---

I. THE SIGHT PROPOUNDED.

1. The duty commended — unity or agreement (Ephesians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:13; Colossians 1:20). There are two ways especially in which the Gospel is a Gospel of unity betwixt man and man.

(1) It is so, as it teaches it, and commands it, for so it does at large and in the proper scope and intent of it; it teaches us as to deny ungodliness, so to deny uncharitableness: and as to live righteously and godly, so likewise to live quietly and peaceably in this present evil world.

(2) It also works and transmits it where it comes in the power of the Spirit going along with it. As it is a transforming doctrine in other respects, so especially in this amongst the rest as changing the hearts of those that do truly believe it, and receive it into a disposition like unto itself. It changes and alters men's evil natures, and transforms them into contrary qualities; it takes away their natural fierceness, and makes them mild and tame, and to live in peace with other men.

2. The subjects of this unity — brethren.

(1) Brethren by nature and blood, and carnal generation, such persons as are children of one and the same natural parents: these are such of whom unity is required, who are brethren in the first, and primitive, and original acceptation of the Word by us; and there is nothing more unworthy when it is otherwise.

(2) Brethren in a civil sense, by custom, contract, or employment, or civil association, which is that which does more properly belong to yourselves; these are likewise brethren, and have peace and love and unity charged upon them.

(3) Brethren in a spiritual sense, from the principles and considerations of piety and Christian religion, these are again brethren: that profess the same faith, that worship the same God, that are members of the same Head, that expect the same heaven and salvation and future inheritance. There are none who have a better title to this appellation of brethren than such, and consequently none who have peace and unity more required of them, even in that consideration likewise.

3. The manifestation of this unity — dwelling together. Unity is much expressed in communion and sociableness of conversation, and as expressed in it, so likewise preserved by it, and nourished and kept up from it: those that forbear to meet in their persons, they do not so easily meet in their affections, nor in their hearts one with another; whereas that it is a very great help, and means, and conducement to this. It makes friends and Christians so much the better to understand one another, and to be accepted with each other's dispositions, to know one another's natures, and to discern one another's graces, and to be sensible of one another's perfections, and so consequently to receive the more comfort and benefit one from another. There is a very great advantage in such occasions and opportunities as these are, both for the doing and receiving of good.

II. THE INVITATION TO THE OBSERVING OF IT.

1. As an excitement of faith. Behold it to believe it.

2. As an engagement of affection. Behold it to admire it.

3. As a provocation to obedience. Behold it to practise it, and to imitate it, and to conform unto it.

(T. Horton, D. D.)

---

---

KJV: {A Song of degrees of David.} Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

WEB: See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!