2712.
[Why were they left to disagree?]
The contention was so sharp between them, &c.
—xv. 39.
Why were they left to disagree?
Not to encourage sin,
Or prove the' impossibility
Of constant peace within;
Not to confirm the daring lie
'Gainst Christ the Finisher,
Or countenance the men who cry
“There's no perfection here.”
The fault, if fault indeed there was,
In one apostle stood,
Eagerly partial in the cause
Of his own flesh and blood:
And God to teach us watchfulness
Let the sharp contest rise,
That we may pray, and never cease
Till harbour'd in the skies.
Saviour, by Thy permissive will
The fellow-labourers part
The gracious counsels to fulfil
Of Thy most loving heart;
They part to' advance the work Divine,
To spread Thy victory,
And by the separation join
Ten thousand more to Thee.
