,^'»

A SEKMON

PREACHED a/ THE OPENlNtJ QV THE SYNOD

OF. TUK

FREE CnUliCII OF NOVA-SeOTlA,

AT NEW (iLASGOVV, JUNE iGxir, 1850.

• ■ ■ ,

THE REV. ANDKEW KING, M. A.

Professou of Tueolouv, IIaliI' ax.

HALIFAX*, NOVA-SCOTIA, ^

rUBLIltoD by' a. & W. MACJvIJ^LAY.

-3»L.

*«•'

THE MINISTERS AND ELDEBS

OP TQB

^ ■

FREE SYNOD OF NOVA-St^OTIA,
THE FOLLOWING SERMON,
PUBLISHED AT THEIR REQUEST,

«
a

IS MO§T BESPECTIULLY
DEDICATED.

. \(

THE TRUE RULE OF CIIRrSTIAN CONDUCT.

A SERMON.

PniLiPPUNS iii. IS, IG. — ^ L6t us therefore, as 'many at be perfect, bt
t/iils minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall
reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already al-
tained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing."

My Reverend Fathers and Brethren are aware that there it
•ome diversity of reading in the 16th verae. This common text (n^^v

•ij"© 'i<p9arfau»y, Toi avTo) 0roi/tif xaiovt to' avro' ipQovnr) is COrrectly trani'

late J as we have just read. Two Manuscripts, two ancient versions, with
some of the Latin rathors, omitting all that follows the word oroi/..»
seem to have read only :ta,v «i; 'o »tp9airati,y rui avro, aroixit*. " Neverthe-
less, whereto we have attained, let us walk by the same," or, " let us
walk together." Four other Manuscripts omit simply the word Kavow,
"rule," while some others, transposing the words, give the ^clause in
the following order, « Let us mind the same thing, let us walk by ths
same rule." On the ground of these diversities, some critics have re-
jected all these words as being spurious ; and Griesbach, in particular,
has thrown them out of his text. This, however, seems to be altogether
unwarranted, as there is a most decided preponderance of authority from
manuscripts, versions, and the writings of the Fathers, for the retention
of the words which he thus rejects. But while we make this re-
mark in reference to the integrity of the text, it does not appear that the
principle involved in the exhortation^ of Ihe apostle is altered by the re-
jection of the words; although the idea is amplified in the common
readii

In thto earlier part of this chapter, the apostle warns the Philippiani
to be on their guard against the propagation of error, and particularly a-
gainst Jud^ng teachers. He refers to the distinctions of which, as »
Jew, he mighr have boasted, if he could attach importance to such things ;
but he shews the light in which he was brought to regard them, wheu
his mind had been opened to a reception of the truth as it is in Jesus. —
How much soever he might have been inclined to rest upon them for-
merly, «« what would jecure to him the favour of God, and a titlt tQ th#

I—SB

pop

TUf ini B imim; •■i' criuinTiAK r<ixt>rrr.

",crcLc, wvn. lo^mcrly reckon..! g«i.. to l,i.„, lu- now counlodlo,, or
C * •• YW:.lo..l..l'..." 1.0 -a,,, "a..,! I ...u^. all Unna; la. lo« for

„^ 1,1,0 rom.a i..l.i.n, not Laving hi. ,>..n riKl,.oou,..c«,w.ol. .* "1
r law, l,u. that wl,icV i< tkrougl. the li.i.h of Cl.ri... tho r,gl.t..o.,,no.<
,hich i orCo,! b, faiih. Much a. he ha/, alrea,ly »,.ficrc,l ,n the »,.r.
Tea 1 lor .1,0 sake of hi, M«.er, ovi.lon.ly a, divine sr,.eo l.a.l boon

■ "orkt ' in him an.l l,y hi.n, ha .li.l not re.t .atislicl in .1,0 a.ia.n.-.-t.

■ ^ , .. ho ha,. ,na.h., he diJ no, feel him^el.' U. ho a. liberty to ..o,. »ho,.
hi career, t .n .he contrary, knowing that bo bad no, yet al.n.ned,
, a . was ,.0. ye, perleet. that heither bi, work ,.or hi., eharajHf r «a
ycTb o.,ll„ to Ml . a„.rity. he forgot the tbiag, .ha, were beb.n.l, he
CZ 1or.l. „n.o .ho.e ,hing, that we,-o be.ore, -' F-e. wa

0.e n>a.k Tor .be ,,ri,.e of ,1,0 high calbn, o, (.od ,„ <'!"-' J; '^;,,j^^^
. -Ibo wo,-,l» of our text, to .■hieb we have now more P""™ " ?." "",

our attention, bo exhort, the I'bilipi.ia". !" " '""''"I ™";2 ,w 1 V
, . .berelore, fa .nany a, bo perfeet, be tbn, m.ndod , a.*l d .n ""? " .^ J;

ho Olherwisc minded, (iod shall reveal even .1„» unto yon. ^ev. ..be

,1, 'dlcJo wo ha,; ,.lre.ady attain,..!, let n, walk by tbo eame rule, h.

us mind the same tiling." . ,., , , ,i ..„„„ i.lmulf ai

A, the apostle bad jus, dochired that !,o .ltd ne look "PO" '"^''- '^'_
,„.i„. pcrf. '.t, i, is evi,lent .hat when, iu the tex,, ho say, ■• I.el u, he e
.... ,„..nv .,s be verfecl, he .bus n.inded :" be uses *e word ' per-
; ■• ; ..1^.^1 and reh;,ivo sense. The word wbich i« *«"-;';;
d nroporlv si^n;lle, one who has reached the end : «deno OS that ,o , he
rfr°,on and p,oper stale of whleb ncbi.,? is wa.,.ing. I, .s al- m-
y d, h„wev.'r. .' i.b' .U.reren, sl..a.les of meaning, to to>«'""»''"^-
.oipared wi.b an infant or a youth i-lo denote one ,.cf,.o««nn to.
quaiatanco with any ar,-or seienee.-,o denolo one « r^tcrrf •" mo.^1
Tl reli-ious „..ain,nen.s-and. without reference to the progress acu-
ally ma3e. it is en.ployed ,o denote one who ,ims a, pcrfocon ; . h.
;^ fo" man. in .bis sense, being one. no. who has f^^y^^
Lion, but who keeps i, babilually in view, and who s,<ad,ly advanc »

