I heartily endorse the article by Bro. Cope in the June issue of the paper concerning "Unity." Recently the Firm Foundation published a special UNITY edition of the paper, in which there was expressed a sincere regret for the lamentable divided condition of professed believers, and a desire to reunite on the "primitive pattern." Such an effort on the part of the F. F. is worthy of commendation, and the articles in that issue are due our consideration.

Just now, however, a question arises. Are the exponents of this unity proposition prepared to abide by the principles set forth in it? For years we have attempted to persuade the F. F. and other papers to lay aside all unscriptural practices in order that peace and harmony might reign supreme within the ranks of the Disciples of Christ. They have constantly scoffed at, and ignored our plea. Do they now so plead with the sectarians? I am reminded of the words of Christ to the Scribes and Pharisees, sitting in Moses’ seat, "All, therefore, whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say and do not," Matt. 23:3. The advice given by these papers concerning "unity" should be observed. However their teaching and practice are not consistent. We should do as they "bid" but "do not after their works." The innovations brought in and practiced by these same writers have culminated in the divided condition of the Church. Here is their mistake, "For they say and do not." Why not be entirely consistent and "practice what we preach?"

It is absurd for me to plead with other people to observe certain rules, while I am breaking them myself. It appears to be rather easy for our S. S. brethren to note the faults of others, but the individual that attempts to point out to them their errors has a "hard row to hoe." Matt. 7:3-4, (Moffat’s Tran.), "Why note the splinter in your brother’s eye, and fail to see the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the splinter from your eye, when there lies the plank in your own eye’? Thou hypocrite, take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly how to take the splinter out of thy brother’s eye." We agree with the F.F. concerning what they teach on "unity," and we also are opposed to denominationalism and sectarianism, because they are opposed to the spirit of Christianity and are contradictory and inconsistent in their teachings. Why then does not the F. F. get the plank out of its own eye, throw aside the existing innovations such as Sunday School and Cups, which have torn asunder the Body of Christ, and then with a united front attempt to remove the "splinter" from the eye of Denominationalism. This "plant" is the most important thing to be removed and needs their immediate attention.

The Bible says, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Paul propounds that important question that answers itself, "Is Christ divided ?" Bro. Armstrong, in the Truthseeker remarks, "This makes it imperative that we ourselves present a united front." Again he questions, "Do we want unity among ourselves, and are we willing to forbear and to be longsuffering toward one another’s conscience to obtain it ?" David exclaims, "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." We then plead for all Christians to sacrifice ideas, traditions, and unscriptural customs and return to the "old moorings at Jerusalem." Let us unfurl the banner of the Lord today, "The Bible and the Bible Alone." Good men everywhere are rallying to this infallible standard, and as the light rolls in beauty across the storm, let us catch the inspiration and shout, "On to victory."