What therefore are we to keep? The answer is "The unity of the Spirit". This

however is an incomplete statement. We are to keep this unity with the bond of the

peace, that is the full statement. Those who joined to the Lord are said to be one spirit

with Him (I Cor. 6: 17). Some commentators speak of this unity as being the work of

the Holy Spirit; others look upon it as indicating the unanimity of spirit that should

actuate all the members of One Body. There is no conflict between these two views.

Unanimity of spirit is only possible in that unity made by the Spirit of God. Outside must

ever be strife and self-seeking. This unity of spirit is well illustrated and expressed in

such passages as Rom. 15: 5, 6 and Phil. 1: 17; 2: 1, 2.

This unity can only be kept by the bond of peace. What is this bond? What is this

peace?  It is that peace made by Christ Who made the two conflicting parties "one",

Who destroyed the enmity between them, Who broke down the middle wall of partition,

Who, by creating of the twain in Himself one new man "so making peace", made the

bond of peace which effectually binds together the unity of the Spirit.

The things that were set aside were the things belonging to believers as "Jews" or as

"Gentiles". None of these things are carried over. There is no reformation attempted.

The unity of the Spirit is part of a new creation. In exercising our diligence over this, we

shall see at once the attempt of this one to import some doctrine, or of that one to bring in

some practice that belongs to the time before the middle wall was broken down. Nip all

such attempts in the bud. Let them not get a foothold. Be willing to be called narrow,

proud, anything, however untrue and unmerited, but endeavour to keep that sacred unity

as you would defend your life.

We write because of the laxity of many, because of the confusion which exists in the

mind of many as to the difference between humility of mind and resolution, of meekness

and strength. We cannot be charitable with the goods of another. Stewardship, though

exercised with all lowliness, meekness, longsuffering and forbearance, must nevertheless

be above all things exercised faithfully. The Lord keep us faithful as the apostasy sets in.