,:var,lsi,. The npos.lo, then. "--««","«"-' "7'' -trerc-
obieet upon whicb his hear, was sel-tbal he was far fron Ihat perlcc
S Iv^bieh be al,ned. b.„ s.ill. as o,.e whose ..ear, had bec,«
aivn,o teaching to unders d ..,e ^— -,°y-,'t h:vt: ii

t.y

porfe<- t^re^.^ on t^vards tbo mart. ; and l.e calls upon O,ose wuo

"•r^jHHf

■ —

4*;

^7W^ '«WW

-f.??

Tin; riir:: in i.i: oi ri|iti$TiAN «oMit < r. jf

•»

had entered upon tin; s.imo course, who v/'^ro cnpn^rcd In the *fim« pur- ' ^^^
luit, to justUy tlvcir charnctcr by Hctinjj upon thp jinmo principle. f '-

This oxhortfttion ollho (iposthj ombraccH, we conceive, iht? lollowlngr
pnrliouhU'fl : Is-t. There are great dilVerencos indt'frr.'enrrhri-«ii:in Jtiiow-
le«!go nnd utluinment ill the case of those wlio, ms the true fellnweiH of
Christ, may be styled " ptirfoct." 2iid. Alihouuli th.- Chriitian life may
• consist with very low d(';;;roei ofuttaiiuurnt, it is ncvf'rlh«'lt-(-i pro-^aM-
' sivo; and the Christian must pn-M-, on tovvanlHtlK! mark for thepri;;«t of
the high ealliu},' of God in Christ Jesus, urd. Divine nnt'.l.iiion is the
source of that light whicli dispels error, niid guides the l((| in llie way
of peace, 4lh. Il is a jipecial duty iucuiinb nil upon ihoso who have been
thus enlightened to walk in this light, to walk by the naino rule, to mind
the same thing.

J.et u.s consider tho.^e particulars in t!ioir r.rdcr, and may the Spirit of
nllgrn;e take of the things that are Christ's and show tln'm viruo us.

.,l8t. There are groat dilllirences in degree of Christian krtowledgo
and attainment in the case of tho.^o who, as the true followers of Christ,
may bo styled '• pt.rfoct." This diversiily, indeed, is broii^'ht out in the
entire history of the Cluirch, whether we look lo it in its oolloelivo ra-
pacity or in its individual memboivs. It is the same body corj)orate that
18 presented to our contemplation when we look to the Chureli in its in-
fancy, in the earliest ages of the world ; when we 'nariijt in il*Tirogres«
to maturity, in the days of Isaiah ; or when we cousifl y irt the advan-
ced stage to which it iy^roH^ in these New-TestaMcnt limes. Hut
while in that faith in the exercise of which Abel oflored a moi'o excel-
lent sacritice than his brother Cain, and as to which he is still set fortli
as a pattern to us, wo have the .acting of the same spiritual life which
animates the whole family of the Redeemed ; the light which had as yet
beamed upon his mind, respecting tlie seed of the woman that was to
bruise the heiad of the serpent, was but dim and shadowy when compared
with that which was communicated when the evangelical prophet was
commissioned to announce, " He was wounded for our trarisgre'sions, he
was bruised for our iniquities : the chastisement of our peace was upon
him; and with his stripes we are .'lealed';" and still more so when com-
pared with the light of the iS'ew-Testament, in which Jesus Christ hath
been evidently set fortli, cruciiiijtramong us, and in which we are infor-
med that ho hath by one offering perfected for ever-them that are sanc-
tiiicd. The !ea«l informed of those who were brought to a spiritual ap-
prehension of the my.steriu.s of redemption As announced evfin to our first
parent&, were of the household of faith ; while the most advanced of
those who jj-erc kept under the yoke of a sy«tem which presented only [

IHfi T.CB llVI.i OM CUmilTIlM CONOUCT.

'.„..«»« ofgooU .Mag. ..eon... "^"-^./Jj ,7;f„;:;^7/...o:
thing.." 1..V. bo.n f»r .urj.«.«l by ' '« V'*" " °' ,^ J„^. /unAno...
ta.o wh... honm Ood. -1.0 7™":'* ,'/^«;'^";^ :^ hi, glor, in .1..

fuco of .leiiii Chrwt. » aon wo undoritanil how

,gU. of .h. go.p.. •'l.pcn«...on -• mny b. » • »";^_, .„,,„^„ ,„.
,1,0 church in .ho early ngc. of .ho "»'^' <»" ,,„ „„ i„p„,.

lightened through Inttonlion. ih wj.kh wo, ■■'"'«•'" ^ t,„„.

.1 .pirUunl conning, '-""- '" «°;,;::: itltu:;^. ligl... w,
TMUtmont wrllingi throw upon them ; hut '""■"•• ,,„„ („,;.

„i,ht bo np. to think would '";''°»" '"'.^ ''tght-wo l.a,o tl.o
„,.lon,. however, w, .oo tbo dnwn of *« j™ °^. ^"^ „„ „„„ „jolce.
principle, of .hnt more fully """"""^-l.^" 'f /""'"„ ,n parenU whil.

