Use 3. To persuade the ministers of the gospel to a greater concord and amity in the joint discharge of their work. Christ prayeth liere for the apostles, 'that they may be one.' How should we agree to- gether in pressing duty, reprehending sin ! This would be an effec- tual and potent means, not only to the peace of the church, but success of the gospel. Schism in the church of Corinth arose from the emula- tion of ministers among themselves, one striving to excel tlie other in eloquence and favour among the people, and contemning Paul and others, that followed the simplicity of the gospel. So the apostle noteth it elsewhere : Phil. i. 15, ' Some preach Christ out of envy and strife, and some also of good- will.' It is usual that one carpeth at another's gifts, one standing in the way of another's honour and profit ; like men in a boat, jostling at one another till the boat itself be sunk. One faileth, and yieldeth to the promises and threatenings of the world, another standeth stoutly ; and from their different practices there pro- ceed different interests and opinions. We should with a combined strength promote the gospel,
2. Observe the pattern ; he doth not only pray, ' Let them be one,' but shows what kind of oneness he meaneth, ' as we are one.' Some think that by we is meant the Fatlier and Christ as mediator, between whom there was an agreement in the work of redemption ; this is true: but unity of essence, I suppose, is here intended, there being a plain intimation in the context of the irepix'^pw'-^: peculiar to the Trinity
VeK. 11.] SERMONS UPON JOHN XVII. 333
(viz., ver. 21). Bat what tlien shall we say to the Aiiaus? I answer — In this KaOco^ is implied, not laorrj^;, but oixolottj^ ; not an exact equality, but some resemblance ; not the same unity, but a like. Doct. The union of believers witli Christ the head, and with one another, hath some resemblance to the unity that is between the divine persons themselves.
1. It is a spiritual union, not natural or civil, but divine and spiritual.
2. It is a close union. Between the Father and the Sou there is not only consent, but unity of essence ; there cannot be a greater unity. So there is a close unity between the members of the mystical body, by love, and peace, and concord, and delighting in one another. It is wiitas pluralis, et plurolitas unita, saith Bernard.
3. It is a constant and inseparable union. The divine essence may be distinguished, but not divided. They that are united to Christ cannot be separated from him, and should not from one another. Take heed of straggling. What becomes of the member that is cut ofT from the body, the branch from the root? It is dangerous to run from the shepherds' tents.
4. It is a holy union. There is no unity but what standeth with purity : Mark ix. 56, ' Have salt in yourselves, and peace one with another.' The heart must be kept pure and holy. Loose zeal, it is not unity, but compliance. Peace with men is bought upon hard terms when we must go to war with God ; it is better still to be a man of contention. An agreement in evil is like that of Herod and Pilate, who shook hands against Christ : Heb. xii. 14, ' Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God.' A man may see God without peace, but he cannot see God without holiness.
5. It is a unity which consisteth with order and distinction. There is in the church a subordination of callings, by which its beauty and strength is maintained; and if we would keep this unity, we must yield honour to one another's gifts and places. In the body natural, the eye meddleth not with hearing, nor the ear with seeing ; the foot talketh not ; the office of the hand is to dress the body, that of the foot to support the body. The soul giveth life to all the parts, there is ground of unity ; but the parts have several offices, and there is ground of order and comeliness. Tlie soul enlivens the feet, as well as the hands and breast. It is comfortable to see all conscionably in their way joining together for the common good.
Use. Let us study to imitate the Trinity ; as in the case now before us, there is a little resemblance of the mystery of the Trinity. Men cry for a union, and yet make no conscience of separation. They would have an unholy mixture, a carnal compliance and consent, for carnal ends, out of worldly policy ; as ice amasseth into a body iron, water, wood, sticks, and stones. We have one unity, but observe not due distinction therein. Is there not a horrible invasion of callings, and thence comes confusion and disorders ? Ministers turn soldiers, and soldiers turn ministers? Oh ! but remember, Christ commeodeth this pattern to us, AValk as those that are one, as Christ and the Father are one, seeking one another's welfare, rejoicing in one another's graces, as if they were our OAvn ; contributing counsel, sympathy, spiri-