Whatever distinctions may prevail in the various sections among Protestants, we surely all agree in this, that we are looking for salvation simply and entirely through the merits of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Compared with _this_, the points on which we differ are few and unimportant, affecting principally what we may call our outside life—belonging to the “wood, hay, stubble” that attaches to the present imperfect state of things, and, if not at last burnt with fire, will, at least, be lost sight of, when, instead of seeing through a glass darkly, the mind grasps the astonishing and overwhelming meaning of being _saved to the uttermost_. A voice from the enemy’s camp has reached us, that their great hopes of success rest upon the disunion amongst the ranks of Protestants. God grant that these hopes may be disappointed! In times of national calamity, when homes and hearths are threatened by the invasion of a foreign foe, the people are exhorted to let no private consideration, no respect for individual property, _nothing_, in fact, prevent their rising as with the heart of one man, to fight manfully for the defence of their king and their country. Let us, it would be said, only expel this common foe, and mere personal matters can be arranged afterwards. And now that the foe is bearing down with such a threatening aspect upon the interests of our Master’s kingdom, is it still to be said—“The children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light?” Is it too much to expect that we should work for Him, who _died_ for us? CHAPTER XI. Letters. “Speak kindly, speak kindly; ye know not the power Of a soft and gentle word, As its tones, in a sad and troubled hour, By the weary heart are heard. Ye know not how often it comes to bless The stranger amid his weariness; How many a blessing is round thee thrown By the magic spell of a soft low tone. Speak kindly, then, kindly; there’s nothing lost By gentle words—to the heart and ear Of the sad and lonely they’re dear, how dear!— And they nothing cost.” WEBSTER.