I w»s^ving .ruth .vhi„. r»''°::"r iu:« — d m .uh,..

they were yet in Mc.i. The light «■» «"" J „, j, ,a„n.

,„entago,. and th. church. --/;; J ;XTlcTptn,of .he glor,

Id, to entertain ^'^"'"f j ^^^ C , d T ''"""'°"

of Ood, a. a iu.l God and ye. a Sn""^"'- J j „l,i,o

were far from understanding .ho full '^'']-' ''^ZZr in hi. glory.
.Heyprcdic^d th, «"-"'•. "'f ''"'"'' 'fo' which .alvn.ion I
The apostle I'e.er .ay. (1 Peter ■•;"■ ")• "'„^„' ,„,i„d of the
'. prophet, lu«.e emiuircd and .carched •'"f'-"''^' "" 7„|,1, „„„„ of
Trace that luld come unto you = »«''f ""«"'''• ^/^nl. ,„ti|i,d
Le. the spirit of ChrUt whU^h w^ "' ^'■«» f ^,; f tleuld follow."
beforehand .1.0 sullermgl. of Chri. 1, »"y''° ^'° f ^„,i,„ ,ho apOstlo
In like manner, with rcpect .o .he ea hng f "^ f ^"^^ „„ty,';,„en
Panl, wrhing .o .he Kphcian. (chnp..». 4--C.J 2'' '„„ ./chris.,
«read 10 may understand my knowledge in "«' ™.T""' J*., . „„„
'w'h : in*f.her 'ge. was no. made known .o "'"-^--.ra "^ „".
„,calcd unto bi> holy apo8.1e, and prophcs by V^" ''^''^j^^ „,\u
tae. should bo fellow heirs, an., of «.e same bod , ^J^^'^ Colos-
promise in Chris, by the gospel." So, '^^^l'^^J^\^^^, ^ath been
Lns, at .he 20,h verse, ^e -penksof " be^« ^ .„^..

hid from ages and from genera..ons, ''"V' " .\" „, ... „,„™ of .he
.. .,hou, God would make -'"O- » »- ! :;„'^::, . e h:^^ "
mystery among .he gentiles j which i» thnsl m y°"' J , ^,1,^™

tL.oL.emen« clearly indicalc a <>' ««-°;' '^;;:;r .wi „1"*
..yoyed a. different timcsby the church,.n tbedgre^^^^^^^^

ri.e has been favoured, »H con«quen.ly^ .n .ho degre

wWch .he could make in the full '"■1™;«»7"'J"' ''^^''.Sy, U no

■ffhi* i. tiui evident when w« coDKder the church a. a DO y.

,^,?

%«

TM TIUI ECril Of CUKUITIAN CONDLCT. ^ T

iMt tfldcnt when we look to Iho individuaU of whom it it en(npoa«d.
Tho work o( enlightening iind ^nctifying tho aoul is not completed the
instant that any one turns » from dtirkniM to light, and from the power
ofMitanunto Cod." However fully tho gospel may have been set be-
fore him, his Mpprchonsions of it nt first umy bo very indistinct. It it
the light of djvinc truth which hui bearavd upon his soul, ho himself i|
DOW rendered "light in tho Lord ;" hut he has many lessons still to learo.
In tho work of regeneration he hai been renewed, indeed, in tho whole
man after the imago of God, but tho fcatilfes of that image arc but im-
perfectly developed ; and he has still to grow both in graco and In the
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Tho apostio John
accordingly speoks, in reference to spiritual attainment, of " little chiKi
dren," of "young men," and of" fathers ;" the language employed ex-
pressing very clearly tho idea, that while those who constitute these dif-
ferent classes are, all of them, God's people, tho young men are not so
matured as tho fathers, and the little children are still less advanced than
the young men. The same individual may, in the progress ol time, be
presented to us in these successive stages ; ond tho church, whether we
look to tho progress of notmal life or to.\ho developement of that which
is spiritual, in its numerous^mbors and thoir diversified eireumstaneei,
presents io us a body composed at once of little children, of young men,
ihd of fathers, diflering much in the progress which they have mad%
but all partakers of divine grace, and dear to him who carries the lamba
m his bosom, and who also says, Isaiah, xlvi. 4, « even to your old ago
I am he ; and cv6n to hoar hairs will I carry you."

2nd. While tho Christian life moy consist with very low degrees of
attainment, It is nevertheless progressive; and tho Christian must presa
on toward tho mark for the prize of the high calling of God which is in
Christ Jesus. Tho apostio does not write here as one who held that, the
Christianity of these Philippians being admitted, their diversity of views,
their prejudices, their errors, were of no consequence. On the contrary,
he anticipates the time when they would come taa fuller aoknowledg.
ment of the truth, and when even those things on which they differed
would bo revealed to them. « If in any thing ye be otherwise minded,
God shall reveal even this onto you."

And here it may be necessary to observe that, although we hav« hi-
therto confined our remarks to the greater or less amount of knowledge
ud of positive Christian attainment which some may possess as com-
pared with others, all of whom are really the followers of Christ, the dl-
yeraity of which the apostle speaks does not result so much from eunpla
'gQorAQce, in tho cas9 of those who mo ^otherwiM minded," m from tht

»•."
,*

■•'«#

J-

•fiiK FRtJE BULii or cimi.sn.vN conduct.

