The Connecticut Observer, And New York Congregationalist

Communicated.
IMPORTANCE OF CONCENTRATED CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE.—NO. 5.

The peculiar blessing of God is promised to the unity of Christians.—Hence another reason for their union. Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the dew of Hermon, and the dew that descended on the mountains of Zion, where the Lord commanded his blessing—even life forevermore. Can two walk together except they be agreed? Where even two or three are gathered together with united feelings there the Lord is, with the life-giving influence of His Spirit. When a great multitude were converted during the first general revival of religion under the Christian dispensation, it is said these all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with the brethren. So united and devoted were they that they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and prayers. And fear came upon every soul; and all that believed the blessed gospel were together—were united—were one, and had all things in common—and so little did they care about worldly things—so much was their attachment to wealth broken, that they voluntarily sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men as every man had need: and they continued daily with one accord in the temple, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. What reasons for the union and harmony of Christians is here given! How often did our Savior and the apostles inculcate this duty! By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples—if ye have love one to another. Be like minded one toward another. Let us stand fast in one Spirit. Finally, brethren, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind. Live in peace and the God of love and peace shall be with you. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, any comfort of love, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, having the same love—being of one accord, of one mind. Union among Christians is frequently inculcated by our blessed Lord. God loves to see it and he blesses the united efforts of his children.

Christians are often reproved in the word of God for a want of union.—Whereas, there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal? Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory. Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and it is equally true of the church of God on earth,—if it is not united, it will come to desolation. God will sooner or later bring to an end all existing denominations, where there is not the true spirit of Christian love and Christian union.

And the world's conversion depends on the union of Christians,—which we will consider in the next number.

A. Granger.