The Church, and its Divisions.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 10 July 1912, Page 3

The Church, and its Divisions.

On Sunday last Mr Milner dealing with, this subject, quoted the words of Paul in Ephes. 4. 1.1 as a connecting lmk with his previous address. Continuing he said ■• The calling of individuals out of the world and uniting them into one great body which is to be controlled by Christ the head, is not a picture to be framed and admired, but a goal to press toward and attain, yea and an ideal which shall be accomplished because God has spoken it. The words ' Till we ail attain to the unity of tho faith ' in tho 13th verse are no idle dream of Pauls. 'Cod moves in a mysterious waj his wonders to perform,' but the mystery of his eternal purposes in the Church has been revealed through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2 and 1 Cor. 2). Eve Christ Jesus left this earth of ours ho promised to send one. who should be in his room and stead and who should carry out his will .John J'> lo) and when he. came was it not the sweet influence of his presence, that strengthene 1 and gnvo utterance to the early Church (Acts 2.3). They spoke the things taught by him (1 Coy. 2 13"}. They were guided by him (Acts 16 C) controlled by him (Acts 11. I 2;. He like our Lord himselt, called and i commissioned apostles (Acts 13 2-4) and ordained elders or bishops (Acts 2.28) by him the individual is anointed arid sealed a member of God's own possession, the Church (Eph 1.1 o) This is' God's revealed way of building up Christ's Church and ho.v the head controls, teaches aud directs tho body through his helper the Holy Spirit.

But is his authority recognised today in the Church as the Vicar of Christ the teacher and overseer of his church, have not sections of the church exalted man to this position, and do not somo claim the exclusive right of ordaining ciders or bishops, is not his authority thus ignnrod, his tonching neglected and his .sweet influence quenched? With whnt results ? The church to-day is walking alter the works of the liesh instead of being led by the spirit (Gal. 5 lb%-2o) for are not the works of the ilesh rampant in our midst, 'factions, diversions, heresies', envyings' (v. iO) and are not the fruits of die spirit scarce : Love, joy, pence?, long suffering, kindness meokness etc.. (v. 22). Paul's exhortation has boon sadly neg'loftnrt .' Griovo not tho Holy Spirit t>y whom yr- were sealed unto the day of ■'redemption' (Eph. i. oQ). Pray then, as followers of Christ and members of his body, that ye may bo iillod with tho spirit."