. . r 1 « .rn.», tho holdlhK of some views which are opi»6.sed to it.
He hiraseii imu sncaUs of those who were

evop have tan, ''''■ ;^"r.«lena-.- I" *« «»?«., Ihcy ma, adopt
.,, „,„ „„. P»;«-^f^ 7J™%b ,„, 9.) and ,a,,.. Wear, but
the lansoage of B.Uad the bhu _ , ^ .cj^rflagly speak of

of yesterday, and know not ung. J"" »^ J „^ mysteries of re

their progress in knowledge. ™ ""°';"'„8,^„ j^^j^ '„ ,o„u !„,„._

Nay, they tell f \''''' ™7'' "' i„,,_,i„„. The apostle Panl says,

sr';:: i:x ^ -„•. .-h u„.o .e Ge„.i.s.^^^^^^^^^^^

„eno.on.n^enn«^v.ew.asfa^^^^
. no error. Tl)e holdmg ol error i Oneness of mnd docs

ordered ..«e of mind fjom «"f " .^;°;, ^Ic clearness of
. notneeessarijy i.1^.. -^^ K,.or

, perception ; but it certaimy mp oiintradiction of the truth.-

#is the very principle of ^^^^^^^Tm^^^ "i- -^«"
Still farther, it is essentially sintul. fo i is a com a ^^^^^

.«is light, and in whom is no d^^knes. «t aU^ E^ ea - j^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^,,^.
" be different degrees of attainment, for God alone IS omni^^^^^ .^

Uly perfect; yet there, notwithstanding di^^^^^^^^^ .^^^.

oneness of mind, there is no Contr-'^-^^on^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^

bitants there in God's light eee ligh. ^^^;'^^!;;"^, ^^ded, God
therefore, when he says-if in any Uiingy^^^^^^

^ shall reveal even this unto you," «» »«' "^^'^^ ^""^"^ " ...j „or isit,
t ved, for omniscience is exclusively the per^^ctic. of God, n^^^^ ^^^^
that they shall be all brought to the same level, for they my ^^ .^

fol differing, as " on.mr ^i^f-''^^^ ^"^^^ divid-

i,, that their mistakes shallbe corrected, aad that error, Uaati y

ing principle, shall be removed. ^ _ . ^j^I, r^.

, : i d^ion impfies, on the part of tha^a^^^^^^

"^sft-

lid to it.
pirit of

were
nay rc-
J"0, and
eaturcs,
f adopt
arc but
peak of
s of rc-
L into.—
ler ends,
,ul says,
aints, is
Bcarclia-
wslup of
;D hid in

wn htj the

1 purpose
Bsc angels
rheyliold
and a dis-
nind docs
jarnesa of
,n. K«.or
,e truth.—

II im who"
there must
t and ab=o-
e, there is
; the inha-
he apostle,
inded, God
ihallbo rc-
1, nor is ii,
oay be still
Orj,;"butic

truly cliviJ-
ingwitb rc-

THB rnu« RUL* or cnRlSTlA.f COKDUCt. •

gard to God's people whom ho sees to bo in error, and of whom h» h«r«i
«peaks as being otherwise minded, that stands oui in distinct contrast toi
that which is implied in the expression " let us agree to differ." That
phi-aee, when employed with regard to religious truth, means that, frtuU
professing to hold certain principles as upon the authority of God's word*
word, we are perfectly willing that others should not only remain igno-
rant of them, but should even reject them, and cling to the opposing er*
ror. Nor is that all. Right religious principles are the appropriate
sourco from which right moral qonduct is to proceed ; as is implied in
the prayer of our Saviour, " Sanctify them through thy truth : thy word
is truth." On the other hand, where erroneous principles a^-? adopted,
corresponding evil fruits will be produced in the life. In <^pe circum-
fllances therefore, to " agree to differ," implies our willingness or consent
that the parties with whom we thus agree should remain ignorant of, and
even opposed to, that truth which God, has revealed for the Very end
" that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all
good works," — that they should remain under the power of those preju-
dices and errors which, to all the e'itent to which they operate, obstruct
advancement in those ways in which it is found that ** the path of tb«
just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect
day." This is ah agreement into which no man has a right to enter. —
It is true, whdre means, and even the most appropriate means, may b«
employed to disabuse the mind of a brother of the errors by whieh it ii
entiiralled, he may continue wedded to those erfors still. But with what-r
ever tenacity error may be clung to, we are not to give it the sanction
which is implied in agreeing that any one should hold by it. If we would
exonerate our own conscience, we must act upon the charge, Levit. zix.
17., " Thou shall noS hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in anj
wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him." And although
duty does not call upon us, in every case, lo engage in a direct discussion
. of the controverted topics, and still less to prosecute such discussion,
when entered upon, till the brother is convinced of his error and brought
to embrace the truth ; yet it does require that we be careful to make our
light shine before men ; and, particularly, that we so act as that even
where we decline controversy — where it may seem most advisable to let
opposers alone— we nevertheless give them no warrant to suppose that
it is with our approval that they abide in their errors.

It does not alter the case to tell us, that these men who are otherwise
minded may be as conscientious as we in the views which they hold, and
that eachviias a right to the exercise of his own judgmctvt. Tho re-
nktks whwh we are now making do not at all interfere with the right of

(«■'

