CHRISTMAS EVE.
Vol. i. page 551.
"Bigotry amongst us! A libel! a libel!" Mrs. Stevens returned, with an expression of feigned indignation.
"I suppose, aunt, you are become a believer in the modern doctrine of libel; which teaches us, that the greater the truth, the greater the libel."
"Well, well, we won't contest this point; but rather regret that there should be still found amongst any of us a vestige of that anti-Christian spirit, which keeps asunder those who are united in the bonds of the everlasting covenant, and who look forward to dwell together in that heavenly world, where no discordant notes will ever break the harmony of holy fellowship."
"It is when we view religion," remarked Mr. Roscoe, "as connected with this world—as coming in contact with our prejudices, and our passions—as trespassing upon the sanctity of our opinions, and threatening to disturb them, that we imperceptibly imbibe an anti-Christian feeling towards those who differ from us: but when we view it as connected with eternity—as involving the glory of God in the transformation of the human character; and when we distinctly recognize the action of his power, in setting apart a peculiar people to display before the men of the world a palpable evidence of the unity of our essential faith, our mind becomes imperceptibly imbued with the spirit of the Redeemer, who loves no disciple more because he is a Churchman, and no disciple less because he is a Dissenter—having given his life a ransom for all who trust in him for salvation."