And here I need scarcely remark, that _coercion_ can do nothing: neither ecclesiastical canons, nor authoritative edicts, can sway the conscience, or influence the affections. Nor can even much reliance he placed on moral suasion, or controversial discussion. We may acknowledge the importance of the object, but be after all undecided as to the method of its attainment, or indifferent to its ultimate success. The great means are with GOD; yet all of us can do something towards the promotion of Christian Union, and I would humbly suggest the following hints:— 1.—_By personally cherishing_, _and prominently keeping in view those great truths upon which the Church of Christ has agreed_. For after all, to use the admirable language of a Christian author upon this subject; “The unity which the Church of CHRIST should maintain within, and promote without, even in our present circumstances exists, and that substantially, though imperfectly. Its existence is proved by an identity of motives and aims; proved by that similarity of sentiment, which makes the Christian find a new brother in every converted man; proved by petitions and praises, like in matter and in manner, and offered to the same throne of grace; proved by the general correspondence of our forms of worship. Were some enlightened heathen, such as Cicero, to rise up and come among us, he would perceive little difference among the purest Christians, unless his attention were called to it by some formal partisan. The grand and glorious features of the Christian faith, would stand out before him in bright contrast with those of heathenism, if our paltry animosities did not obscure them.” Let us then set before us, and steadfastly gaze upon the great soul-elevating, and spirit-uniting doctrines of the Gospel. The atonement of CHRIST—His perfect work—finished redemption—spotless righteousness—all prevailing intercession, and final conquest. The work of the Spirit in the regeneration, sanctification, and perfection of believers. These are the great master-truths; let them be to our souls, what they are to the Gospel, the Alpha and Omega, the foundation of all; and much will be done in enlarging our views, refining our judgments, breaking down prejudice within, and concentrating our affections upon points of general agreement. In addition to this, let the mind of CHRIST be ours. His mind was absorbed with love to his FATHER, and compassion for souls. Cherish the same; let this predominant passion occupy and control our spirits, and there will then be but little space found, and less taste felt for those trifles which distract, divide, and embitter. 2.—We may promote this Christian Unity further, _by seeking to form_, _and convey a right impression of our own excellence_, _in comparison with the worth of others_ “_who follow not with us_.”