10 THB TnU» Btftl Of CmUSTUN CONDUCT,

individaal judgment. Every man is bound, for the regulation of his oun
eondnct, and under his solemn responsibility to God, to « try the spirits."
But the right of individual judgment is very different from a right, in the
exercise of it, to reject any part of that counsel which God has been
pleased to reveal. No man has, or can have, a right to reject the truth
and to cling to error. In the exercise of what is not only his right, but
hs duty, to judge and to prove all tilings, ho may come to a wrong con-
elusion ; and instead of holding fast that which is good, he may beheve
a lie. In this, however, he sins. Foi his sin in thus rejecting the truth
and believing a lie, he is responsible to God ; and there arc many cases
in which, if he carry out his belief into practice, he may be made to feel
that he is under a responsibility also to man. He may be quite consci-
entiouB in the views which he holds, just as Saul of Tarsus was, when he
thought that he ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus
of Nazareth : but ev^n conscience is an unsafe guide if it is not enligU-
ened. Notwithstanding the strength of our conviction that we are right,
when we believe a lie, the error which we hold is an error stUl ; and the
very strength of our conviction that it is a truth, will only render it all
the more influential in urging us on in a course that is wrong. The a*
postle understood this well ; and while he raises no question about tie
conscientiousness of those who were otherwise minded, on the contrary,
admitting their sincerity, and speaking to them as brethren, so far from
agreeing that they should continue to differ, as if that were a matter of
no consequence, he tells them that he anticipates the time when their
views would be changed. He cannot agree to it that their heavenward
course should be always impeded by that error wBch at present so far
Enthrals their mind— that they should always be^trangers to ihe sancti-
Jying and comforting influences of Ifcat truth to which they are now op-
//posed.; and his affection for them as brethren, leads him to rejoice m the
thought that even this wottld yet be revealed to them.

3rd. Divine revelation is the source of that Ught which dispels error,
and guides the feet in the way of peace. This is true with respect to an
external revelation. It is the testimony of tiie Lord that is sure, making
wise the simple; and he who would truly cleanse his way must take
heed thereto according to God's Word. The words of our text, howev-
er, do not seem to refer so much to the necessity of an external Revelati-
on, that the truth which makes wise unto salvation may be presented to
the mind, as to the necessity of the teaching of the Holy Spirit, that the
truth thus revealed may be received into the heart. In so far as m«re
objective exhibition of the truth is concerned, that had been already en-
joyed in tiie experience of those of whom the apostic here speaks. Ht

..mm

■ f ■

TBC TRUE BULK OF CttRISTUM CONDUCT.

hifl own
spirits."
it, in the
as been
lie truth
igbt, but
>ng COD*
r believe
llxe truth
,ny cases
le to feel
J consci-
whenhe
of Jesua
i enligld-
ire right,
; and the
lerit all
The a*
ibout tie
contrary,
> far from
matter of
hen their
avenward
!nt so far
he sancti-
J now op-
>ice in the

pels error,
ipecttoan
re, making
must take
tt, howev-
il^evelati-
esented to
it, that the
r as m«re
Iready en-
eaks. Hf

had iaade known to {hem the truth, in the|^ inspired communications wUk ,
which they had been Already favoured ; but with respect to some ports
of that revelation they were still "otherwise minded." It is in refer-
ence to instruction already addressed to them that he says, " Let us
therefoi^e, as many as be perfect be thus minded" ; while he adds, " and
if in any thing ye be otVerwiso minded, God shall reveal even this unto
you."

'Even where men enjoy the advantage of an external revelation, there
is need still further of inward divine teaching ; for " the natural man
receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God ; for they are foolishness
unto him ; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually dis-
cerned." It is not when the gospel i^ merely preached, but when, in
connexion with the preaching of the gospel, the Lord, as in the case of
Lydia, opens the heart, that the entrance of the word gives light and li-
berty to the souL " The carnal mind is enmity against God : for it is
not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Rom. viiu 7.— •
It is opposed to the holy, humbling truths of God's word; and even
where renewing grace has been experieoeed, and a progress has been
made in sanetification, there are still found opposing principles within.—
Pride, prejudice, carnal affection in its various operations, may still ob-
struct the progress of the work where it has been begun: but the gospel
had come to these Philippians, as it had come to the Thessaloniana, ** not
in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much as-
surance" ; and the apostle was confident of this very thing, that he which
had beguv%i good work in them, would perform it antil the day of Jesus
Chridt. ' '"

4th. It is a special duty incumbent iipon those who have beenthiis en-
lightened to walk in this light— to walk by the same rule, to mind the
same thing. The language of the apostle here does not only imply that
we are not to Dart with truth already received— that we ar^ to guard a-
gainst d6dension or backsliding, but expressly enjoins the holding fast,
and for the present regulation of our conduct, that which we have re-
ceived. These attainments are so many talents, which must not be at
any time hid in a napkin. Having received the love of the truth that
we may be saved, we must walk in the light of that truth, we must make
our light so shine before men, that others seeing our good works, maf
glorify our Father who is in heaven.

The doe consideration of t^b^U enable us to understand whose at-
tainments it is of which the apostle speaks, when he says, " whereto wa
have already attained, let us walk by the same^le, let ns mind the same
thing," There are many who seem to conceive that the apostle here ne*

'■■' 'ti'sx ^saar-

'. IJ TUB TRUE RrL« 01' CHIUSTIAN CONPVCt.

' far. to What ftiay be admitted to be the attainment* of those who differ
1 us-tha? he truths which we hold in common do constitute at
Lweto we have attained ; and that in other matters we must ^ust "a- .

Tree d^ffern^^^^^

fames wS may be arrayed in support of such a view w.th all defer-

/ . o thX names we have no hesitation in saying that it has no sup-

. 1 trrrds of tlvT apostle, it i« inconsistent with the object ot

port from the ^^^f '* ,'dicL o some of the plainest statements of

his argument . h cont^^^tory to _^l^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ .^ ^^^^ ^^

Hnd's word. It IS quite absuru m usbh. .tv =■ j i „ i i.„

cribedTo the aposUe mi^ht have been very distinctly expressed hud h ,
eribed to ine ap • ^^ nevertheless whereto you have al-

addressing those that differed, 8a'«' " .^ ,^j^,,lf ^nd

- wllk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing Bu w nlc tl is ^

hL I do for"ettin. those things which are behina*an.J reaching^ forth
thing I do, *o'-«eiiin I ^ o ^ ^^^j^^ ^^^ ^^^^ p^,^^

unto those things which ^J^.^«^^^^^^^ .. ^he sentiment which is

♦ fid wth knowledge and understanding those whom they are eal-

nuoils had yet reached. It is true, in Dncging wu

L°th.l /regard .0 .h,ir progr^, -deoa>e he »,y la^^^^

.Uk, while other, n,., h. «o»nsM with rtrong meat : tot adapMg

rUK XKL'K nW\i or GtolSTUN CU.HUVCT.

iaatruction to the capacity and progress of those who need to bo instruct-
ed, U something essentially diflorent from mcctin}; wiih them simply on
the ground of tiutli held in common, and " agreeing to dillcr" on every

tbin{» else.

