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Unanimity among the Members of the Church essential to 
 her Prosperity and Peace: 
 
 A SERMON, 
 
 PREACHED IN 
 
 ST. JAMES'S CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA, 
 
 On the 2Sd of May, 1814, 
 
 BEFORE THE 
 
 CONVENTION OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL 
 CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 BY THE REV. JOHN CROES, D. D., 
 
 Rector of Christ Church, New Brunswick, New Jersey, and President of 
 the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE CONVENTION. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA, 
 
 PUBLISHED BY BRADFORD AND INSKEEP 
 
 G. Palmer, printer. 
 
 1814. 
 
SERMON, &c. 
 
 Sd Corinthians, xiii. 11. 
 Be of one ?nind, 
 
 1 HE religion, which we have the happiness to enjoy, 
 is distinguished from all other systems, not only by the 
 wisdom and sublimity of its doctrines, but also by the 
 excellency of its moral precepts. In comprehensiveness, 
 in consistency with reason, and in purity, its morality has 
 no rival. Not a single rule does it contain, for the go- 
 vernment of our passions, and the regulation of our 
 conduct, which, on the strictest investigation, will not be 
 found worthy of a divine Legislator, and productive of 
 individual and social happiness. It peremptorily prohibits 
 the indulgence of the inordinately sensual, the selfish, and 
 the malevolent feelings of the human heart ; and calls for, 
 and cherishes, that just, pure, generous, humane, and 
 amiable disposition, which, depraved as we are, we are 
 compelled not only to approve, but admire. 
 
 As professors of this holy religion, it is unquestionably 
 implied, that we live under the influence of its precepts, 
 that we conscientiously avoid what they prohibit, and as 
 cordially perform what they require. But though this 
 ought to be the qpnsequence of our faith and profession ; 
 though, indeed, in our initiation into this holy system, 
 we solemnly vowed to conform to the directions of its 
 Divine Author; yet, such is our depravity, such the 
 strong bias in our nature to vice, that the beauty of 
 
holiness, however acknowledged in speculation, however 
 binding upon us, is too seldom mauirested in our 
 practice. Hence arises the necessity, in the phraseolog}^ 
 of scripture, " of line upon line, and precept upon 
 precept:'' — the necessity, that this holy religion should 
 not only be constantly taught, but as constantly inculcat- 
 ed upon its professors. 
 
 As I stand before you, my brethren, for this solemn 
 purpose ; permit me to call your attention to the subject 
 of one of its important precepts, which has just been 
 read to you ; *^ Be of one mind." 
 
 I liave selected this precept, not that I would have it 
 inferred, that there is less unanimity in our church, tlian 
 is common to christian societies (though it must be con- 
 fessed, timt there is too little among all) ; but because it 
 is so indis])cnsably necessary to the well being and 
 prosperity of every religious body, that it cannot too 
 frequently, nor too forcibly be impressed upon its-mem- 
 bers, as well ministers, as j:)eople. 
 
 In endeavouring to illustrate and enforce this precept, 
 there are tw o view s, in which I shall consider it : its 
 meaning ; and its advantages. 
 
 Uniuiimity in the church, especially implies, diat its 
 members hold die same doctrines. In other words, that 
 they all sincerely believe, what is contained in die holy 
 scriptures, and is set forth in the articles and creeds of 
 tliat venerable institution. ' This implies again, that they 
 reject all doctrines, as heretical or false, which are not 
 warranted by the plain letter of revelatk^n, and are not 
 interwoven in the formularies of the church. 
 
 But unanimity d(x:s not stop here. It must be ex- 
 tended also to die discipline, die mode of worship, and 
 the usages of tlie church. \W cannot be siiid to be of 
 
one mind, if some of us entertain opinions relative to the 
 origin, orders, and authority of the priesthood, difterent 
 from those, which have been uniformly held by that res- 
 pectable body. 
 
 Neither can those be considered as of one mind with 
 their brethren, who, in despite of her authority, forsake 
 her mode of worship; or mar its beauty, by intentional 
 omissions, innovations, or imagined improvements; — that 
 mode, which has stood the test of ages, and has become 
 venerable from its anticjuity, and its intrinsic excellence. 
 
 It cannot be asserted, either, that the members of the 
 church are of the same mind, if a part of them cease to 
 respect the canons, which have been adopted in her coun- 
 cils, for the general regulation of her affairs: if, indeed, 
 they obey or disobey them, as it suits their fancies or in- 
 clinations. 
 
