1G6 CHURCH UNITY 



were to strive ? Here at last was some- 

 thing which put mere selfish gain, or 

 success, or triumph in its rightful and 

 inferior place. Here at last was some- 

 thing which thrilled the hearts of those 

 whom it had taken captive with a love 

 larger than their own race, or land, or 

 family. Here was something which, speak- 

 ing of the Fatherhood of God, made it easier 

 for men to believe in it, because they saw 

 that one of its chiefest fruits was the true 

 brotherhood of man. How far our modern 

 sectarianism has produced any such effect 

 upon Christian disciples themselves, I will 

 not undertake to say, — but how far that 

 same temper of dissension, division, mutual 

 hatreds and hostilities has been instru- 

 mental in discouraging the approaches and 

 chilling the enthusiasm of people outside 

 of any Christian fellowship is a matter 

 concerning which I am persuaded thought- 

 ful Christian people are not longer in any 

 .doubt. They see in it something that, now< 

 / at length, must be reckoned with, and they 

 I are turning with a concern daily more eager 

 I and anxious to find, if they may, its remedy. 

 "III. Yet another influence, which has 

 been most graciously and powerfully at 