They who themselves maintain, and who ascribe to the apoaile, the
sentiment which we are now controverting, seem to ^hink iliat the inte-
rests of the truth have been suinoionlly proyidod for, wlicu, u\ connexion
with this rule of acting on truths held in common, each i.^ to IioM his
distinctive principles up«n this understood " nsrecnicnt to dilFcr." But
upon this we observe, in tl^e first place, that the di:^tiric(ive truths which
are thus heM„ arc, by such agreement, rendered unavailing lo the very
parlies who ne<?d to be instructed. We must cither con(iuo them to our
own breasts, or announce and maintain them only- in the presence of
those by whom they are already believed. In the second plai;e, this is
an agreement, as was formerly observed, into which no man has a right
to enter. The truth of God is addressed to us with the nutliority of Ilira
who is, and who alone is, Lord of the consci'niee ; and no !;jau has a
right either to bind himself down, or to agree that nnoihcr shall bind
himself down, in adherence to principles which are inconsistent with the
revealed truths of God's wOrd. God hath left the conscience " free
from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything
contrary to his Word, or beside it, in matters of failh and worship. So
that to believe such doctrines, or to obey such commandments out of
conspience, is to betray true liberty of conscience."* In the exerciso of
their own judgment, men may thus act, whethef we agree to it or .not;
and there are times when it may not be expedient to dwell on the points
of difference— there are cases in which our duty may be just to leave the
individuals to the errors which they have chosen for themselves. Thii
was the course pursued by the apostle Paul with the opposing Jewa at
Corinth,wben "he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood bo
upon your own heads; I am cleap : from hencefotth I will go unto the
Gentiles." Acts xviii. 6. It was on the same principle that he acted
with a similar class of persons at Rome, Acts, xxviii. 25-28. But this,
you will observe, is the very opposite of "agreeing to differ" ; for while
the apostle now leaves them alopf, it is in such circumstances as lo shew
that it is not with his consent that they cling to their errors, and reject
the truth which he had addressed to them. So also in the case of others,
who present a more favourable appearance, and who, as the true follow-
ers of Christ, might, according to the language of our text, be styled
*• perfect.** In the church of Epheeus there must, of coarse, hava b«e«

^-•^ WMtminiUr tonftssion of F»ith,^Ch»pt«r xx. Stetion «.

^X ■ .:

THt TiUK RULE OB CJUKtSTIAN OONDUOT.

■i

-■M

?arIoas degrees of aitaioment among its mepvbers ; and, in reference to
the truths which the apostle propounded, there might be numbers who
^n different poiftts were " otherwise minded" ; but he did not on thatac
count shun to declare unto them " all the counsel of God." And so wit'a
regard to these Philippians. Whether the matters on which they differ-
ed respected the cere monial law, as some think j or certain things con-
coming justification, which they did not yet doctrinally apprehend, as o-
thers suppose : the apostle did not, in deference to the opposing views
of those whom he rogurj-^d as brethren, allow the controverted truth to
be set aside. He neither confined it to his own breast, nof satisfied
himself with maintaining it only in the presence of those who already
concurred with him in holding it. On the contrary, he maintained its
claims, he held it still up to view, and looked forward to the time when
these opposing brethren also would bow to its authority—when ^God
would reveal even this unto them.

But, leaving an interpretation of this portion of our text on which we
have dwelt at such length, merely because the names by which it is sup-
ported have given it considerable currency, we have to remind yfcu that
the Scriptures leave us at no loss to understand what the aposUe refers
to, when he speaks of a rule or canon according to which we should walk,
and with respect to which we should bo of one mind. As " all Scrip-
ture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ; that the man of
God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works ;" so its
claim to be recognised as a rule or canon, according to which we are to
walk, does not depend upon its truths, or any portion of its truths* being
received as such, and held in common by any number of men however
great ; but upon the authority of him who has given the revelation.
Men may be slow in recognising its authority; and, even where that
may be generally admitted, they may still he slow in apprehending its
meaning ; but every portion of its truth nevertheless lays an obligation
on the conscience of him t6 whonr it is addressed. « The authority of
the Holy Scriptures, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, de-
pendeth not upon the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon
God (who is truth itselQ, the author thereof; and therefore, it is to be
received, because it is the Word of God."* This revelation of God's
will, ai»a the illustration of it* principles in the person and character of
the Lord Jesu* Christ, the apostle habituallVkept before his awn mind
M his standard. It is as thus pressing on toward the mark that he says,
" (1 Cor. xi. 1.) "Be ye folioweM of me, even as I alio am of ChrUt."

•Westmiastsr Coa«ml<m of Faith, Clra|>tcr I. Sectioa 4.

TUB TBUt AULK Of CHRI8TIA}( CONPtCT.

