Let us therefore be cautious that we do not so press after unity in
practice and opinion as to break the bond of peace and affection.
In the handling of these words, I shall observe this method.
I. I shall open the sense of the text.
II. I shall shew wherein this unity and peace consist.
III. I shall shew you the fruits and benefits of it, together with
nine inconveniences and mischiefs that attend those churches where
unity and peace is wanting.
IV. And, lastly, I shall give you twelve directions and motives for
the obtaining of it.
1. As touching the sense of the text, when ye are counselled to
keep the unity of the Spirit, we are not to understand the Spirit of
God, as personally so considered; because the Spirit of God, in that
sense, is not capable of being divided, and so there would be no
need for us to endeavour to keep the unity of it.
By the unity of the spirit then, we are to understand that unity of
mind which the Spirit of God calls for, and requires Christians to
endeavour after; hence it is that we are exhorted, by one spirit,
with one mind, to strive together for the faith of the gospel; Phil.
i. 27.
But farther, the apostle in these words alludes to the state and
composition of a natural body, and doth thereby inform us, that the
mystical body of Christ holds an analogy with the natural body of
man: as, 1. In the natural body there must be a spirit to animate
it; for the body without the spirit is dead; James ii.
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