No, this is not the peace we long for, and for which CHRIST prays. Better, a thousand fold better, is our present state, than such an unity as that. It is at least replete with _life_, though disfigured by diversities. We have spirit, and we have power; though that spirit is too frequently expended in strife, and that power in warfare. The _first thing essential_ to the attainment of Christian Unity is, that Christians should be brought to _feel_ that real one-ness, which even now exists between them. There is a principle which is inseparable from the existence of vital godliness, and that is faith in CHRIST. Now if all who look to the work of CHRIST for justification, and confide in the HOLY SPIRIT for sanctification, are really Christians, why should they not be felt to be such, and loved as brethren? CHRIST loves them,—let them love each other. To all of them JESUS is precious; then let our hearts embrace with ardour all “who love our LORD JESUS CHRIST, in sincerity;” and if we can do this, there will be but little difficulty in rendering that unity visible. How can it be concealed? For where there is true love, there must to some extent be friendly intercourse—sympathy will be engendered—in spite of existing distinctions, love will draw us together into kindly greetings, and social fellowship. Nor will there be wanting opportunities of co-operation in efforts to diffuse the Bible, extend the Gospel, and convert immortal souls. And even where this may not be, there will be witnessed a cordial interest in each other’s labors of love; we shall rejoice when prosperity attends the work of others employed with us in the same holy enterprize, and mingle our tears with those which disappointments cause to flow from the eyes of our beloved and devoted brethren; and only let this but be realized, and all bitterness, and envy, and malice, will speedily disappear. If Christians differ in opinion, yet they will agree in heart; if they are constrained to exhibit their views strongly, they will aim to do so with “the meekness of wisdom,” and with the kindness of charity. Oh, for this consummation! Believers, labour and pray for it—sacrifice for its attainment your party jealousies—mortify carnal prejudices, and crucify the spirit of bigotry; and thus hasten the accomplishment of the SAVIOUR’S prayer, when we shall all be one—_one_ in love—_one_ in our great aim for reviving the church, and saving the world—_one_ in fervent prayer—and shall all value, more than any other title, the _one_ new name given to the disciples at Antioch. Having considered somewhat at length _the object which in this_ petition of the SAVIOUR, he more _especially seeks_; namely, the unity of his Disciples; a one-ness in his Church; let us in the second place, advert to _the means by which it is to be promoted_.