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I. There are reasons for believing that the expression, "JESUS IS LORD," WAS THE PRIMITIVE FORM OF CHRISTIAN CREED, out of which all other more elaborate forms have grown (Philippians 2:11).

1. This simple formula contains in germ the whole faith, both objectively and subjectively. We cannot heartily accept this without accepting with it the truths of His incarnation, atonement, resurrection, reign. It includes also all that we need for our own spiritual welfare. If He is Lord, we are His, He is ours.

2. So full and so mighty is this confession of faith that we cannot heartily make it save by the power of the Holy Ghost (cf. St. Matthew 16:16, 17). To make it on the authority of others, or because our reasoning faculties have been convinced of its truth, is not sufficient. It is real only when the Holy Spirit has convinced our spirit that it is a living truth.

II. From the above considerations we can gain some GUIDANCE IS THE SEARCH AFTER UNITY AMONG CHRISTIANS. If the essential primitive creed that "Jesus is the Lord" be held spiritually —

1. It may be permitted us to differ as to the exact methods in which He works upon our spiritual being. St. Paul allows that there are diversities of gifts, differences of administration, differences of operation.

2. We shall learn not to contradict the spiritual experiences of others because they have been gained by methods differing from our own. Our creed is a creed of affirmations, not of denials. The spiritual education of St. Peter differed from that of St. John, and both differed from that of St. Paul or St. James, yet they are united in their belief in the one Lord.

(Canon Vernon button.)

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KJV: Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

WEB: You know that when you were heathen, you were led away to those mute idols, however you might be led.