ches
holding many conflicting sentiments, and entertaining different plans of
attaining even to a good end, may warrantably so unite in an
ecclesiastical capacity. What prevents different churches from adopting
the same standards, and holding communion with one another in waiting on
all the ordinances of divine grace, is sufficient to prevent them from
associating in league in this manner. Nor is it intended that by such a
federal union merely a testimony against error should be given, without
a solemn declaration of adherence to specified truths. It is not the
fact of a given Section of the visible church adhering to a definite
system that invests it with a right to Covenant by itself, exclusively
of every other--for that system might be very imperfect--but because
that it holds the truth, and is bound to go on to perfection. Its own
imperfections are drawbacks upon its avowal of the truth; by uniting
with others, who would refuse to give the truth which it might hold the
desired prominence, it should not suffer that truth to be inadequately
exhibited, or concealed. But the people of God in different states or
kingdoms, or in different communities or churches in the same kingdom,
may enter into various species of solemn covenants with one another, to
carry into effect the design of the exhibition of the truth. It is the
variety of opinion that exists among organised churches that prevents
these from co-operating together in various benevolent or religious
schemes, and that is sufficient to prevent some who maintain the duty of
Covenanting, from associating with others in discharging it. Because of
the church's imperfection, none of her procedures harmonize completely,
either with one another, or with the truth. But individual communities
are not therefore warranted in being content with proceeding to bear a
testimony for it on a principle of approximative expediency. What
different bodies could do together better than singly without
sacrificing the cause of the truth on either hand, they are warranted to
unite in solemn Covenant to effect. What each body could do for the
interests of Christ's kingdom with more effect alone, let its members
among themselves strengthen their obligations to perform. Were there to
be formed federal unions that would lead to the investigation and
discovery of the mind of God contained in his word, and to the diffusion
of truth agreed upon, as well as to the reprobation of acknowledged
evils,