n split
up into many portions, which have been opposing and weakening one
another, instead of fighting His enemies. How can these portions,
after centuries of disunion, be reunited into one? How can the
mischief be undone?

It is beyond the power of man.

Yet at the same time we can see that there are certain things which
all can do to advance the object in view, and to promote re-union at
least in our own National Church at home, if not also between the
different branches of Christ's Holy Church[20] throughout the world.
But to do so, two things are clearly necessary. One thing is to have a
clear grasp of the principle which runs through the whole teaching of
the Bible,--that Christ came to found a Kingdom. And the other is to
desire unity. If all desired unity, the desired result would certainly
be accomplished.

But one thing is certain. No plan of re-union can succeed which is
not based upon the clear teaching of Holy Scripture. "The Kingdom of
Heaven" is there clearly described. First by the King Himself in His
parables and discourses, before the Kingdom was yet founded; and then
in the history of the Acts of the Apostles, which tells how the
Kingdom or Church of Christ, which had been purchased with His own
Blood, was set up under the guidance of the Holy Ghost. And inasmuch
as no man, nor any body of men, can form a new "Kingdom of Heaven,"
the only position which a Christian can hold, in agreement with Holy
Scripture, is the position of a subject of that Kingdom which was so
founded.

And when we call to mind that "The Kingdom of Heaven" extended to our
own land, by the Providence of God, in early days, we see at once that
our aim, as loyal subjects of the Lord Jesus Christ, must be to win
back those who have separated from us, to act as fellow-soldiers with
us in the one great army of our King, serving under the same flag and
the same officers, and fighting with united energy for the glory of
God.

But as in an earthly kingdom various opinions may be held by different
persons and parties, and yet all may be loyal subjects of the same
King, and earnestly advancing the well-being of the kingdom, so in the
spiritual Kingdom of Messiah unity does not mean that all must think
alike[21]. But there is one necessary condition, namely this,--the
essential unity of the Kingdom must be kept in view. There can be but
one "Kingdom of Heaven." Consequently, to form separate and
independent bodies cannot fail to cause