creeds are chiefly designed to bear upon ministers and church officers. And they are charitably supposed to have made inquiries into these matters before they accept office. A man has no right to hold office in any society, who does not adopt and enforce the fundamental principles of the society. By framing, publishing, and sustaining her creed, the church becomes the pillar and ground of the truth, so far as her creed - is true.

III. By her discipline, the church supports the truth. Discipline is the faithful application of her laws to all within the pale of the church. The object of discipline is twofold-the spiritual good of the offender and the self-preservation of the church. Every society, no less than every individual, has an undoubted right to preserve itself. But if discipline be broken down, the church commits suicide. Discipline refers to both doctrine and moral practice; because both are vital. Immoral, ungodly members, if tolerated bring disgrace upon the church-"for the church of God is holy." In this all agree. But some think it oppressive to eject a man for errors in doctrine-or "mere matters of opinion,' as some call heresy. We do not question any man's right to have and to propagate his sincere belief. But the church has rights, no less sacred than those of individuals. She says to her ministers, you may have your opinions; but do not abuse my influence, my pulpits, and my credit, to support and spread them. A man has no right to make his neighbor's dwelling the centre of operations hostile to himself and his family. All men enter the church from choice; and are received in love. He who is unhappy in his relation to the church can change bis relations peaceably. He lays himself liable to the suspicion of interested motives, who remains in a church, after he has ceased to maintain her creed, and after a respectable portion of the church desire his removal. But the church is in duty bound to exclude those who by wicked lives dishonor her holy name; or by wild or heretical opinions deviate from her creed. By wholesome discipline, the church is "the pillar and ground of the truth.”

REMARKS.

1. Truth performs an important office in the sinner's salvation. Regeneration is effected by it—" who are born not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which abideth forever." By truth we are made holy, "sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth.” The strong holds of sin are taken by truth-"the sword of the Spirit."

2. How absurd is the opinion, that if a man's practice be good, it matters not what his belief may be. If a man be consistent, his practice will be an expression of his creed or principles. It is an enlarged and dangerous charity, which expects a man to live in constant opposition to his belief. We are held accountable for our belief, "for without faith it is impossible to please God."

3. If the church be the pillar of truth, then must harmony in opinion be the basis of her peace. Those who do not agree in religious faith may enjoy temporary peace, by silence on disputed points. But such repose is as precarious as the slumbers of the family whose house is built on a volcanic mountain. Some occasion of strife will arise.