 The same remark is true of those inconsiderate mem- 
 bers, who introduce new modes, or forms of their own in- 
 vention, in addition, or in opposition, to the long-esta- 
 blished usages of the church; which usages, though not 
 sanctioned by canons, ought not to be departed from 
 ^vithout very urgent reasons. 
 
 All departures, indeed, from prescribed modes and 
 Iprms, however much the}^ may please men's fancies, or 
 gratify their vain glory, are injurious to that unanimit}'^, 
 which the apostle so pointedly recommends ; not only be- 
 cause the dissimilarity of the modes, between different 
 congregations, naturally tends to disunion, and gives oc- 
 casion for the members to say, " I am of Paul and I of 
 Apollos;" but, because those ministers, who feel them- 
 selves restrained by their ordination vows from violating 
 the canons, or departing from the usages of the church, 
 
f-annol hut be displcasLcl, and even hurt, at the liberty 
 \\ hich their brethren take, and often to their disad\ antage. 
 
 Besides ; il* one may take the Hberty to introduce one 
 new mode or form, another may take the same Hberty to 
 introcUice another; a third, a third one, according as it 
 suits each one's notions of expediency or utiHty. Now, 
 what, I ask, would be tlie consequence if such conduct 
 was pursued ? Certainly not that, wliiph the apostle re- 
 commends in the text ; but that, which he so severely 
 reproves, in his first epistle to the Corinthians, and 
 entreats them to correct. " I beseech you, brethren," 
 says he, " by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye 
 all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions 
 iunong you ; but that ye be perfectly joined together in 
 the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath 
 been declared unto me of you, my brethren, that there 
 are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every 
 one of you saith, 1 am of Paul ; and I of Apollos ; and I 
 of Cephas ; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided ? Was 
 Paul crucified for you ? or were ye baptized in the name 
 of Paul?" 
 
 But there is another luid a higher sense, in which 
 christians should be of one mind. I mean, in their zeal 
 and endeavours to practise and promote the great duties 
 of their religion ; and, of consequence, to ad\'ance the 
 ifiterests of the church. Such was the union of senti- 
 ment, A\hieh the apostle had mere particularly in view, 
 and without which, unanimity, in inilrior respcc ts, will 
 be of little value. 
 
 Whenever therefore the members of a religious associa- 
 tion, esi^eially its ministers, direct their principal atten- 
 tion to these great ol)jects ; when they are suitably im- 
 pressed with tlieir worth and importiuice ; w hen, keeping 
 
personal interest, ambition, and vain glory, out of view , 
 they bend the great efforts of their minds to the promo- 
 tion of the glory of their Lord and Master, and to the 
 interest and prosperity of his body the church ; when, 
 under the influence of these high considerations, they are 
 kindly affectioned one to another, in honour preferring 
 each other; then, and only then, holding the doctrines, 
 and adhering to the laws and usages of their communion, 
 they may be said to be of one mind, in the sense intend- 
 ed by the apostle. Pursuing this course, they also truly 
 obey his injunction, " to endeavour to keep the unity of 
 the Spirit in the bond of peace." 
 
 Should it be said, that however proper and desirable a 
 unanimity so perfect would be ; yet, considering the 
 great difference in the intellectual endowments of different 
 men, and the frailty of human nature, it can hardly be 
 expected. 
 
 I answer, that though some difference of opinion, on 
 doctrinal points, among the members of the church, may 
 be the consequence of the disparity in the human 
 intellect, and the defect in its cultivation ; yet those, 
 especially ministers, who cannot precisely agree with the 
 established doctrines, ought not to disturb the unity of the 
 church, by calling in question the truth of her principles. 
 
 Such persons should, at least, respect opniions, which 
 have been sanctioned for ages, by a succession of learned, 
 wise, and pious men ; and rather doubt the correctness of 
 their own views. At any rate, if, on the maturest delib- 
 eration, they think they cannot consistently withhold 
 their sentiments, it would be far better to withdraw from 
 her communion, than to disturb her union and peace. 
 Nothing less, however, than the most urgent cause can 
 justify even this step. 
 
