Page:Tracts for the Times Vol 2.djvu/523

Rh schisms are naturally gendered of persons forming for themselves separate places of meeting, they are therefore deserters from the source and origin of truth. But the Lord speaks of His Church, and says, in reference to those who are in the Church, that if they be of one mind, if, in the words of his mandate and lesson, but two or three of them gather together and offer up the prayer of one heart, two or three though they be, they will be enabled to receive from the Divine Majesty whatever they pray for. "Wherever two or three are gathered together in my name, I," saith He, "am with them,"—that is, with the single-hearted and peaceful, those who fear God, and keep his commandments. With them, He says that He is, though they be but two or three. So was He, with the three children in the burning fiery furnace: and because they had a single heart for God, and stood in concord together. He poured breezy dews over them, enveloped as they were by the surrounding flames. So also with the two Apostles who were shut in prison, because they were of one mind and one spirit, He was present: and drawing back the bolts of their cell, led them again into the market-place of the city, that they might make known to the multitude, that word which they faithfully preached. When therefore He lays it down in His commandment, and says, "when two or three are gathered together in my name, I am with them," He divides not men from the Church, Himself its Author and Maker, but reproaching the faithless with their discord, and in expressive terms commending peace to the faithful. He shows that He is more present with two or three that pray with one heart, than with many persons nor agreeing together: and that more may be gained by the united request of a few, than from the prayers of many where discord is among them. It is hence that when He gave rules for prayer He added, "when ye stand and pray, forgive whatever ye have against another, that your Father also who is in Heaven may forgive you your sins." And any who comes with a quarrel to the sacrifice, he calls back from the altar, and tells him first to agree with his brother, and then return in peace, and present his oblation to God: for neither had God respect unto Cain's sacrifice; for he could not have God at peace with him, who through envy and discord was not at peace with his brother.