The truth is that heterogeneity is a leading feature of the Open party. Their variations are at least as remarkable as the proverbial “variations of Popery”. Some of them contentedly take their place, on terms of a friendly equality, with evangelical Christians of every name. Others, unhappily, are to the full as narrow and intolerant as the Exclusives at their worst. This party is strongest in the North and in Scotland, but it has a good deal of weight even in London.
The moderate section comprises some who consider open ministry preferable, but not obligatory; and some who, though deeming it enjoined by Scripture and therefore obligatory, regard it as a secondary point on which difference of opinion is admissible. In both cases therefore there is no disposition to unchurch other denominations. This party has, I believe, gained greatly in strength of late years, by the force of the reaction against an extremely fanatical movement known by the name of “Needed Truth,”—a designation taken from the title of its organ. It aimed at imposing a narrower and more exclusive practice than had ever prevailed in any section of the Brethren whatsoever. Happily, after some prospect of considerable success, it was generally rejected. It exemplified the operation of bigoted principles in so unamiable a light that it did much good, as a warning, to the Open Brethren.
With the more liberal meetings other churches of pronouncedly evangelical principles have found it possible to cooperate with cordiality; and in a day when the efforts of good men are increasingly directed to healing the divisions of the Church, such alliances should surely be cultivated to the utmost. This course, even apart from its direct effect, will be fruitful of good; for it will strengthen the hands of those who, within the ranks of
