SERMON XIV1.

ON LOVE FOR THE BROTHERHOOD.

1 PETER ii. 17.

"Honour all men, love the brotherhood."

THERE are certain principles, or rather tendencies of our nature, which, though liable to abuse, and apt to be perverted, are, nevertheless, capable of being made. subservient to the best and holiest purposes; and, doubtless were so intended by him who gave them.

Of this nature is the disposition which we all have to join ourselves, with a sort

Several of the topics at the beginning of this Sermon, may be found more largely discussed in Archbishop Whately's Bampton Lectures.

of instinctive gregariousness, to those who are of the same habits, pursuits, and ways of thinking with ourselves; and the tendency which this very association begets in us, to wax hotter in pursuit of our common object, and pursue it with increased perseverance. Developed as this principle (like other natural propensities) too generally is, in a sinful and worldly shape, the name by which it is known is one expressive of blame rather than approbation. We call it party-spirit, or partyfeeling; and look upon it as a principle of action rather to be avoided than encouraged. I propose, however, in the following discourse, to show the better side of this principle, the useful purposes to which it is capable of being applied, and the duty which devolves on us to cultivate and direct it aright.

In the first place, it is this principle which attaches us to the land of our birth, and is called patriotism. There may be, perhaps, something of instinctive attachment to the scenes to which we have been accustomed; yet this feeling is most

strongly shewn in that indefinable fellowship which exists between man and man of the same nation. If you meet with a fellow-countryman in a foreign land, you feel at once a natural impulse and friendly disposition towards him. How much more, if he prove to be of the same county or neighbourhood-and more still, if you recognise the well-known features of a fellow-townsman. There is an imperceptible cord which draws you to him, and disposes you to render him any service that you are able; or, should you be yourself in difficulty, you apply to him, without entertaining a doubt that he will extend to you his good offices. How universal in its ramifications is this feeling! With what hearty good-will and cordial fellowship will persons meet together, who have been brought up at the same school, or educated at the same college; or men of the same trade or profession, provided they be not rivals. All these acknowledge a bond of union, which though impossible to describe, is not less truly felt. And it is not a selfish princi

ple; no, it belongs to the better and nobler instincts of our nature. The patriot will lay down his life for his country, even though by the very act he precludes himself from all participation in advantage. The soldier or the sailor will press onward to the cannon's mouth, careless of the result; and brave death in its most fearful shapes, while their hearts burn, in unison with a thousand others, with a generous enthusiasm for their king and country.

Much good results from this natural feeling, when it is duly regulated by reason and religion. It is a step towards that charity, which is the very bond of peace, and of all virtues. And the association together of men animated by one common motive, conduces much to the obtaining of what they aim at; not only by the weight of united numbers, but still more by the zeal which is kindled, the emulation excited, and the mutual encouragement afforded. So that when the object of association is laudable, and the means taken for promoting that object

proper, then the stimulus of fellowship or party-feeling may wisely be encouraged.

But it is obvious, on the other hand, that, if the object be bad and the means used unjustifiable, an increased power of mischief is given by the same machinery. Men associated together will often countenance each other in actions, from which each individual would shrink with shame, and will pursue their object with a recklessness of responsibility, which singly they would fear to encounter. The excitement of party-feeling will make men regardless of consequences, and blind even to a sense of right and wrong.

And again, as mutual co-operation unites the hearts of men to those with whom they act, so it has the opposite tendency of causing alienation from those of contrary views and opinions, which, if not controlled by religious principle, may lead to bitter jealousies and violent animosities. Nay, so weak are we, and so prone to evil rather than good, that partyfeeling will often have the effect of breaking up the society which it has itself