First Scripture contains no
direct plain assertion, either that the external communion of the church will
always be perfectly one, or that it will be divided. Romanists allege
the words of our Saviour in reference to the Gentiles: “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.” This promise was
doubtless fulfilled by the admission of the Gentiles to the same privileges as
the believing Jews; so that our Saviour meant, that they should be one in
spiritual privileges; and this unity might well subsist, even if external
communion were sometimes interrupted through misunderstandings or infirmities. (William
Palmer, A Treatise on the Church of Christ: Designed Chiefly for the Use of Students
in Theology, 2 vols. [3d ed.; London: J. G. F. & J. Rivington, 1842],
1:53)
