We need to be upon our guard against an overwhelming tendency-namely, that unspiritual sensitiveness that would allow but the very smallest liberty for the discussion of any doctrines except those upon which we are agreed.

Unawares we shape our thoughts and utterances more and more to comply with this imperious tyranny until we arrive at, in a measure at least, a creed and communion with one another rather than the truth and communion with God.

Then it becomes a chief merit to comply, a demerit that puts one under a shadow of distrust to differ from the common sentiment that has thus gained its miserable sway. Thus Satan gains power to undermine character, and to cause us to bow down to and cling to our own poor thoughts in place of the sanctifying truth of God. Moderation, gentleness, and humility are dishonored and little esteemed, and high thoughts and high utterances carry the day, and are esteemed as a mark of spiritual discernment.

All this, as says Robinson's farewell to the Plymouth pilgrims, "is a misery much to be lamented." It is a hideous evil, which, if we are wise, we will tread under foot,-not nourish and cherish as we are so prone to do.

We rightly object to certain tendencies in controversy, yet often-rather, commonly-is not objection to controversy found on the side of sloth and superficiality, impatience and inability? And the end is, to be carried with the tide rather than won by the truth. I am not bound to have ability to argue, but I am bound to have faith in God, with patience and love.

Exercise in this school develops depth and fortitude which otherwise we miss, and drift in the weakening current of complacency with those with whom we can agree.

Even truth held in this latter condition of soul must be shorn of much of its proper sanctifying power; and error is accredited by human influence, and holds firm lodgment against attack. "I hate argument," often means, as has been said, " I don't want to be reasoned with;" and so also, " I hate controversy " as often means, " I lack tone and character to bear it, and I take credit to myself for what is really an unspiritual condition."

Controversy is accompanied generally by utterances that stir ill-feeling. Even so. This let us deplore, and humble ourselves, and pray about; and yet not be too sensitive on this score, for sincerity and sharpness may be at times in place, but let us deplore the tendency to err, and be warned against it, and seek help from God not to speak unadvisedly with the lips,-and how great a victory is this ! But shall we be so weak as to turn away from a conflict that may concern important points of truth because there is that is painful to the feelings, and that the careless scoffer or the superficial Christian will easily profess to be scandalized by?

There is a spirit abroad that has led the Church in every age to sacrifice truth to sloth, self-complacency, and intolerance, so that we may boast of peace and unity when spiritual power is gone, and we have arrived at the end of inquiry into the fathomless depths of the treasury of God's Word.

Let us never be weary of having all we hold exposed to the light, and tested anew by Scripture. It will do us good, and not harm, we may be sure. The truth will be dearer each time it comes off conqueror. We need not fear for results, and we will not, if holding the truth in communion with God.

May we avoid a rough handling of the Word and of one another; but above all, may we be preserved from the deathlike complacency of human agreement. And yet, may we desire to be of one mind.

And even in a periodical for general circulation, if at times a difference in judgment appears, may there not be this valuable lesson, aside from the truth involved, namely, that all may learn that it is possible to differ and yet forbear one another in humility and love?

Much of controversy would not be suitable, but to entirely exclude it, would it not be morbidness of the kind referred to in this article ? not a true, spiritual judgment.

Let us see to it that our thoughts, conclusions, and utterances in this are in the line of true, and not false and injurious principles, for we all contribute to that common sentiment among us that tends to sway and govern our lives. And such power has a principle,-that I may be sin-cere and yet in error, because the principle that governs 'me is false, as a devout Romanist is sincere, but his principles (such as subjection to his church,) are often darkness itself; and then how great is that darkness !

Let us be careful and prayerful that we may judge rightly, and speak rightly, lest we should hinder when we seek to help.

I add below a suggestive extract from " D'Aubigne's Reformation." E.S.L.