AN EXHORTATION TO PEACE AND UNITY.

Attributed (incorrectly) to John Bunyan




[We deem it proper to state, that, though the following Treatise of
Christian Union appears in nearly all the collected editions of
BUNYAN'S WORKS, yet its genuineness has been called in question by
the Rev Mr Philip in his admirable work, "The Life and Times of
Bunyan." Without here entering into this question, we have
separately appended it to the works of Bunyan in this volume, and
trust that it will not prove unacceptable to our readers, especially
considering the efforts that are now being made to promote the
living union of all true Christians who hold the one Lord, the one
faith, and the one baptism.]

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.--
Ephesians iv. 3.

Beloved, religion is the great bond of human society; and it were
well if itself were kept within the bond of unity; and that it may
so be, let us, according to the text, use our utmost endeavours "to
keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

These words contain a counsel and a caution: the counsel is, That
we endeavour the unity of the Spirit; the caution is, That we do it
in the bond of peace; as if I should say, I would have you live in
unity, but yet I would have you to be careful that you do not