A. Miller.
"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." — Eph. 2:14.
God raised a barrier of old
'Twixt Gentile and the Jew;
But, in His grace, He broke it down,
Yet men conspire, despite His frown,
To raise it up again.
They wist not 'tis but Satan's wiles
To part the flock of God
By icy barriers high upreared,
Where each should be to each endeared —
One family bought with blood.
These icy barriers, oh, how strong!
Oh, how they chill the heart!
Streams so divergent round them flow,
Nor can the saint his brother know,
Their interests so apart.
Gifts given for the Church of God,
Denominations claim;
Their exercise so fenced around,
And oft in worldly pride are found,
To gild a party name!
God's high behest so lightly scanned,
Or sadly contravened,
That every institution claims
Their right to bear distinctive names,
Save that by God esteemed!
"In my name," Jesus sweetly said,
Then all must needs be one;
Oh would dear saints obedient be,
And show the world their unity,
'Twere heaven on earth begun!
"That they all may be one." — John 17:21.