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An Exhortation to Peace and Unity

By John Bunyan

Summary of An Exhortation to Peace and Unity

The book emphasizes the crucial importance of peace and unity among Christians, outlining the key elements that constitute unity and peace, including unity of mind, love, and affection, as well as a willingness to distinguish between essential and non-essential truths. It highlights the numerous benefits of achieving unity and peace, such as pleasing God, bringing joy to fellow believers, and making communion more desirable. Conversely, it notes the significant drawbacks of lacking unity and peace, including wasted time, hindered prayers, and dishonoring Christ. To foster a peaceful and unified community, the book provides practical directions and motivations, such as praying for peace, selecting wise leaders, and considering the well-being of the community. Ultimately, the book encourages Christians to strive for unity and peace, recognizing that their God is a God of peace and their Saviour is the Prince of peace, and that this pursuit is essential for the well-being and prosperity of the church.

Chapter Summary of An Exhortation to Peace and Unity

AN EXHORTATION TO PEACE AND UNITY.

The chapter emphasizes the importance of peace and unity among Christians, citing the biblical passage "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). It argues that unity and peace are essential for the well-being of the church and that they consist of five key elements: unity of mind, practicing and executing known truths, joining in prayer and seeking unknown truths, unity of love and affection, and a willingness to distinguish between essential and non-essential truths. The chapter also highlights the benefits of unity and peace, including a pleasing duty to God, rejoicing the hearts of God's people, and making communion desirable. Additionally, it notes nine mischiefs and inconveniences that attend churches where unity and peace are wanting, such as wasted time, evil surmising and speaking, hindered prayers, and dishonour to Christ. To obtain peace and unity, the chapter provides twelve directions and motives, including praying for peace, choosing wise and peaceable leaders, considering the tempering of the body, and remembering relationships to God and each other as brethren. Ultimately, the chapter encourages Christians to strive for unity and peace, recognizing that the God they serve is a God of peace and that their Saviour is a Prince of peace.