to summon men to brotherhood and solidarity, while its own ruinous divisions are manifest to all? Is it real in a day when the thrust and pressure of anti-Christian forces ought to be driving all believers to close their ranks and march together, in a day moreover when the reaction from the hyper-individualism of a bygone age is leading the younger generation to new experiments in the realm of community—is it real to maintain and perpetuate the partisan loyalties which disrupt true fellowship and drive Christians asunder? "Physician, heal thyself!"
In these ways, then, the demand for reality impinges upon the witness of the Church at large. But what mainly concerns us here is the more personal issue. If you are wise you will register a vow, at the very outset of your ministry, to make reality your constant quest. In the fine language of Scripture, "Her merchandise is better than silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her." Richard Baxter, who after three hundred years is still so sure a guide, has some plain-spoken words on this matter. "It is a lamentable case, that in a message from the God of heaven, of everlasting consequences to the souls of men, we should behave ourselves so weakly, so unhandsomely, so imprudently, or so slightly, that the whole business should miscarry in our hands, and God be dishonoured, and His work disgraced, and sinners rather hardened than converted." By way of contrast, take this signi-
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