CHRISTIAN UNITY DOCTRINALLY AND
HISTORICALLY CONSIDERED,

IN

EIGHT SERMONS

PREACHED BEFORE

THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD,

IN THE YEAR MDCCCXVI,

AT THE

LECTURE

FOUNDED BY

THE LATE REV. JOHN BAMPTON, M. A.

CANON OF SALISBURY.

BY

JOHN HUME SPRY, M. A.

VICAR OF HANBURY, STAFFORDSHIRE, AND MINISTER OF
CHRIST CHURCH, BIRMINGHAM.

OXFORD:

AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS FOR THE AUTHOR.

SOLD BY J. PARKER, OXFORD; MESSRS. RIVINGTON, ST. PAUL'S
CHURCH YARD; AND J. HATCHARD, PICCADILLY, LONDON.

CONTENTS.

SERMON I.

Introductory Observations on the Disunited
State of the Christian World. The Nature
of Christian Unity. Some erroneous notions
of it examined. General View of its Essen-
tials. One great purpose of Christianity to
produce and secure the Union of its Pro-
fessors. Plan of the following Discourses.

JOHN xvii. 20, 21.

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which

shall believe on me through their word; that they all

be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee,

that they also may be one in us.

may

SERMON II.

The Christian Priesthood. Its Utility and Im-

portance as an Instrument of Unity.

EPHESIANS iv. 11, 12.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and

some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for

the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry,

for the edifying of the body of Christ.

a

SERMON III.

Agreement in Faith or Doctrine essential to

Unity.

EPHESIANS iv. 13.

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the

knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto

the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

SERMON IV.

Agreement in Modes of Worship—how far it is

to be considered as essential to the Preserva-

tion of Unity.

ACTS ii. 42.

"And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles' doctrine and

fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

SERMON V.

Causes of Disunion.

1 COR. iii. 3.

Whereas there is

among you envying, and strife, and

divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

SERMON VI.

The Church of England guiltless of the Schism

by which her peace has been disturbed.

MATTHEW Xviii. 7.

It must needs be that offences come, but woe unto that

man by whom the offence cometh.

SERMON VII.

The Inefficacy and mischievous Tendency of
the Measures, which have been taken at dif-
ferent Periods for the Restoration of Unity.

MATTHEW Xii. 30.

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gather-

eth not with me scattereth abroad.

SERMON VIII.

Christian Unity shall finally prevail. Duties of

those who seek its Restoration.

JOHN X. 16.

Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also

I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there

shall be one fold, and one shepherd.