Tiic huinc ohservaiioiib will apply to those members, 
 who arc not entirely pleased ^^ ith the mode of worship, 
 whicli the ehurch has adopted, or fancy they can amend 
 or improve her liturgy ; and to those who are dissatisfied 
 with any of her canons and iisai^s ; with this difference, 
 hoAvevcr, that, as modes of worship, canons, and usages 
 ai*e not particularly pointed out in scripture, but are the 
 results of human wisdom, the same excuse cannot be 
 oftered, for their separation from the church on these ac- 
 counts ; unless such persons can shew, that they are 
 contrary to the word of God. At all events, the interest 
 and union of the church require, that they should either 
 conform, or withdraw, whatever may be the consequence 
 of the latter to themselves. 
 
 The frailty of human nature, it must be confessed, is a 
 great obstacle to that perfect union of heai*ts, that single- 
 ness and disinterestedness of views and conduct, which, 
 spurning at our own petty interests, and desires of popu- 
 larity and eminence, seeks only, or chiefly, the advance- 
 ment of the cause of Christ, and the eternal welflire of our 
 christian brethren. But what else was the design of our 
 union, under the gi'cat head of the church ; what of those 
 divine influences, which he procured for our simctifica- 
 tion, unless to enable us to overcome this obstacle, to 
 correct the depra^'ity, and strengthen the weakness of 
 our nature ; and thus to produce that " communion of 
 s;»ints," which is the perfection of the christian state ? 
 
 The ad\antagcs of uiuuiimity come next under con- 
 sideration. 
 
 In c \er} association, whether for temporal or spiritual 
 puq)oses, unity of sentiment and action is considered in- 
 dispensable to its prosperity and usefulness; because such 
 unity gives it strenirth, confers on it dignity — promotes 
 
affection, and consequently peace, among its members, — 
 puts down, or silences opposition, — and, if it be institut- 
 ed expressly for religious purposes, it checks the pro- 
 gress of vice and immorality within the sphere of its in- 
 fluence, — and causes it to enjoy, in an eminent degree, the 
 presence and favour of the great Head of the church. 
 
 Strength is a property, in all communities, deservedly 
 esteemed. Without it, no social institution can be of 
 much utility, or have a long duration. Without strength, 
 indeed, it may be productive of much mischief. The 
 same institution, possessing the qualities of power and 
 energy, is, on the contrary, capable of great and useful 
 undertakings ; — it may do much good. The strength of 
 a society consists principally in the number, influence, 
 ar\d virtues of its members. Unanimity tends not only to 
 increase these; but is, in itself, in the place of number, 
 compared with societies, where contention or division 
 prevails. 
 
 Unanimity also confers dignity on an association. It is 
 the evidence of Avisdom and virtue, especially of the 
 virtue of magnanimity and disinterestedness among its 
 members : and these ai'e qualities, which always command 
 the respect and esteem of beholders. 
 
 Mutual affection, and consequently peace, are likewise 
 effects of unanimity, in religious communities. Nothing 
 i^ so productive of a union of hearts, as a union of senti- 
 ments. To think alike, to pursue the same object by the 
 same means, to make our individual views and interests 
 give way to the views and interests of the whole, to 
 throw, as it were, all our virtues, and all our exertions 
 into a common stock for mutual benefit ; what else could 
 result from such condescension, such self denial, but 
 mutual love, and its attendant peace ? And are not these 
 
 B 
 
10 
 
 among tlie most distinguished blessings of indulgent 
 Heaven ? 
 
 Harmony in the ehurch tends also to put down, or 
 silence opposition. Infidels, heretics, and other enemies, 
 avail themselves of every argument, within the scope of 
 tlieir ingenuity tuid observation, to discredit revelation, or 
 to bring our holy religion, certain important doctrines of 
 it, or our particular church into disrepute. In none, arc 
 they more successful, than in those, which they derive 
 from the imprudences and follies of discordant dioceses, 
 or congregations. To deprive them of this ^\•eapon 
 therefore is of vast importance, not only to our religious 
 community, but to the universal church. This can be 
 effected only by removing the cause ; by making harmony 
 succeed to discord ; unanimity to division. 
 
 Again : being of one mind in the church, tends to 
 check the progress of vice, within the sphere of its influ- 
 ence. This f^xrellent quality among its members, puts 
 out of countenance every species of gross and public 
 immorality ; and renders religion so dignified, and, at the 
 same time, so amiable, that even the dissipated and 
 profligate cannot but revere it ; and even secretly desire 
 to be under the influence of principles, so excellent in 
 themselves, and so productive of happiness to the com- 
 munity • and indeed, by tlie blessing of God upon such 
 instructive and afiecting examples, persons of this de- 
 scription are often happily brought from darkness to 
 light, and from die power of SaUm unto God. 
 
