On the other hand, let us be willing not only to allow, but even to rejoice in the excellencies of others—to ponder their worth and their works—to cast the sin-covering mantle of true christian charity over the infirmities of our brethren, and to rejoice with them in their success, weep with them in their discouragements, and aid them in their necessity. Thus we shall, as saith St. Paul, “look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Each preferring his brother in honour and in love. The bonds of christian union will be strengthened, and the dove-like spirit of peace condescend to dwell in the hearts of christians, constraining even the world, as of old, to confess—“see how these disciples love one another.”
3.—Christian Unity is to be promoted by co-operation in those wise schemes of christian effort, which may consistently embrace all who love the Saviour.
Co-operation has ever been found very powerful in producing and sustaining unity. In such christian efforts, there is a common object proposed; a measure of agreement in the means to be employed, in order to its attainment; a participation in responsibility; a sympathy in trials; an interest in success; all which bind kindred hearts; unite in holy brotherhood those who share in the same common-wealth and privilege; and allay those feelings of envy and jealousy which have so fearfully agitated and divided the body of Christ.
Thanks be to God, we live in an age, when such efforts are put forth, in which we may conscientiously co-operate with our brethren, in the great and glorious designs they contemplate. By so doing, we shall help much to complete the unity of the Church.
Yet, beloved brethren, why enumerate more means? There is one influence, which adequately employed, would secure the whole. What want we, but a large and universal effusion of the Holy Spirit? Oh, yes! this would do it all.
It would fix our gaze upon ourselves, until we sank abased in the dust. It would attract us all to the cross; that whilst drawn to one common centre, all would be drawn closer to each other. Such would appear the transcendent glories of that object, that all others would in comparison lose their power to charm or interest us. The ruin, guilt, danger, wants, and woes of a perishing world, would awaken our tenderest compassion and ever watchful solicitude.
Eternity unveiled—heaven in its peerless glories—hell in its hopeless torment, would so bring our spirits under the “powers of the world to come;” that we should be blind, and deaf to all things of inferior moment. Were this gracious influence but felt and cherished, all would indeed be one. Divisions would be healed. Stumbling blocks be removed. Hearts joined to hearts. Joys mingled with joys; and the blessed Saviour’s prayer, receive its full accomplishment, and His people be one, even as He and the Father are one.
It remains for me in the Third place, to direct your attention to the reasons, why this Christian Unity should be so earnestly desired.
Now here we might, if it were necessary, advert to many and weighty reasons, for seeking to promote and increase this spirit in the church of Christ. I shall only however, fix upon the two more immediately connected with the text; the one implied, and the other expressed by it. The first is derived from its being the great prevailing desire of our divine Redeemer. It rested much upon His heart, or he would not have prayed so earnestly for it. He was then going forth to gird himself for His arduous undertaking. He was about to engage in fierce conflict with the powers of darkness. He had before him the accomplishment of a glorious work—the vindication of the divine honor—the illustration of the divine perfections!—the recovery of a ruined and apostate race—the establishment of a kingdom, which eventually should be co-extensive with the world. In doing all this, he would have to pass through scenes of humiliation, suffering, and death. He would have to assert his victory over death and the grave, by raising himself, and “spoiling principalities and powers, make a shew of them openly, triumphing over them.” He would finally have to ascend up on high, “leading captivity captive,” to receive his reward, and claim his kingdom; to mark the success of his cause, and the triumphs of his cross. But he plainly foresaw how intimately that success, and these triumphs, were connected with the unity of his disciples—how preeminently their one-ness constituted their strength—of what vast importance to his ultimate conquest of the world, was the mutual agreement and brotherly love, which His people should evince. And so he interceded, with a spirit yearning for the fulfilment, and deeply interested in the result, “Father I pray that they all may be one.”
And if this desire be so strong on the part of the Redeemer; if this unity be dear to him, should we not, His professing followers, esteem it as worthy of our regard? Yea! as of the first moment? Can we feel indifferent, when the honor of God, and the glory of Jesus are involved? Can we be unconcerned spectators of the present divided and discordant spirit which prevails among us?