being saved?"

"I suppose," said I, "that, as poor human nature is, for the present,
more is effected, on the whole, by letting us divide into sects, and
giving us each some external or speculative discrepancies to excite our
zeal. It is a sad reflection upon us, if this be so, and our sectarian
behavior illustrates that hardness of our hearts, in view of which,
perhaps, God suffers us to divide as we do. But, still, you see how
wisely God has ordained that good people shall not differ about
essential things--that might be fatal to the success of his truth; but
they are left to divide about forms, and ordinances, and some doctrinal
matters which do not involve the question of the way to be saved. In
that they all agree."

_Mrs. K._ How pleasant it would be if they would all think alike!

_Mr. M._ Perhaps it might not be best at present. They should tolerate
each other's views, meet and act together where they may; but I do like
to see a man heartily attached to his own denomination, without bigotry.
I have not much partiality for those schemes of union which require and
expect each sect to give up its peculiarities, and which seek to
amalgamate us. It is unnatural. Let each be thoroughly persuaded of his
own faith;--different temperaments and habits of thought are suited by
different modes and forms;--but let us treat each other as Christians,
and with urbanity and kindness. That is the most sublime spectacle of
union. It comes nearer to fulfilling the prayer of Christ, "that they
all may be one," when we differ strongly, and yet keep the unity of the
spirit. I am doubtful whether, even in heaven, there will not be such
innocent diversity of views about things successively beyond our
knowledge or comprehension, as to stimulate inquiry and discussion; but
that we shall ever be capable, as we are here, of alienation, in
consequence of these varying opinions, is impossible.

_Mr. K._ Do you not think, Mr. M., that we shall all think alike about
baptism in the millennium?

_Mr. M._ I suppose that you expect that we shall all give up infant
baptism. But my expectation is that, as we approach that day, the last
prophecy of the Old Testament will be as truly fulfilled as it was at
the coming of Christ, and that the hearts of the fathers will be turned
to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers. Parental
piety and discipline will be greatly promoted, and an attendant of it
will be, I suppose, a greater