 But the greatest good resulting to tlie church, or to 
 any section of it, from unanimity among its members, is 
 the especial presence and favour of its divine head, the 
 Lord Jesus Clirist. For where two or three ivrc gadiered 
 togetlicr, in his name, he has deckircd, diat he is in tlic 
 
11 
 
 midst of them. In other words, that every religious as- 
 sociation, however small, whose .members are cordialFy 
 united, on truly christian principles, for the worship of 
 God, the promotion of his glory, and the eternal welfare 
 of men, enjoys the presence of their beneficent Lord; 
 who, by his Spirit, excites their devotion, directs and 
 prospers their counsels, warms their breasts with mutual 
 love, and inspires them with that wisdom, which cometh 
 down from above, which is first pure, then peaceable^ 
 gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good 
 fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. What 
 benefit, more valuable than this, can men enjoy ? From 
 what source can they derive such inestimable favours, but 
 from the Lord of life, the author of their existence and 
 salvation ? And to possess his approbation, his presence, 
 in the highest sense of the terms, is the consequence only 
 of unanimity, as well as zeal and faithfulness in his 
 service. 
 
 But the royal psalmist has told us^ that unity among 
 brethren, is not only good or advantageous ; but is also 
 pleasant. " Behold," said he, in the hundred thirty- 
 third psalm, " how good, and how pleasant it is, for 
 brethren to dwell together in unity." Can a lovelier 
 scene, indeed, be exhibited on earth ? Can wc conceive 
 of any thing more perfect, than a band of christians, 
 cordially united, in principles, affection, and noble views ? 
 An association, in which the highest source of each one's 
 pleasure, the first object of his ambition, is to please his 
 Lord and Saviour, and promote the interests of his 
 church. " Such a society is a true epitome of the church 
 triumphant." Happiness is its reward ; for " the happi-^ 
 ness of one becomes the happiness of all." 
 
12 
 
 Contrast this scene, with a scene of discord, clashing 
 ^Ibvs and interests, and reciprocal enmity. How amiable, 
 how plciising, does thh former appear; how deformed, 
 how disgusting the latter I 
 
 Justly, therefore, did the psalmist make the beautiful 
 exclamation, which has just been repeated to you. 
 
 Influenced by its truth, and by the excellency of union, 
 can we avoid saying, ^vith the late pious Bishop Home; 
 Ithen commenting on the whole psalm ; ** O come the 
 day, when division shall cease, and enmity be done 
 away; when the tribes of the spirituid Israel shall be 
 united in a bond of eternal charity, under the true David, 
 in the Jerusalem which is above ; and saints and angels 
 shall sing tliis lovely psalm together." 
 
 The topics proposed having been discussed, I shall 
 now, in addition to the arguments, which have already 
 been used, respectfully urge upon you the duty of com- 
 plying with the apostle's injunction. But, while I perform 
 this office, I am far from intending to intimate, that, in 
 the respectable body now convened, any thing has occui'- 
 red to give occasion for such exhortation. On the con- 
 trar}', it is with much pleasure I declare, that a greater 
 degree of unanimity has seldom prevailed among the 
 memlxirs of any religious body, especially when convened 
 from parts so remote from each other. The exhortation, 
 therefore, must Ix: understood as intended rather to excite 
 to greater unanimity, than to dissuade from any discord, 
 which may be supposed to exist. 
 
 Of the fitness, the advantages, and the amiableness of 
 unanimity, among the ministers of Christ, especially 
 among those of the siime communion, you, my reverend 
 fathers iukI brethren, can have but one opinion. But, 
 though tliis is the fact; tliough, as a happy means, hi re- 
 