It is with respect to this that he thankji God in behalf of t.he Cbrfstiani
at 'Rome (Roqians vi. 17.), that they had obejedfrom the heart that
form of doctrine which had been deliverod them ; and it is with respect
Ho the same revelation that he sajs to Timothy (2 Tim. i. 13.), " Hold
fast the form of sound words, which thou hast beard of mc, in faith and
love, which is in Christ Jesus." This revelation, recorded in the Scrip-
tures, comes to us, in its various portions, with the weight of divine au-
thority ; and both d<in>Bn<ls and deserves the most cordial acceptance.
Its proper object is to enlighten the understanding, to affect the heart, to
regulate the conduct. Some parts of it may be more readily apprehen-
ded than others. Amongst those who may profit by its discoverids, some
may be found more advanced than others. To each individual) tiow-
ever, to~wliom it comes, it comes with an. authority that ia supreme. The
voice, whether recognised or not, is the voice of God ; and, in connexion
with the privilege of hearing it, there is the duty to obey,' and a heavy
responsibility in the neglect of it. This is true even with respect to tho
objective exhibition of the Word, but when, in addition to this, there is
that entrance of the Word which gives light and liberty within, the obli-
gations are proportionally increased ; and as eaqh new. step in the pro<.
gress^. attained, the duty lies upon every individual who is thus favou-
red, to all the extent to which he ^as been enabled to grow in grace, and
in tl^e knowledge of our I^ord and Saviour Jesuft Chriat, keeping his pat.
tern steadily before him, to ^Ik by that very rule, to mind that very
thing. This is the standard 0^ rule of which the apostle speaks in our
text"; and such is the conduct in reference to that standard which he in-
culcates. His exhortation is, '' as far as we severally hav^ hitherto
reached in knowledge, grace, or holiness, let us keep close to on6and the
same rule, and practise according to it, as it is plainly revealed in the
sacred canon, which, among other things assures us that in Christ Je^s
neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumoision ; but faitli^
which works by love, or a new creature; and let us be unanimous in
our adherence to this rule."*

The true rule of Christian duty therefore, which the apostle here pro-
poses, is, not what in point of fact even the followers of Christ unani-
mously hold, but what they are bound in duty thus to hold. It is to be
learned, not by inquiring how much truth is held by them in oom^ion,
but by listening to the whole Word of God. He is the most close adhe-
rent to this rule, not who tries to act in such a way as that he shall ex-
hibit least of distinctive principle, but who carries out most fully the in-
structions oi GM^ Word, and who is most closely assimilated (o the g|o-

*;Ga^'8paraphr»M. •

tnr. TiiLi %VL% Of crtRisriiK comdbct.

t!oU8 chnractor which that Word «et« before us as our paWern. Th«
close ndhorrnc. mnv hrin- out vory distinctly the difTorcnccs botwixt h.m
and many who, tho;,;,M.hrothren, are "otherwise mind«j.l." Uo .-nuMnot
•hrink however, from the consequences. If «eparnlion from those whom,
on other {.ronn.U, he oMocms and loves, nhouUl be the rc.^uU, he separate,
from thrrn thiU he n,:.y he nearer to Christ. It is in this adherence to
Christ's rnh, that he aoqnits himself faithfully ili« the diseharRe of h.s own
duty, and h in the ri-ht way to make progress in the Chnsttan l.fe ; tor
« then Mvall wo know, if we follow on to know the Lord." It is in tf.s
adherence tha^ he acts most wisely and kindly even towards those from
v^hom for a time he may ho separated. In the various attamments of
the Christian a banner has been given him that it maybe displayed he-
came of the truth, and it is the stedfast upholding of this banner that,
throngh divine grace, ho may know the blessedness oonnecteil w.th let-
tin'. hiHli-ht 90 shine before men, that they may sec his pood works and
rrloHfv hil Father which is in heaven. " Whereto, therefore, wc have
already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same

""in the improvement of this subject let us learn, in the first place, the
spirit in which we ought to act towards our Christian brethren fro .
xvhom we differ in matters of religion. Amid all the diversities wh.eh
mark the followers of Christ here, let us not forget that these diversities
distinguish those who, nevertheless, are brethren. Let »^ S^^^^y J'';
cognise the family likeness, let us do honour to the grace of God which
may be working in them and by them, and, where we may have occasi-
on to observe defects or to condemn errors in the views which they en-
tertain let us with affectionate interest anticipate tht time when even
this shall be revealed to them. If we are now better informed, are we
not nevertheless just emerging from our ignorance? or rather, are wc
no; with all the information which we think wo have obtained, just
comin- to understand how little we know ? We too have many lessons
yet tolearn ; and though our minds may now be delivered from errors
ihieh once possessed them, and which others still cherish, there are far-
ther deliverances of this kind which we need. We have often already
been indebted to the forbearance of out more advanced brethren, and
we must be yet more indebted to their indulgence. Let us cariy the re-
membrance of. this into our intercourse with those who may need the ex-
ercise of similar kindness from us. While we pray that the Holy Spi-
' rit may subdue the pride, may remove the prejudices, may enlighten the
• darkness of our own minds, let us remember the brethren whose errors
we profess to lament ; and let us plead that he would carry on his own

TMi TBU« RIJUK <)» MiniiSTiAX roNiat'T.

g,K)a work in Ihem also, "till w« nil coirio Jn tho unity of tho faith, ahd
of the knowledge of the Son of (lod. unto ft iwrfoct man, unto tho niM-
Hire of the Btnture of tho fulness of Christ."

