John xiii. 35.

Because of His great love for us, Jesus for­gave us and suffered in our stead. Likewise let us so love one another, as to willingly forgive and suffer rather than have our brethren to suffer.

If a brother speak or write sentiments dif­fering from ours, on such things as the association of churches in a common bond of union, for their instruction and correction, let us not become carnal or unkind, and accuse our brother of evil. Rather let us be kind and courteous to him, and condemn our own hasty spirit. Thus, if our brother be wrong, we may save him and ourselves. Then let us so esteem our brethren better than ourselves, as not to accuse them of speaking or writing in a bad spirit. But in such matters, let us always be found forbearing one another in love

"Let love through all your actions run,

And all your words be mild."

Is it not very wrong for beloved brethren to strive and cut back at each other? Oh, brethren, will you let one so weak and imperfect entreat you as fathers, that we strive not, but as we have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so let us walk in Him. Is not one necessary qualifica­tion of a gospel minister that the servant of the Lord must not strive? II Tim. ii. 24. Then, when the much loved ministers of our meek and lowly Saviour are almost ready to pull each other by the ears in public debate spoken or written, what shall I say ? Shall we praise them in this, when they are commanded to be examples to the flock? Surely such a fight would increase carnality, be a feast to our foes, and bring lasting reproach to the cause we love so well. May our Lord save us from these things for Jesus' sake. Such a strife will always draw party lines, array brother against brother, grieve the Holy Spirit and cause a general weeping throughout the camps of Israel. Such sorrow would almost break my heart. How could I endure this sad condition of the Churches? Brethren, this must not be. May our Lord incline us to love one an­other more than this; and save us from such a dark picture, as brother striving against brother. I Jno. iii. 10; iv. 20.

If loyal to truth, the church will have enough trouble in meeting dangerous heresies, without inviting trouble by party strife. There­fore, concerning such questions as that of associations, the time and manner of choosing moderator, or the messengers, of churches, let us not bunt more trouble. But as in the past, let us continue to live in peace and love, Beloved brethren, may we never be heady or self willed to carry our point regardless of results--we might be wrong. But rather let us be "long suffering forbearing one another in love." Eph. iv. 2. God has abundantly blessed us during many past years. And now, having conquered our enemies, let us not strive among ourselves.

So about such minor points of difference as union or association of churches and the manner of choosing their moderator, may it be heartily said by us, even if such were sin, "Love covereth all sin." Prov. x. 12.

Brethren, let me meekly insist that we cease from this strife, and speak and write more about Jesus and His love, Now let us alt try to be silent on the association question awhile--time is a wonderful healer. "Where no wood is the fire goeth out." Prov. xxvi. 20.

Beloved brethren and sisters, I humbly suggest that we all endeavor to wrestle with God in earnest continued prayer for more, brotherly love. May our loving Lord whisper in each of our hearts, "Take heed to thyself.” "Grieve rot the Holy Spirit." "Let brotherly love continue."

May God bless you all.

Your unworthy brother in much love, McGreger, Tex.       M.D. DENMAN