A strange sight is the Church of God now,- divided, scattered abroad, (for the common hope which would unite them is merged in other interests, though individuals may earnestly look for it); instead of rejoicing in the truth, we see it confined by systems of theology hiding from it the true knowledge of God, and contending for doctrines, which may be done when vital godliness is gone ; minding earthly things; looking for blessing to the earth before the resurrection comes, and practically evincing the belief "that it might be a tolerable world if all would agree to make the best of it." And what is this but, as St. Augustine saith, "live such a happy life in the region of death"! Believers have need to cry for the spirit of God to raise up the hearts of His people into their true position – the apprehension of "the heavenly calling." But the eye that is not dimmed by fellowship with unrighteousness may see that the Lord is working even now. The division for the final gatherings is going on. He is separating to Himself on the one side, and Satan is concentrating his strength on the other. The conflict is between holiness and sin; and the hour is fast coming which will irrevocably fix the side taken by each individual.