ducing this opinion into practice, we should entertain the 
 same sentiments, on doctrines, discipUne, and mode of 
 worship ; though we should think alike on the subject of 
 canons and usages; yet, in the diversity of opinions, 
 relative to matters of mere expediency ; on the unexpect- 
 ed frustration of our favourite plans; in the moments, 
 when our irascible passions are excited, by the hasty or 
 unguarded expressions of our brethren, the best of us are 
 so apt to lose sight of the principles, which should 
 govern a religious association, and to suffer a spirit of 
 contention Lo aribc, that frequent admonitions to unanimity 
 and brotherly love, are not only not unnecessar}^, but, 
 indeed, exceedingly useful. Permit me, therefore, to call 
 to your recollection, the precepts of the holy religion, 
 which we profess, and of which we are public teachers. 
 Do they not explicitly forbid us "to look at our ovm 
 good alone," to be influenced by selfishness, ambition, 
 and a spirit of contention ? Do they not, on the contra- 
 ry, teach us "to let nothing be done through strife or 
 vain glory ; but, in lowliness of mind, to let each esteem 
 others better than himself," — " to be perfecdy joined in 
 the same mind and in die same judgment;" — "to stand 
 fast, indeed, in one spirit?" Are we not told by St. 
 Paul, that " charity suffereth long and is kind ; that charity 
 envieth not; that charity vauntcth not itself; is not pufied 
 up ; seeketh not her own ; and is not easily provoked ?" 
 Do we not also constantly pray, in our excellent liturgy, 
 that christians " may hold the faith, in unity of spirit, in the 
 bond of peace, and in righteousness of life ?" If there- 
 fore we would act consistently with our profession, as 
 christians ; and our high and responsible stations in 
 the church ; let us sincerely and firmly resolve, ^A'idi 
 divine aid, to counteract that propensity to selfisliness. 
 
14 
 
 ^\ hich is so predominant in our nature ; and, in all our 
 public deliberations, to keep only in view, the glory of 
 our Lord and Master, and the best interests of his 
 church. The effect of this, would necessarily be, union 
 and peace. Can we then for a moment hesitate, as to 
 the adoption of resolutions, so just and so obligatory in 
 themselves, and so productive of good? If we desire, 
 that unanimity may prevail in the congregations, ** over 
 which the Holy Ghost hath made us overseers," can we 
 deliberate, whether we shall, by mutual self denial, and 
 forlx'arancc, set diem die cAamplc? To ua dic^ look up, 
 and very justly, for a pattern of every virtue. If they do 
 not find it, can we complain, or be disappointed, that our 
 instructions and admonitions are ineffectual ? Let us not 
 then, by neglecting our duty, afford them an excuse fbr 
 continuing in sin, or for disturbing the peace and har- 
 mony of the church. To say more would be superflu- 
 ous. Our own sense of duty, die importance and res- 
 ponsibility of our offices, and the amiableness and advan- 
 tages of the great virtue, which is now inculcated, ^^•ill 
 doubtless induce us, to use all our efforts, under God, for 
 its preservation and promotion. 
 
 To you, my respected brethren of the laity, may I be 
 permitted to suggest, diat the obligations to unanimity 
 arc not less binding upon you than upon us. If it be 
 our duty, as "dispensers of the divine word, and en- 
 samples to die flock, tp keep the unity of the spirit in the 
 bond of peace ;" it is not less your duty to use your best 
 exertions for the s;une good purpose. Let me entreat you, 
 therefore, cordiall}- to unite with us, in the cultivation of 
 Iiarniony in the church. Among other means for this im- 
 portant purpose, let nic prevail on you to discountenance 
 nil innovations, or departures from her rubricks, or estab- 
 
15 
 
 lished usages ; every thing, indeed, which produces dis- 
 similarity between different congregations, and consequent- 
 ly tends to division. Reflect on the happy consequences of 
 a coincidence of sentiments among members of the same 
 religious communion, and discourage every thing, which 
 will tend to interrupt it. Let no personal dislike, tempo- 
 rary displeasure, or consideration of interest, prompt you 
 to put at hazard the harmony, which should always pre- 
 vail among the disciples of Christ. 
 
 Pursuing this course, you will give dignity and influ- 
 ence to our church, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction, 
 which arises from the consciousness of endeavouring to 
 promote her interest and peace, and the glory of our 
 blessed Lord. 
 
 Finally, brethren, whether members of other sections of 
 the christian church, or of the one which worships in this 
 temple, give heed to the admonition of the apostle, in the 
 text, and endeavour, in imitation of the primitive chris- 
 tians, "to be of one heart and one soul." "Let nothing," 
 I repeat the words of the apostle, " be done, through 
 strife, or vain glory ; but in lowliness of mind, let each 
 esteem others better than himself:" and may the God of 
 peace so bless our endeavours for this purpose, that all 
 who behold our cliurch, may be induced to exclaim, in 
 the beautiful words of the psalmist, " behold, how good, 
 and how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell togetlier in 
 unitv!" 
 
 FINIS. 
 
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