conclude, that many who by reason of
the imperfections of the human heart have heretofore been but little
disposed to make joint efforts on behalf of religion, may by means other
than those of outward distresses, or along with these, be brought to
co-operate, if not ultimately to incorporate, with one another, toward
the high end contemplated in common by them. It is good to maintain
sound views of the declarations of the word of God. It is proper to
examine others. It is good for all to endeavour rightly to apprehend the
sentiments of those who may differ from them in opinion concerning
Divine truth; and necessary to exhibit such sentiments in their true
character. It is desirable that mutual communications regarding the
truth should be interchanged among those who desire, but are unable yet
to see eye to eye; and to be greatly wished, that all such, in what
measure and manner is competent to them, would strengthen each other's
hands to give diffusion to their common views. The different communities
of the Church should not stand in intrenchments inaccessible to each
other. They are each a place of greater or less strength raised for
defence, not against the others, but against a common foe. They cannot
yet hold free communion; but various means of communication may be
employed by them, without laying themselves open to the inroads of
enemies. By encouraging some kinds of intercourse among themselves, they
would not expose themselves to any assault, but secure, or rather alter
for good, their positions. In order to the overthrow of the enemy,
without giving him inadvertently even an inch of advantage, mutual aids
might be communicated among them. Were proper means taken, their various
positions, by being subjected to improvements, might ultimately come to
be one system, within the lines of which no enemy would penetrate, and
all whose parts acting in concert would present the reality of an
outward Zion--emblem of that which is spiritual, fortified with walls
and bulwarks. So long as there are even two communities of the people of
Christ, whose sentiments regarding various things are not in harmony, so
long is a loud call addressed to all who fear Him, to take means to lead
to unity, and to come under common solemn obligations thus to build up,
even as the walls of Jerusalem, the walls and bulwarks of Zion.

To enlarge the Church. In the providence of God, the truth is widely
diffused through the operation of many outwar