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? Nay, surely christians, your master longs for unity. Lay aside every other consideration, and let his will be paramount, and your desire and prayer be “that they all may be one.” The other reason I would adduce for the cultivation of this spirit, arises from the direct _influence such unity is to have upon the conversion of the world_, (as stated in my text,) “I pray that they may all be one, (in order,) that (as a means to an end,) the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” The conclusion then, at which I would desire to arrive, is, that such unity is essential to the final triumph of the Gospel; that if we desire the latter we must seek to promote the former; and in fact, that unless we are willing to strive for—sacrifice for—pray for the spirit of unity; our efforts, zeal, and devotedness will be virtually defeated. And now look, beloved brethren, what is the state of the world in this the nineteenth century? Eighteen hundred years have rolled away, since the command was given by the Great head of the church, the risen and ascending SAVIOUR, “go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” And still the Prince of darkness maintains his sway among the nations. Idolatry and superstition, the chief pillars of his throne, are resting in almost every land. Darkness still covers the earth, and gross darkness, the people. Out of 900 millions of immortal souls, scarcely 300 millions are even nominally Christians. To multitudes the name of JESUS is a sound unknown; and the glad tidings of His grace and salvation strange things. My brethren, ought these things so to be? Or would these things have so been, if the church of CHRIST had risen to her duty; in a word, had greater union prevailed among her members? She has had strength, resources, opportunities; she has not lacked zeal, intelligence, nor encouragement; but she has expended her strength, in that which profiteth nothing; her resources, in fostering intestine warfare; and perverted her opportunities, to promote sectarian dogmas, and anti-christian strife. We are called bitterly to mourn these departures from the Spirit of CHRIST; and thus with shame, to confess that we are verily guilty concerning our heathen brethren. Upon the christian church, has been laid the obligation to preach to them the Gospel; but alas! we have fearfully neglected our duty, or at least very inadequately performed it.