In the second place, lot us see the imperative obligation under which we
lie to hold by attainments already made, and in the stedfust contemplation
of tho standard set before us in God's ^yord, to walk by that same rule,
to mind that same thing. While, on the one hand, wo arc not to allow
tho diversities which may separate brethren to prevent us from acknow*
Iqdging and acting upon tho relationship which exists notwithstanding ;
so, on tho other hand, we are not to allow our regard for them, even
viewed as (iod's people, to outweigh our regard for tho authority of 0«.d
himself. We are not to look, for instance, upon any portion of divino
truth as less entitled to be authoritative with us because some whom we
regard as brethren make light of it, may ovenrdeny and oppose it. What
we have here to consider is, not the question which is often very idly
proposed. Is the belief of this or the other truth which' CJod may have
been plowed to reveal essential to salvation ? but, Is its cordial recepti-
on, is the submission of my mind to its authority, is the regulating of my
conduct by its light, is this essential to the duo discharge of ray duty to
Him from whom the revelation has come? This is not judging a bro-
ther ; but it is endeavouring to judge myself, that I may not be judged.
If I have been favoured with clearer and fuller discoveries of the truth
than ho has yet attained, it is not by acting merely upon tho dimmer
light of his mind that I can acquit myself of my responsibility to God.
Whereto we have attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind tho •
same thing. This is our duty individually: and It becomes all of us
most solemnly to consider what practical use we are making of the Tight
with which we have been favoured. Are we careful, in our individual
walk and conversation, •♦ to let our light so shine before men, that they
may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven"?—
To whom much has been given, of them shall the more be required.

Fathers and Brethren, what we have been considering is the duty not
only of individuals but also of the Church. As the pillar and the ground
of the truth, it is bound to hold up the truth in all the extent to which
it has been revealed— to declare all the counsel of God, and to regulate
its own actings according to the light which ifis thus boun^to diffuse.
In the struggle in which the parent church was lately enga^pthe ques-
tion was often proposed, " May not the gospel be savingly preached al-
though the matters in controversy are waived i"" Tiie evils of separat-
ing from brethren were mudi dwelt upon; and th« injury especially
which the cause Of religion would sustain from a divisi^ was set forth

TMK TnUK ttOLK Of CimtHTIAN COKprCT.

in a variety of lights. Mnny pretlictioni, too, were uttered m to iho
oondition in which they would find thom«olvci who would carry out
their declarntion, that, rather than compromiie the principles of the Hi-
ble, they would forego all the temporal advaniage* which were connect^
ed with Iho position that they then occupied. Happily, not only for
their own pca^e of mind, but for the intereats of religion, nono of thcto
things moved thorn. They woro determined, through grace, to obey God
rather Ihon man, and to leave results with Him whoso autliority bound
their conscience. In airrying out this determinntlon, it is true, they had
trials to encounter, «l>o full extent of which the world does not yet know ;
but what has been the result ? Confessedly the most influential religious
body in Scotland, the Free Church is honoured to dispense to a nume-
rous population there the ordinanoes of Christ's house administered in
their purity. She has been the mcami of awakening the attention of
men to principles a regard to which is essential to tho right constitution
of society, as wicll ai to the scriptural adminisirntion of gospel ordinan-
ces. In France, in Switzerland, in Prussia, movements are now in
'progress, of deepest interest to tho advonccnfent of Christ's kingdom,
which have been originated or accelerated through tho light which
she has been enabled to display. From all parts of the, world applica-
tions have been addressed to her for aid ; and, notwithstanding tho scan-
rtiness of her means and tho difliculties with which she herself has to con-
tend, she has not been inattentive to such applications. These provin-
ces of British North America have partaken largely of her liberality.—
. Different parts on the continent of Europe, the West India Islands, the
wide spread plains of India, anil tho rising settlements of Auet)|nalin, have
been helped by her in various degrees. God has blessed her people
with- largeness of heart; and they find that there is that scaitfereth, and
ypt increaseth. With the light which events have^tbt^own upon princi-
ples, can any friend of true religion, look upon (hese things and yet la-
ment that the ministers and people of the Free Church adhered to truth,
though at the expense of separating from brethren?

We have cast in our lot with that church, and are bound to maintain
the same standard. That stanc^ard contains principles which many here,
whom we regard as brethreri, deny and oppose. It is not, however,
the measure oUheir liglik which must regulate our conduct. Whereto
we have attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same
thing. Events too are showing the importance of the things in vfhich
- we differ. Look, for instance, at what in Britain is now the great questi-
on of the day— the education of the people. The dangers to which they
ar€ exposed from overw*helraing masses of a population whose educatioi*

iy*.

TiiF. rnrr nrtr. or cmiwruN roMncrt. *

hni been neglected, nro forcing unwilling •Ute«men to acknowledge tli»l
thcyhaveaduty to dUclmrge with reaped to tliU— iliU noddy cannot
be kept together wlihoul religion— tj^at they mmt concern themiiolvee
with the education of tiioto wliora they are called to rule, and timl that
education muil bo baaed upon the Bible. Look alflo to the Habbath.—
How little could it havo been anticipated, a ehort time ago, that atatea-
mm wouhl, to soon, Imvo madn the conccwione In Its favour which have
lately been obtained 1 Wo dt^jiot aay that human legislation can make
ft people pioui, or that acta of parliament can aocuro the spiritual obscr-
vanco of the Sabbath ; but wo do any, and it is our duty na a Church to
u;ll tho civil maglatratc, whether ho will hoar, or whether he will for-
bear, that there la a legitimate oxcrciso of hU power whi.ch may remove
obHlruciiona to tho due obacrvanco of the Sabbath, which may facilitate
the meana of attending on divine ortlinancea, and extend tho bleaainga of
a rdigioua education ; and that it la hia duty to exercise hia power for
thile enda ; while atill wo look to-divine grace— but grace to be expect-
eti in attendance on diyine ordinances— to enlighten tho faiind, to aanc-
tify tho heart, and to form a people to orderly habits in what concerns
their civil relation!, as having been taught supremely to honour him by
whom kings reign and princes decree justice. Whereto, therefore, wo
have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the
eantRihing.

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