chargeable with, this was none of the least, viz., that the way of
peace they had not known. You see where peace was wanting, prayers
were hindered, both under the Old and New Testaments.

The sacrifice of the people, in the 65th of Isaiah, that said,
"Stand by thyself, I am holier than thou," was a smoke in the
nostrils of the Lord. On the other hand, we read how acceptable
those prayers were that were made with one accord, Acts iv. 24,
compared with verse 31. They prayed with one accord, and they were
all of one heart, and of one soul: And see the benefit of it, "They
were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and spoke the word with all
boldness;" which was the very thing they prayed for, as appears
verse 29. And the apostle exhorts the husband to dwell with his
wife, that their prayers might not be hindered; 1 Pet. iii. 7. We
see then want of unity and peace, either in families or churches, is
a hinderance of prayers.

8. It is a dishonour and disparagement to Christ that his family
should be divided. When an army falls into mutiny and division, it
reflects disparagement on him that hath the conduct of it. In like
manner, the divisions of families are a dishonour to the heads, and
those that govern them. And if so, then how greatly do we dishonour
our Lord and governor, who gave his body to be broken to keep his
church from breaking, who prayed for their peace and unity, and left
peace at his departing from them for a legacy, even a peace which
the world could not bestow upon them.

9. Where there is peace and unity, there is a sympathy with each
other; that which is the want of one will be the want of all. "Who
is afflicted," saith the apostle, "and I burn not?" We should then