For by this means, ovier and above all the
real differences of opinion which exist, a
fresh cause of opposition and separation is
introduced among those who would perhaps
be found, if their respective statements
were candidly explained, to have in their
tenets no real ground of disunion. I would
not be understood as questioning the neces-
sity of retaining such creeds and articles of
faith as are requisite for limiting the vague-
ness of men's interpretation of Scripture,
and maintaining in the members of the



QUESTIONS AVOID. 203

Church an agreement as to essential points ;
— but, as suggesting a caution against fall-
ing into a pernicious extreme, — that of too
constant an adherence, without necessity,
to a single form of expression on each
point, and too hasty a censure of all who
vary from it. In fact, the very expediency
of these fixed formularies of our Church
establishes the point for which I am con-
tending : for since that expediency consists
in their helping to keep together, as a dis-
tinct body, the members of that Church,
which in this case is a desirable eflFect, it
follows, that where no such object is, or
ought to be, proposed, the means which
lead to it, should be avoided. There is
nothing that tends more strongly than this
practice to generate and to prolong cause-
less divisions among Christians : for, every
peculiarity (as was formerly observed) which
characterizes any class of men, however
insignificant it may be in itself, is gene-
rally cherished by them with undue re-
gard ; and serves to heighten their zeal,
and strengthen their union as a party.
Nor will the consequences of such divisions



204. FOOUSH AND UNLEARNED Lect. VI.
