The unity of the Spirit"-it is important to notice that we are not told to make this unity, but to use diligence to keep it. The unity already is; but in a practical way-not in strife, but in the uniting bond of peace, we are to walk accordingly, in love to all the saints. There are various influences at work to mar this, but the uniting bond of peace is the practical answer to them all. The authority of the Lord, and the gracious direction and ministry of our exalted Head, will be abundantly realized by those who thus endeavor, apart from sects and schools, to keep the unity of the Spirit.

"The unity of the Spirit"-much has been said as to this which leaves the impression on the mind that it is something to be made or something to be attained to, instead of something to be kept, as we have said, in a practical way-in "the Uniting bond of peace." We must cease from denominating beloved saints of God by party and divisive names which are a shame to us. The practice is not only a careless one, but a sinful one; for we are all members of Christ's Body, and we must acknowledge no other membership, even if others do. Let us then, for the sake of the One who loves all His own perfectly, speak and think of one another becomingly, and be ashamed of these party names which have no right to exist, for Christ cannot be divided. This will greatly help towards practical unity in the bond of peace. The endeavoring we are exhorted to is on this line. We are to be "using diligence," but special effort having some favored party in view is not here contemplated. Our efforts must be governed by the truth in regard to the whole position, or they will militate against the unity of the Spirit.

It has been said:"The unity of the Spirit is that which is already formed and embraces all the members of Christ," and again:It is "the common place which pertains to all the children of God" (W. K.).

Another wrote:"It is not only abstractly, but actually one, forming one Body, putting each member in its place in the Body;" also, on my side:"If love to all the saints is not present in my spirit, I break [the unity].. .while keeping it up in form;" for; it is "not similarity of sentiment, but the oneness of the members of the Body of Christ established by the Holy Ghost" (J. N. D.). Where healthful diligence is in activity as to this established unity, and also advance is being made in regard to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of our blessed Lord and Saviour as the Son of God, rich results will necessarily follow for God's glory. Henry J. Vine (from "Scripture Truth")