Possible unities.
The topic of the psalm is the joy felt in the reuniting of the nation in its restoration from the scattering and depression of the Captivity. Strictly there is no Hebrew equivalent for the words rendered "in unity." The Hebrew simply means, "How pleasant a thing it is for (those who are) brethren to dwell together also!" The idea has been thus expressed, "How good it is for those who are united by the ties of kinmanship to be united yet closer by the possession of one common place of abode!" A race in possession of a common country merges individual in national interests. The two illustrations represent the pervading influence of this sympathetic spirit. The anointing oil which reached to Aaron's feet. The dews of Hermon, which were wafted over all the land.
I. THERE IS THE POSSIBLE UNITY OF SIMILARITY. The oneness of a common life; common pleasures; a common love. The similarities may concern very simple things, and yet be deeper than all diversities, and may gain triumph over everything that may tend to separate. Similarities in language, art, scientific interests, political principles, skill in games, suffice to unite men. How much more should religious feeling, and share in Christian work! Illustrate by the uniting bond of Freemasonry.
II. THERE IS THE POSSIBLE UNITY OF DIVERSITIES. There is no necessary form in which any life is bound to express itself. However life genuinely expresses itself, the expression will be found in harmony with every other expression. The pictures in the Academy are set, oftentimes, in painful color-contrasts one with another. The flowers of a garden are always harmonious. True unity consists in each being his best along his own line.
III. THERE IS THE POSSIBLE UNITY OF MEEKNESS. Meekness means voluntary putting one's own interests aside in order to fit ourselves to the service of others. And, in this sense, meekness is the deepest secret of unity. That kind of unity we should get in
For that, however, we need special grace, in order to triumph over sinful self-pleasing. The triumph of the Christian relationship is the unity that comes through altruism, for Christ's sake.—R.T.